Ghost Investigation Groups
Note: There are lots of other groups but I have only included For more information, do an online search for ghost groups and meetup groups in your area.
ECHO (East Coast Hauntings Organization) has been around since 2001. They are headquartered in Martinsburg, Virginia and Greenville, NC. They investigate anything along the east coast, especially Virginia, NC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. http://www.ghostecho.com/
Haunted NC Paranormal Research and Investigations (formerly SEVEN Paranormal Research)is one of the oldest ghost groups, originating back in 1992. Based in Raleigh, this group goes wherever there are ghosts! Check out their website for details on their many investigations, www.hauntednc.com
LIVE Paranormal Investigations. For all you ghost-hunting enthusiasts out there, this San Francisco group broadcasts their investigations live on the web, so you can watch as they hunt. Past hunts are archived for viewing. livescifi.tv
Metrolina Paranormal Research is a Charlotte area ghost hunting group that meets regularly (every other Tuesday) but also participates in upstate SC and western NC outings) http://metrohauntings.faithweb.com/
NC H.A.G.S. (NC Haints, Apparitions, Ghosts and Spirits) is a Raleigh group but has done some Wilmington area investigations. www.nchags.org
Paranormal Search and Investigation Group (PSIG) is in the Myrtle Beach area.
http://www.angelfire.com/ct2/PDIG/PSIG1.html
Rhine Research Center, Institute for Parapyschology does not offer ghost investigations but is a great resource. They offer educational opportunities, ongoing research, and host discussion groups, such as a weekly psychic group. 2741 Campus Walk Avenue, Building 500, Durham, NC 27705. (919) 309-4600. www.rhine.org
SC Paranormal Research Group is in the Columbia area. http://www.angelfire.com/sc2/scparanormalgroup/
- Never go alone. Go with a ghost hunting group or friend(s). Pick someone that shares your interest. You don’t want to go with someone who isn’t serious, who is just going to make jokes or make fun of you. But whatever you do, don’t go alone. It is dangerous to go poking around lonely dark woods or a deserted property alone. If you got hurt, there is no one to help you or to go get help. Cell phones are great but you could be in a no service area or the battery could die. It is also advisable to let someone who is not participating know where you will be that night. If you have car trouble or fall through rotting steps and are trapped in a basement, someone will eventually come rescue you when you are not back at the expected time.
- Do not trespass. You could get arrested or bitten by a guard dog or shot!
- Do your research. Make sure you’re at the right place. Be sure of what you’re looking for (Is it a lady in a white dress that can be seen in the rear window or a child sometimes seen swinging on the porch or both?) or listening for (Is it a man moaning or a child crying?) or smelling(Is is the smell of a pipe or a woman’s perfume?). Don’t wear cologne or perfume. Don’t drink alcohol or smoke. Don’t bring food. Don’t laugh and talk. You may miss something paranormal if you’re distracted or mask the sound or odor.
- Take a flashlight and extra batteries. You don’t want to trip over a tree root or walk through poison ivy! If you’re going into an old building, be careful of loose floorboards or bad stairs.
- Don’t run out and buy sophisticated ghost hunting equipment. I know, the temptation is high. This stuff is way cool! That said, the equipment you can purchase is discussed in another part of this site. The best advice is to just start with a journal and camera. Write down anything you notice. How do you feel? Did you experience a strange feeling or feel a cold spot? Did you hear anything abnormal? Take photos to document the scene. Also, something interesting could turn up on the photos. I’m in the minority that orbs don’t count. The guys from Ghost Hunters have the same opinion and gave a good talk about this at a paranormal conference I attended last year. Anyway, start with knowing or discovering what you want to research. Go online to begin but be wary of that information. I have found most stuff online to be wrong or ridiculous, but it is a good starting point. Check newspaper archives and clipping files at libraries. Talk to librarians and locals. Read regional ghost books. These are great resources. Someone has already done most of the work for you. Talk to former residents or employees if it’s a haunted house, inn, lighthouse or restaurant, etc.
- How should you document your findings? Start with the suggested journal and camera. Have a list of questions prepared to answer, such as what time of night did you begin your investigation and who was with you and where exactly where you were when you saw or felt something. Write down everything that night while it is fresh in your mind. You can reorganize it later on but record your findings as soon as possible.
- If you’re interested in starting your own ghost group, here are some things to consider: How often do you want to meet? How often do you want to conduct investigations? Do you want to open up your group to strangers or keep it small and friends only to start with? How much equipment do you want to use? Who will be responsible for what? Who will be the lead EVP investigator? Who will be the lead EMP investigator? Will you have a website? Who will create and update your website and be your media person? Who will analyze video footage? Who will be the president? It may be your idea but are you an organized person who has good leadership qualities? Will you charge dues to pay for gas and equipment or just use your car and camera? My best advice is to go on at least a couple of ghost investigations with two different groups before starting your own group.
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Compass
- Map and directions
- Cell phone
- Rope
- First Aid Kit
- Walkie Talkies
- Digital Camera and extra batteries (make sure all lenses are clean before begin investigation)
- Digital Video Camcorder and extra batteries
- Thermal Imaging Camera and extra batteries
- Small cassette recorder or digital micro recorder with external microphone and extra batteries
- Wristwatch
- Journal and Pen (can include witness questionnaire and questions you want answered regarding investigation)
- Jacket or raincoat and good all-terrain shoes
- Waterproof case for your equipment
- ElectroMagnetic Field Meter
- Night Vision Goggles
- Spectrometer
- Motion Detector
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