Even the annual tradition of contacting Harry Houdini became part of the paranormal tapestry. He passed away on All Hallow’s Eve. He promised his wife Bess that if either died first, they would attempt to communicate, using a code word to prove it. Over the years, methods have evolved and organizations have formed.
Technology has also expanded the tools available to newcomers. For casual investigators, all that’s needed is an open mind and the willingness not to bring personal spiritual beliefs into a case. Many veterans believe such biases can taint the data. Experienced investigators generally agree that a good dose of common sense, a basic camera, and an audio recorder are all that’s required.
Ghosts are more than reflections of history, traumatic or otherwise. Interest in this subject is a popular culture phenomenon. Public events—walks around historic towns or lectures—can be found in every major city. Not everyone can investigate a haunted house on their own; the advice is often to join a local team. In the Pacific Northwest, well-known groups include Northern Paranormal Investigation (NPI), Vancouver Paranormal Society (VPS), Paranormal Victoria (PARAVI, defunct), and Washington State Investigations and Research (WSPIR). Beyond Belief Paranormal Events (BBPE) is more business-oriented. Readers should research and trust their own judgment; some organizations operate as facades or for ego rather than genuine investigation.
Being actively involved in this hobby is not easy. Darryl Pearson of NPI said managing a team has become challenging, especially when seeking definitive evidence of the afterlife. “With social media involved, it’s often a game. I’ve been actively investigating for 11 years, and it takes the energy out of you. All the things you do wears you out,” he revealed.
Those wanting to dig deeper must also be careful. Pearson warns it’s possible to “bring a spirit home,” at which point the investigator must command the spirit to leave.
Susan M. Schulz-Jelley, a hobby investigator, says, “I think a bit of lingering stigma still exists around living in a haunted house.” She attends special events featuring well-known investigators, like the Port Gamble, WA Ghost Conference, and uses her gift as a ‘sensitive’ to help spirits move on. Not everyone treats a ghost like a person; when a soul needs help, dedicated teams intervene. The interaction is often about bridging understanding between the living and the spirit world. Tim Burton hit a nerve with Beetlejuice, a film highlighting that dynamic. Jelly also worked with Vancouver Island Supernatural (VIS), investigating locations like Beban House in Nanaimo, helping a boy’s spirit move on.
“Times are changing with the help of paranormal investigation shows on television. Soon, hopefully, everyone will realize that help is available if they look for it,” said Jelly. Public ghost hunts during Halloween are ideal starting points. “People get to see and handle various pieces of equipment designed for investigating all in one night,” she said. Audio recorders, video cameras, and film help capture and document strange events. Investigators first seek reasonable explanations before accepting an event as paranormal.
Peter Renn of VPS has investigated since his teen years in London, attending trade shows to connect with local groups. His passion took him to Australia, New Zealand, and eventually Canada, where he joined VPS and now heads the organization. “It’s hard because we don’t make money in what we do, and there’s no guild. It’s very much a passionate part of my life,” he said.
Social media plays a huge role in keeping organizations in the public eye. VPS spends about 10 hours a week maintaining interest. Most of their cases—around 90%—are for clients rather than public buildings. “Helping people must always be the primary goal,” Renn emphasized.
In Part Two, I explore what makes a good investigative team, the techniques used, and how I became involved in this scene. Look for it on Sunday, as the veil begins to thin…