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Contact Name | Maria Frances McDonald |
Location | Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg VA, NC |
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Phone | 540-317-0471 | |
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Website | Virginiasupernaturalresearchsociety | |
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Investigation, Blessings, Clearings, Intro services to clients for newly acquired abilities |
Tag: investigations
Dec 18
Virginia Supernatural Research Society
Feb 04
Paranormal Response Team
Aug 26
The Village Paranormal
Mar 01
The Ghost Guild
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Contact Name | Nelson Nauss |
Location | Raleigh, NC Triangle Area |
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Phone | ||
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Website | theghostguild.com | |
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Our Mission is to investigate the possibility of paranormal entities with great skepticism, professionalism, and fun. We have no desire to compete with other paranormal groups. We simply wish to collaborate with like-minded individuals and teams from around the world who share our passion for investigating the things that go bump in the night. |
Jan 15
TN After Hours Paranormal
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Contact Name | Dean or Elaine Stout |
Location | Alcoa, TN TN, GA, NC, KY |
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Phone | 865-679-6774 | |
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Website | www.tnafterhours.com | |
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Specialty: | ||
Historical locations, homes, bridges, roads, abandoned buildings |
Jan 05
Nevada Paranormal Task Force
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Contact Name | Chuck Klenus |
Location | Las Vegas, NV West Coast |
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Phone | 702-883-0091 | |
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Website | nevadaparanormaltaskforce.com | |
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Specialty: | ||
Historic and Scientific. Our team is Historical. Scientific. We. Help those with Paranormal Activity. We cleanse, we also travel to haunted locations |
Aug 27
Spirit Hunters
Feb 24
Paranormal Research Society of Nebraska
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Contact Name | Angie Jones |
Location | Lincoln, Nebraska Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas |
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Phone | (402) 413-5466 | |
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Website | nebraskaghosthunters.com | |
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Our team conducts free paranormal investigations for anyone experiencing a haunting, poltergeists, or possible possession. |
Feb 15
Southeast Paranormal Society
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Contact Name | Leon Wilkes |
Location | Warner Robins, GA Georgia and all states in the Southeast |
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Phone | 478-234-5189 | |
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Website | southeast-paranormal-society.com | |
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We are a team that specializes residential cases that involve demonic activity. We also investigate normal paranormal activity as well. |
Feb 15
New Castle Paranormal Society
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Contact Name | KImbralee Inman |
Location | New Castle, IN Surrounding Counties |
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Phone | (765)-591-2248 | |
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We attempt to find reasons for things that happen or a explaination to help the client better understand what is going on. |
Feb 15
Gateway of Shadows Paranormal Investigations
Jan 09
Panoptic Paranormal
Jan 04
North East Paranormal Society
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Contact Name | Josh Lajeunesse |
Location | Albany, New York Greater North East area, Albany, NY |
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Phone | 518-429-1789 | |
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Website | northeastparanormalsociety.com | |
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We are proud to say that we are the leading paranormal research team in the Capital Region, and we are dedicated to exploring the paranormal and helping those who feel they are experiencing unexplained activity. Formed in 2005, we have learned and grown a lot over the years and we bring that experience to every investigation. As the leading paranormal team in New York’s Capitol District and greater northeast area, we continually develop our knowledge, skills and expertise involving the paranormal while employing proper protocols, applying logic and using common sense. Through trial and error, using and experimenting with different types of equipment, operating under the guidance of our established protocols and applying unique investigation methods, our experience over the last eleven years has led us to become a professional, disciplined, scientific and dedicated team. Having investigated many residential, commercial and historic locations we use our knowledge and techniques to assist people to better understanding things they do not yet fully understand. |
Dec 27
Abnormal Paranormal
Latest posts by Melissa Foker-Brinkman (see all)
- Abnormal Paranormal - December 27, 2015
- Dudleytown CT - February 27, 2015
- Oak Island - February 27, 2015
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Contact Name | Lawrence Hervey |
Location | Phoenix, AZ Arizona |
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Phone | 520-488-6817 | |
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Website | theabnormalparanormal.com | |
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We are a team of paranormal investigators based out of Phoenix, AZ. We have lived all over, and are fascinated by things that go bump in the night. We run towards the scary things, we beg for answers, and use a mix of new technology and “old school” seance magic in an attempt to find answers and learn what awaits us in the next life. |
Latest posts by Melissa Foker-Brinkman (see all)
- Abnormal Paranormal - December 27, 2015
- Dudleytown CT - February 27, 2015
- Oak Island - February 27, 2015
Dec 27
Mid-Mo Supernatural League
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Contact Name | Kel |
Location | Jefferson City, MO Mid-Missouri Counties |
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Phone | ||
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Website | midmosupernatural.wix.com | |
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Mid-Mo Supernatural League is not your average paranormal investigative team as we use unique techniques (which are based on Jewish, Christian and Native American rituals). |
Dec 07
Warrenton Paranormal Research Society
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Contact Name | Heather Lynn Keeslling |
Location | Warrenton, Virginia Virginia |
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Phone | ||
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Website | thewarrentonparanormalresearchsociety.webs.com/ | |
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As a Ghost Hunting Unit, WPRS concentrates our research on the preliminary interviews and the base investigations. Our primary objective is to either substantiate the report of our client, or find a reasonable explanation for what they are experiencing. Our equipment includes, but is not limited to, audio and video recorders, EMF meters, motion sensors, and temperature guns. WPRS’s investigations have included historical sites, private homes and commercial properties. The primary function of the investigations is to be able to document paranormal activity, thereby giving credence to the client that the activity is real and not imagined. If, during the investigation, we find that there is a reasonable explanation for the activity, that will also be reported. After the investigation a written report will be presented, along with a digital copy of all photos and audio on CD. The standard WPRS team will consist of two-to-four investigators. All of whom have been involved in multiple investigations. It is our policy to insure that no damage is done to any of the client’s property. Therefore, all of our equipment is hand held or on tripods, we do not string cables or use tape on any surfaces |
Dec 07
Gateway Paranormal Research & Investigation
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Contact Name | Garry or Sheri |
Location | Oklahoma City Oklahoma & surrounding areas |
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Phone | ||
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Website | GatewayParanormal.net | |
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Gateway Paranormal Research & Investigation is a professional team dedicated to helping people who are experiencing any form of paranormal activity. The GPRI team members share a vast knowledge of the paranormal. We are a team that conducts ourselves and our investigations in a professional and ethical manner. We approach all cases with a skeptical eye while keeping an open mind, and conduct investigations as serious and scientific attempts to seek truths above all else. |
Nov 09
EVILS Indiana LLC
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Contact Name | Sandman |
Location | Connersville, IN 100 mile radius |
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Phone | 765-821-0130 | |
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Website | EVILSIndiana.blogspot.com | |
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Specialty: | ||
Mission Statement:
To explore and find evidence of the paranormal. We have been doing this for many years as just a fun activity. Now we want to find true evidence of the supernatural or debunk what can be explained by everyday occurrences. Other Social Media Links: http://EVILSIndiana.wix.com/EVILS |
Oct 04
The Nocturnal Paranormal Society of New Jersey
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Contact Name | Steve Redding |
Location | Deptford, NJ Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware |
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Phone | 856-304-9148 | |
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We here at NPSNJ specialize in Spirit communication with the use of Varias equipment. NPSNJ members, especially enjoy imvestigatiing locations with a rich history and historic significance. |
Oct 04
Paranormal Places
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Contact Name | John Leahy |
Location | Liverpool United Kingdom |
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Phone | 07976276761 | |
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Website | paranormalplaces.net | |
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We are a paranormal investigation team based in the north west of England, we conduct private investigations and assist at public events in association with dead/live events. We use state of the art equipment which we keep up to date regularly as well as manufacturing our own equipment. |
Sep 04
Port Hale Paranormal Society
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Contact Name | Chris Baker |
Location | Fort Gratiot, Michigan Blue Water and Tri-City Area of Michigan (Flint, Port Huron, Detroit and Thumb of Michigan) and Upper Ohio, Indiana and Illinois |
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Phone | 810-434-9092 | |
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Website | porthaleparanormal.com | |
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We are a team that loves to help clients on a nightly basis. We were founded on May 29th, 2012 as Fort Gratiot Paranormal, but saw a name change to Port Hale Paranormal Society when we re-organized into a bigger and better team on November 11th, 2014. We are the only professional team in the Blue Water Area of Michigan that serves the client at no cost and will help them at any means necessary. |
Jul 28
Windham County Paranormal Society
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Contact Name | Ian Flood |
Location | Brattleboro, Vermont New England, New York, East coast |
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Phone | 802-579-6100 | |
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We replace the fear of the unknown with curiosity. We use our time researching histories of areas prior to investigating. Our goal is to educate the general public about the paranormal, turn what people may fear into a curious interest. This is all done through our Facebook page through pictures and videos. We are available 7 days a week for investigations as we thrive on learning new things and making new discoveries. |
Jul 24
3 Girls In The Dark
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Contact Name | Emily |
Location | St. Louis, MO St. Louis, MO and Southern IL areas |
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Phone | 618-789-0602 | |
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Website | 3girlsinthedark.com | |
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Specialty: | ||
All female paranormal team. Coming from 3 completely different views, we bring a variety of opinions to the table, which in turn, forces us to hit all points and views when conducting an investigation. One skeptic/debunker/realist, one scientific and one spiritualist. Also follow us at: https://instagram.com/3_girls_in_the_dark/ https://vine.co/u/964336675692208128 |
Jul 24
Port City Paranormal Wilmington
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Contact Name | JC Anderson |
Location | Wilmington, NC Eastern United States |
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Phone | 910-200-6563 | |
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Website | portcityparanormal.com | |
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We are group of experienced professionals who have joined to provide assistance to those who are having problems of a paranormal nature. Our goal is to help people understand these events and overcome their fear. We have the utmost respect for our clients, we are here to listen, and provide comfort. Our services are free of any charges. Our reward is the knowledge we have helped our clients to live in peace in their own homes. Through technically sound field investigations, we hope to preserve part of history while establishing an evidential basis for the survival of consciousness after death. The Port City Paranormal team uses the latest equipment and techniques to investigate and document our findings. We are non-provoke group, we do not use Ouija boards, hold séances or use any means of divination. Port City Paranormal follows strict protocols for investigation and documentation to assure our evidence is consummate. |
Jul 17
Blood Moon Paranormal
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Contact Name | Connie Meckes |
Location | Orlando, FL Central Florida |
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Phone | 407-256-7811 | |
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Website | bloodmoonparanormal.yolasite.com | |
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Specialty: | ||
We’re a new Team, but each Team Member has experienced most everything paranormal. We offer free Investigations, Blessings, Cleansings, and will find answers for you. We also use Skype and Face-Time. Let us help by giving us a call or email. What do you have to loose except stress ! |
Jul 15
Apex Paranormal
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Contact Name | Elijah Buchholz |
Location | Overland Park, KS Kansas and Missouri |
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Website | theapexparanormalonline. |
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We are a group of avid paranormal investigators that love conducting any and all investigations. We are willing to travel and conduct local investigations in the Kansas/Missouri/Midwest area. |
Jul 11
Dusk 2 Dawn Paranormal Investigations
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Contact Name | Jimmie McVey |
Location | Independence, MO | |
Phone | ||
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Website | dusk2dawnparanormal.com/ | |
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We are based in Independence, Mo. We work with the Jackson County Historical Society in conducting investigations & raising money for the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home & Museum. We take a clients privacy very seriously & never reveal a location or evidence without their permission. We use an array of equipment, including meters, cameras, apps, etc |
Jun 18
Unrested Paranormal Seekers
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Contact Name | Wayne |
Location | Beaumont, Texas Texas and Louisiana |
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Phone | ||
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Website | unrestedparanormalseekers.yolasite.com/ | |
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We are a non-profit group that uses scientific methodology to help people understand and cope with any paranormal phenomena they may be experiencing. We offer our haunting investigation services free of charge to anyone that believes they are experiencing a haunting or other paranormal activity in their home or business. Follow us: ParanormalSocieties.com |
Jun 16
New England Earth-bound Paranormal Investigations (NEPi)
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Contact Name | Terry Decker, Case Manager-Founder |
Location | Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire All of New England |
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Phone | 603-209-0375 | |
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We are a family-based New England paranormal investigation group. We have all had what we would call ghostly encounters throughout our lives. Now we are on a quest to find the answers to our questions. Our mission is to help people have a better understanding of the paranormal world. To quote Charles Dickens, “An idea like a ghost, must be spoken to before it explains itself.” |
Jun 01
Fredericksburg Paranormal Research & Investigations
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Contact Name | John Sullivan |
Location | Fredericksburg Virginia and surrounding states |
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Phone | 804-658-7020 | |
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Website | Fred-pri.com | |
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We investigate anywhere from private residents to commercial locations to historic locations. |
May 23
Girls Of The Dark
May 23
Island Paranormal
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Contact Name | Gabe Falsetta |
Location | Bellport NY Metro Area |
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Phone | 631 803 2169 | |
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Website | islandparanormalinvestigators.com | |
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Specialty: | ||
Non profit group investigating paranormal activities Scientific as well as experienced group efforts in investigating ghosts and hauntings. |
May 23
Western Region Paranormal Research
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Contact Name | Stephanie Hotchkiss |
Location | Modesto Northern and Central California |
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Phone | 209-605-3557 | |
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Website | wrpr-online.com | |
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Investigating and tease aching all types of paranormal activity in a professional and timely manner |
Apr 04
GRIP
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Contact Name | Tony Godown |
Location | Geneva, Nebraska Nebraska, Western Iowa, Northern Kansas |
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Phone | 402-759-1454 | |
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Website | ghostlyrip.org | |
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We were founded in 2011. We have conducted over 25 cases as of March 2015. These locations include Private Homes, Bars, Motels, Cemeteries, and famous haunted spots like Villisca Ax Murder House, Squirrel Cage Jail, Farrar Schoolhouse and Waverly Hills Sanatorium. We take a scientific approach into every case. |
Apr 03
Old School Paranormal
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Contact Name | Steve Stults |
Location | Hays, KS Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado |
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Phone | ||
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Website | oldschoolparanormal.com | |
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Old School Paranormal is a team of five friends that seek to research the unexplained. We have a true passion to find a reasonable explanation for something that may seem paranormal. During our investigations, we seek genuine and tangible evidence and are careful about the presentation of this evidence… ensuring that it is legitimate, researched and analyzed before being presented to the property owner. As a team, we review all data from the investigation and thoroughly analyze each second of audio, video, photographic and instrument material collected. However, our innate tools are the most important pieces we use on each investigation. |
Nov 23
Spiritlight Paranormal Investigations
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Contact Name | Dianne Frazier |
Location | Middleburg, Florida | |
Phone | (904) 307-6501 | |
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Website | www.diannespiritlight.com | |
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Specialty: ParaClergy, Haunted Tours and Radio Show produced by Bishop Long http://www.inspireradio.org/ Join our Spiritlight Show Tuesday nights from 8-10 PM EST Messages from Rev One Eagle and Psychic MINI- Readings from Rev Dianne Frazier call 347-945-5757. |
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Nov 23
Amelia Island Paranormal Research and Investigations
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Contact Name | Jeff Saults |
Location | Amelia Island, Florida | |
Phone | (904) 844-3205 | |
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Website | www.ameliaislandparanormal.com | |
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Specialty: | ||
Paranormal Research and Investigations. |
Nov 23
Oldest City Paranormal
Aug 18
Psychoparanormal
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Contact Name | Sarah Porter |
Location | Rochester, NH | |
Phone | (603) 343-6309 | |
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Website | www.psychoparanormal. |
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Investigations and personal assistance |
Nov 25
Day 3 – Reflections
We have all done it at one time or another – we have been on an investigation, snapped some pictures and gotten back to review them only to find that there are unexplainable lights and even faces showing up in our photos. I’m not talking about the lights from the room or outside, or the faces showing up in dorbs, but more reflections. To truly process these photographs from the researcher and investigator’s eyes we MUST begin with debunking first – find an explanation for these appearances and when we can’t, THEN turn to the thought that it might be something of a paranormal nature.
First, take a look at your surroundings. Your camera’s flash can reflect off of different surfaces and not always glass or metallic surfaces either. Several things can come into play such as moon light, bugs flying around, clouds, parts of another building and other factors. Make sure you are taking note of your surroundings. Someone with coins or keys in their pocket through a light fabric could cause a light reflection – pay attention!
Second, never take a picture pointed towards a mirror, glass or window. This should be a given but still we do it. Mirrors can reflect not only the flash of the camera but can provide a false positive of even a shadow from that one flash reflecting off the mirror and back at you. The same holds true for glass displays, glasses, and the like. If you are taking pictures of windows, note the outside plants and trees because even though you are inside, there is moon light OUTSIDE that could cause you to develop some sense of pareidolia and make you think you caught an apparition. Do you think you see a face in a window? Chances are it is either light reflecting off a tree or plant, light reflecting off a dirty surface or light reflecting from another surface in the area. Debunk it ALL before even thinking it could be paranormal nature! Surely you are following the 1-2-3 rule with photography and snapping three pictures of everything so that you can compare them. Look at the other two pictures you took as well as your walk through pictures during the broad daylight to really get an idea of what could have reflected in your picture causing you to see what you see. If you can rule out everything explainable, THEN you have a case for something to be looked at further with a paranormal thought.
A great site that shows reflections off common items is this one:http://www.etherealthoughts.com/gpage46.html. Here you can see lots of examples of how things reflect light – some you would think of, some you would not. I encourage you to check it out.
Want to take your photography a step further and learn how to use polarizing filters in your photography to diffuse reflections?
This link will take you to a tutorial where polarizing filters are discussed and explains how the filters help.
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/…/polarizing-filters.htm
Another topic to learn about with reflections is metering and exposure. This link will help explain that further: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tuto…/camera-metering.htm
Read how to diffuse reflective surfaces for photography here:http://www.adorama.com/…/Double-Diffusion-Lighting-is…
A great read for everyone on this subject and yesterday’s subject of orbs is here on The Paranormal Network: http://mindreader.com/…/the…/ghosts-photos-and-orbs/
Nov 15
Team UFO
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Contact Name | John Shelley |
Location | Dothan, Alabama | |
Phone | (334) 726-9919 | |
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Website | www.teamufo.org | |
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Specialty: | ||
UFO investigation and researchers. |
Oct 10
Spooky Kine Investigations
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Contact Name | Spooky Kine Investigations |
Location | Honolulu, Hawaii | |
Phone | ||
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Website | www.spookykine.com | |
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Not Given |
Aug 09
Woodlands Paranormal Texas
Name: Woodlands Paranormal
Location: Spring, Texas
Website: woodlandsparanormal.com
Email: cathy_nance@yahoo.com
Phone: 832-296-1858
Aug 09
Autumn Moon Paranormal
Aug 09
Duncan Paranormal Society
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Contact Name | |
Location | Omaha, Nebraska | |
Phone | (402) 981-9151 or (402) 981-2575 | |
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Website | duncanparanormalsociety.webs. |
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Not given |
Aug 04
Purple Sage Paranormal LLC
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Contact Name | Marlane Barton |
Location | New Mexico | |
Phone | 505-228-8463 | |
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Website | Purplesageparanormal.com | |
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Our group consists of members in their 40s, 50s and 60s. We investigate paranormal phenomena in both public and private venues. We also have conducted lectures in regards to the paranormal at the University of New Mexico, a Charter high school in Santa Fe and 9 of the ABC libraries in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “We don’t believe immortality because we have proved it; but, we forever try to prove it because we believe it.” James Martineau 19th century Unitarian minister. |
Jul 26
Illinois Ghost Seekers Society
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Contact Name | Illinois Ghost Seekers Society |
Location | Peoria, Illinois | |
Phone | (309) 642-1718 | |
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Website | illinoisghost.com | |
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Specialty: | ||
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Jul 19
Pensacola Paranormal Research Group
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Contact Name | Pensacola Paranormal |
Location | Pensacola, Florida | |
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Website | www.pensacolaparanormalresearchgroup.co.nr |
May 24
Finding Places to Investigate
The MOST Frequently Ask Question in the Paranormal Field
Submitted by Belinda Clark-Ache
Many groups have different goals in the paranormal field. My goal—our goal—at Haunted Missouri Paranormal Research (after helping if some one is in distress) is data collection. Those with other goals may have other answers. For our purposes it is as important to collect data at locations that have no history of haunting as it is to collect data at reportedly haunted locations. Why? To compare your findings. How do you know what is “paranormal” if you don’t know what is “normal”? If you have pages of temp readings and EMF readings from both types of locations it should be readily and immediately obvious when those readings are abnormal. In the locations where the readings were high, the other corresponding pieces of evidence would take on more significance. The more documented evidence that you collect at the same location; the easier it is to call it haunted.
Because we collect data in both types of locations we have twice the opportunities to investigate. Some of our favorite investigations are at historic hotels, B&B’s and businesses in historic buildings. These are always worth what you pay for your room rent (especially when you rent all the rooms and divide it among a group. That brings most of the historic places within financial reach for most investigators.) You get the history, the ambiance, the fabulous locations, normally at least one good meal and 6 to 10 hours of data.
I can almost see some of you who are new to the field sitting staring at the screen with a confused look on your face and wondering if it isn’t a waste of time to investigate at places that do not claim to be haunted. No it is not a waste of time. These places have history. Un-haunted historic places are as fascinating because they have literally all the earmarks that should create a haunting, so why isn’t there one there? We have actually gotten evidence of haunting in locations that we were able to authenticate in historical records that the owners were not even aware of!
These places are excellent for training trips and for “Junior” ghost hunting trips to help train young people who want to get into the real thing when they are older, but beware; some places have no reputation but that doesn’t mean they aren’t haunted! We have several perfect historical locations we can take our trainee’s or juniors that give them plenty of practice in a safe environment.
Okay, whether or not you agree with that approach there are other places as well. Many people love to investigate cemeteries. I go on these and have had some terrific experiences and gathered compelling data. They are not my favorite because the outdoors will never rival a restored historical B&B for me.
Battlefields! These history soaked acres are an amazing experience and I recommend spending as much time as you can in them collecting data. These are a thrill to do. Most are National Parks so you have to follow the rules and some do not want any equipment besides camera’s, audio and video. Who cares? They are well worth whatever you have to do to get to them. Look them up and try going on the anniversary of their battles. Play period music while there and be prepared to be awed with an almost religious experience.
There are also public locations that have fabulous histories. Historical landmarks, City and town parks where legendary lectures or political rallies took place, some where tragedies played out, where entire villages used to stand… numerous and varied human experiences that could very well fall into the category of place where strong emotional ties could herald a haunting. Remember it is not only horrible experiences that can leave an imprint on a location and render it haunted. Where great joy, relief, love, excitement and a full range of physically powerful occurrences happen that would make the perfect circumstance under which a haunting could occur.
Your Chamber of Commerce should have a list of rules as to what is allowed in these locations but it is my experience that if you are not invasive and do not offend the public they are going to leave you alone. Please obey the rules if a location closes at a certain time. Request permission from City Hall to be there late using some form of inquiry, I prefer either in person or by snail mail. For neighboring towns and communities the Chamber of Commerce is almost as good a resource as the local historical society!
When it comes to people’s homes, they have to invite you unless you’re going to chase hearses and contact the families out of the obituaries to try to hawk your services and please, don’t do that! You are going to have to establish yourself online and in your community in order to have those requests coming in to you. Positive word of mouth and patience are your best bet where this is concerned.
Try placing ads in your local free paper or press. Something like “Local researcher seeks true ghost stories, legend or lore for possible investigation or authentication.” Use your newspapers Community Calendar to announce open meetings in public locations. Local radio stations might also have a service where they announce local items of interest like this. Again, try making small donations to local charities in your teams’ name, or donate T-Shirts or some other item to local groups for raffles and fund raisers. Contact the local Eagles, Elks, VFW for instance; they are always looking for donations for fund raisers! Many are also located in historic old buildings as well. It’s all about a positive community impression both locally and in the online paranormal community!
A favorite tip is to spend your money in your hometown. Having business cards made? T-shirts printed? Flyers? Do it locally. Everyone knows someone with a personal ghost story, when they see your team name they will mention it to others. Consider contacting local “Spiritualist” churches. Send your card or place flyers with local psychics, mediums, palm readers, new age shops, etc. Leave business cards neatly in public seating areas like waiting rooms; add with tips at the hairdressers or pub. If you have read about a location in your town that has been investigated contact them and ask if they were satisfied with the experience and why or why not. This may not lead to an investigation but could be invaluable information on what not to do!
Consider getting a toll free number and spend the money on a yellow page ad. I haven’t done this yet but it is on my agenda to do so. Offer to give a speech/lecture at your local community center, college, drama club, theatrical group or library during the Halloween season when interest is high. Hang flyers in laundry mats, on bulletin boards in grocery and retail stores, hotels & B&B, submit your business cards to those restaurant free lunch drawings, and put a flyer or business card in every piece of outgoing mail: someone opens those bills to get the checks out.
Pluck investigation opportunities from your friends, family and co-workers. Do you know someone who just built a new house on a piece of land that was never cleared before? The data collected from that location would be great for establishing your baseline readings. Know someone in a 30 year old trailer? Living in an RV at the KOA? Staying in an efficiency motel room? Buying a Victorian to rehab? Working in a theater? Renting a condo? Ask them about allowing you to collect data in these locations. Hey, they’re your friends and family: ask them!
Businesses are another story. Rather they embrace their ghost story or not they are in business and if it will benefit their bottom line most (unless they are morally opposed) will make arrangements for you to investigate if it doesn’t disrupt their daily operation and you pay your own way. I’m sorry if this disillusions you, but money talks and bullcrap walks. You can always offer to make a contribution to their favorite charity in their businesses name as well. Again; query in person or by mail for best results.
There are, of course abandoned locations but I want to caution you on several levels. First abandoned locations are not necessarily public domain. They have owners– on that you can almost bet. To find the owners of an abandoned location take the address to City Hall to the hall of records or recorder of deeds and use the address to look up who pays (or owes) the taxes on that lot. Trust me someone either pays it or owes it and that name is public record and this is usually free.
Be prepared to offer to sign away all of your rights to sue the owner for accident or injury to gain permission to these locations. In fact you would be smart to mention in your inquiry that you would remove any liability from the property owner if they allowed you entrée and some harm did befall you. One other thing: if you are going to do this do not go into them for the first time in the dark. At least go in before hand in the daylight and mark any unstable or questionably safe areas with those glow sticks you can get at the dollar store so after dark you are safe in the locations. Don’t go alone those places can harbor not only homeless, harmless or not but also criminals. Also be sure your cell phones work and you have proper ID.
For years before I began to ghost hunt I would take my clueless (about ghosts) hubby on trips to places I had read were haunted. I learned a fabulous fact then that is one of my favorite tips to hand out. If you want to know the haunted history of an area, find a well established club, tavern, bar, diner or grill; cozy up to the bar, share a nice social cocktail (well in advance of your investigation or even on another preliminary visit) and talk to the bartender. Food service workers like bartenders, waitresses and caterers are a fabulous resources most people over look. Just don’t try to pin them down during a rush and remember they work for tips. Try handing over a nice five spot when you pay for your Shirley Temple and see how attentive they can be.
You don’t need a public relations or media person unless you have an agent or some one representing you to the lecture venue so get over yourself and get real in your communities. It’s your name and team name so use it frequently in your home town. If you are honest you will build a positive reputation and that can not be begged, borrowed or stolen!
Belinda Clark-Ache co-founded Haunted Missouri Paranormal Studies in 2005, with Tonya L. Clark. HauntedMo ™ continues to consult and investigate by referral and works with some of the most respected investigators in the field. She is proud to be associated with Southwest Ghostfinders, Dr. Timothy Harte, The Willard Library Ghost Chatters, to name a few. Belinda is author of a Facebook page Ghost Stories from HauntedMo(tm) that features submitted stories of all genres, and her original work fiction and non fiction alike. She lives in the Missouri boot heel with her husband of 35 years, Stan, and a 4 year old Great White Pyrenees named Lucy. You can find Belinda on Facebook and read more of her writing on her HauntedMo(tm) group page.