Paranormal Investigators Explain the Unexplained

The fourth floor of Waverly Hills Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Louisville, KY--one of the spookiest locations DuPage Paranormal Society has visited.

Paranormal activity is a phenomenon that lacks scientific explanation. Ghostly images, strange occurrences, and unexplainable temperature changes can give anyone the willies. But what would you do if a supernatural force hit close to home? Instead of hiding under your bed, why not call the DuPage Paranormal Society?

Founded in 2007, the research team scientifically explores and documents alleged cases of paranormal or unexplained activity using their own investigation methods and tools—free of charge. The investigation is not necessarily to support a client’s belief but to document his or her experience.

According to cofounder Stewart Williams, there’s no such thing as “ghost detectors” so they must adopt equipment used from other fields to detect changes in the environment, such as IR stationary cameras, handheld cameras, audio recorders, and electromagnetic devices. There are many theories that indicate sudden and unusual changes and utilizing this type of equipment can help detect environmental fluctuations.

And when there’s something eerie going on, this group will go the extra mile. For example, if a client reports the cabinet doors opening periodically, the team would spend a considerable amount of time collecting data for just that event.

But by no means is this a crew of Ghostbusters.

The DuPage Paranormal Society, also cofounded by Donn McCarthy and Tim Cherry, isn’t out to find ghosts. The team investigates cases of unexplained activity through scientific research. Just because a cabinet door opened on its own doesn’t mean your house is haunted. Factors such as moisture in the wood, humidity in the room, or ventilation come into play.

During an investigation at Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky, the team heard footsteps from an adjacent room only to find out that a raccoon had been sharing their space. It’s natural to feel “spooked” but sometimes being in a spooky location would automatically just give you the creeps.

Most investigations take place at night when any sudden movement can be easily detected. However, the primary challenge is working around the client’s schedule as well as controlling the environment. It can take weeks to gather enough evidence, and factors that could affect data are carefully documented to avoid a false positive during evidence review.

But thrill seekers beware: The reality of paranormal investigation is nothing like on television or the big screen. It’s actually quite boring. A lot of time is spent setting up, tearing down, and reviewing for evidence—not to mention the hours spent sitting in the dark.

Even after hours of hard work, it’s impossible to solve every case.

“If the activity does not work on demand and we cannot capture what is experienced by the client then we are unfortunately unable to explain it,” notes Stewart.

When asked if he believes in ghosts, Stewart replies, “I personally have not seen enough evidence.”

DUPAGE COUNTY—HAUNTED?

DuPage County has its share of rumored haunted locations. The DuPage Paranormal Society has heard stories about Benedictine University (Lisle), Benet Academy (Lisle), and The Country House Restaurant (Clarendon Hills).

To learn more about DuPage Paranormal Society or to contact them about a paranormal experience, please visit www.dupageparanormal.com or www.myspace.com/dupageparanormal.