A Word From Beyond

July 2023 - Vol. 3 Issue 5

An idyllic photograph of Saratoga National Historical Park - where we have experienced many paranormal experiences during numerous investigations. The battle that took place on this land was a turning point in the Revolutionary War and vital to the independence of our nation. While we celebrate Independence Day this month, it is important to remember those that sacrificed for us to celebrate.

JULY EVENTS!

We have two adventures this month in truly remarkable locations. Come explore Lenox, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island before communicating with the spirits at Ventfort Hall and Fort Adams.

A Spirited Evening at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum

Saturday, July 8, 2023 - 7:00 pm - midnight

104 Walker Street - Lenox, Mass.

Join us at the beautiful and haunted Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum for an exciting group paranormal investigation event! This is our second of three investigations at this location this year. The spirits are getting more and more active for us, so see for yourself what they have in store for us on Saturday, July 8.

Before the investigation, David Raby will give a history of the mansion and of the lives that once graced the hallways - and still reside within. He will also share some of his favorite evidence from previous investigations and will go over some of the many tools used during the night.

As with all of our events, this event is family-friendly and is perfect for everyone - from the seasoned investigator to those who have never been on a paranormal investigation.

Non-refundable tickets for this exciting event are $40 per person with a reduced rate of $25 for ages 12–18 and 19-23 with student ID and are limited. Reservations are required. Walk-ins can participate only if space allows. You can purchase your tickets online or by calling Ventfort Hall at (413) 637-3206. All of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the preservation and restoration of Ventfort Hall.

A Spirited Evening at Fort Adams

Thursday, July 13, 2023 - 8:00 pm - midnight
Newport, Rhode Island

Join us behind the massive walls of Fort Adams on Thursday, July 13, for our second of four group paranormal investigations this year at Fort Adams! It's the perfect excuse to take a day off from work and visit beautiful Newport. Shop, dine, and explore downtown Newport or visit the beach before meeting the many spirits of Fort Adams with us.

Before the investigation, David Raby will give a brief history of a small portion of the lives that were tragically lost at the fort – and possibly still reside within. This event is perfect for everyone; from someone who has never been on a paranormal investigation to the seasoned investigator.

Non-refundable tickets for this exciting event are $40 per person, plus online ticketing fees. All of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the preservation and restoration of Fort Adams. To purchase tickets, please click here.

Please note that if you are planning to investigate Fort Adams with us, we will be walking on uneven surfaces and exposed to the weather as we walk from location to location. Please dress comfortably with appropriate footwear (open-toe shoes or heels not recommended!) Please be sure to bring a water bottle and keep an eye on the forecast as we will not postpone due to rain, heat, etc.

If you can't join us in July, you can also use the link below to purchase tickets to any of our 2023 Fort Adams events (August 10, and October 20).

Please note that while the online ticketing states the end time at 11:30pm, we will be investigating until midnight. The venue confirmed that the 11:30 pm end time is the result of the online ticketing server and we have access until midnight.

INVESTIGATION RECAP -

FORT ADAMS

JUNE 8, 2023 

Our investigation of Fort Adams on Thursday, June 8 was another amazing experience for our guests. The day's mood was set by the eerie smoke blanketing the air due to the Canadian wildfires. The smoke gave us an amazing sunset at the Fort while we waited for the guests to arrive. As the sun set, the shadows came out to play with us for the night.

Our first stop was the tunnel system of the fort. Just outside of the tunnels we saw at least one shadow figure who was visible to all of us lurking in the space adjacent to us. Sadly, this spirit was timid, but was present for a long time. We first noticed it when a sign that was visible kept getting blocked from view. The energy in the space was strong enough to be felt by the guests and resulted in goosebumps on my arm and on others' arms. At one point, the shadow figure became bold and walked very close to one of our guests before quickly retreating into the adjacent space.

We then went to the former medical dispensary area and remained there for a while as the spirits were communicating with us through the Phasmabox and by interacting with several pieces of equipment we placed throughout the space. A spirit was asking for our help but would not elaborate on what they needed. The energy in the space began to get very strong and the spirits were once again interacting with our equipment, specifically a REM device, making a sound start and stop on request. While I was looking out of the window, I saw a freestanding light in the distance in the former officer quarters.

We spent the final part of our investigation in a former officer quarters. Several times during our time there we were all hearing the sounds of footsteps in the adjacent rooms. Someone was blocking out the light that was coming in the windows. Everyone at the fort was accounted for. While stepping outside, I was not able to recreate the light being blocked, as all my attempts were different from what we were seeing. I kept my focus on that area, and I would later see a freestanding and faint light pass in the quadrangle just outside of the window, perhaps twenty feet away from the window.

I placed toys down on the floor in order to entice the spirits of children to play with them. I placed down the laser grid, and it was detecting movement and change in temperature near the toys. The Phasmabox became very chatty, with several spirits talking over each other. When I asked where the band members were, there was an immediate response of "they're outside". I then asked, "Why are they outside?", we received an immediate response of "more spacious". Later in the session a very terse voice stated, "I'll kill 'em". It was said more like "I'll kill him" versus "I'll kill them". It is important to note not to add intent onto a statement like that. I had to reassure the guests that we may have tapped into the energy of one of the soldiers who had committed murder at the fort.

As always, this recap only covered a fraction of what occurred during the investigation. We have all experiences from this investigation documented on our equipment and will be sharing all data when review is complete.

AN UPDATE ON FESTER! 

We recently introduced you to "Fester", a new device that will accompany us on our investigations in 2023. I did not know how the spirits would react to such a creepy face. I'm sad to report that on the two investigations that we utilized Fester, the spirits did not yet interact with this REM device - however, that does not mean we did not get a very surprising reaction from the spirits. During our very first investigation of 2023, a spirit within Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum had an instantaneous reaction to Fester the second I pulled him out of the toolbox. It was in Mrs. Morgan's room and I had set up the Phasmabox and the Zoom recorder. The very next thing I pulled out of the box was Fester. As soon as I lifted my hand off of that ugly mug, a bewildered voice came from the Phasmabox. A male voice had said "Wait... What is that?"

Not the reaction I expect, but as I always say - Expect the unexpected while dealing with spirits! How will the spirits react to Fester during our next investigations? You'll have two chances to find out this month!

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Bruce!

-Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum

I don't have to dig too far into the archives for this interesting encounter with a spirit. It was on April 21, 2023, at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. For those that are not familiar with Bruce, he is a spirit that we have engaged with on many of our group paranormal investigation events at Ventfort Hall. Who Bruce is - we do not know. What is his connection to the building or land - he has not yet told us. One thing is for certain - he loves to let us know that he is there.

The first time I heard from Bruce, I thought it was just a random name that came from the Phasmabox, perhaps one of many spirits that will come in on a session and leave without being heard from again. We would then hear from him again and again. It's never more than just the name "Bruce", and he says it loud and proud. Some days he will lengthen the name like "Bruuuuuce" and other times he would say it very quickly, but authoritatively. One day I did not hear from Bruce, and when I asked where he was, another spirit let out a belly busting laugh like they were in on some sort of game. (We did hear from Bruce, but only after the guests had left for the evening.)

On April 21, 2023, I mentioned Bruce to the guests and how he seems quite proud to announce his presence, immediately after he came through with a very clear "Bruce." I was a little giddy that he had announced himself so quickly after I discussed him. I said "Bruce. Buddy!" in excitement for a reason I can't quite explain. I didn't expect a response to my statement, but there was a momentary pause, then a response of "Don't call me that!". Well, of course, the room had a chuckle at this response. Not only was I in a rare mood, but so was Bruce.

I'm excited to hear what Bruce has to say on July 8, when we return to the mansion. Expect the unexpected!

Have a happy, safe and exciting Independence Day!

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