Ghost hunters are paranormal investigators who specialize in collecting evidence indicating the existence of ghosts or hauntings. Ghost hunters often use a variety of electronic devices such as EMF meters, digital thermometers, handheld and static digital video cameras, thermographic and night vision cameras, digital audio recorders, computers, and specialized equipment sometimes invented by members of the ghost busting team. Generally, investigators will also conduct interviews with witnesses of paranormal activity and will research the history of the site. Others may offer ghost removal services, blending religion with research. Many paranormal researchers who specialize in ghosts and hauntings will differentiate their work from that of "ghost hunters," preferring to use that term to denigrate groups whose methods, training and equipment they consider inferior to their own, and they may have a point. However, most scientists and academics consider ghost hunting and paranormal research to be a fringe pseudoscience because of the absence of scientific method. For the purposes of categorization, we will be using the term to differentiate from the broader category of paranormal research, while acknowledging that some groups may deserve more credibility than others. Ghost hunting is a term that has been widely used, having been popularized in several movies, television series, podcasts, and books. A Gallup poll conducted in 2005 showed that one-third of Americans believed in the existence of ghosts, with belief declining with age. Having surveyed people in the United States, Canada and Great Britain, the poll found that more people believed in haunted houses than in any of the other paranormal items tested. Perhaps for that reason, most groups identifying themselves as paranormal researchers restrict their activities to seeking evidence of ghosts and hauntings. These groups will be placed in this category for that reason, not as an assessment of credibility.
Recommended Resources
American Paranormal Research Association
The APRA is a paranormal research team that investigates historical locations throughout the United States, collecting evidence of hauntings and ghosts, which can be presented to the public and scientific community, offering proof that life after death is a possibility. Members of the investigative team are introduced, along with their qualifications and experiences. Video, audio and photographic evidence is presented, and news articles featuring the group are highlighted.
http://www.apraparanormal.com/
Blair David Jett is a former Wiccan and Satanist who now considers himself to be a Spiritualist, and is a founder of the Paranormal Research Alliance in Cullman, Alabama, host of a paranormal talk radio show, podcasts of which are available here, and a Universal Life Church minister. Other topics include ghost hunting reports, an overview of the PRA, and an online discussion forum, which requires a (free) membership for participation. Links to other paranormal sites are included.
http://www.ghosthauntings.org/
Presented by the creators of The Shadowlands, the guide to ghost hunting is intended for those who are interested in becoming ghost hunters, or who are considering starting a ghost hunting group. Definitions are provided, along with an overview of the two types of spirits that may be encountered, tips on conducting a hunt, what to bring on a ghost hunt, and step-by-step procedures for conducting an outdoor ghost hunt, and the steps for conducting a ghost hunting investigation indoors.
http://www.ghosthunting101.com/
Formed in 1977, the organization, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, was formed to accept reports of ghosts and hauntings, poltergeist activity, and life-after-death encounters, and has been active in research and investigations into such activity. Its membership policies and levels, membership costs, and the benefits of membership are outlined, along with investigation reports, publications, lectures, and media appearances.
http://www.ghostresearch.org/
The business specializes in the sale of ghost hunting and paranormal research equipment. Shopping may be done at its physical location in Saint Cloud, Florida, by telephone, or online. Its location, hours, and telephone number is provided, along with a catalog of products, which includes ghost hunting gear, gear guides, books, team shirt printing, form templates, and other resources. A guide to finding a ghost hunting team, ghost tours, or other events is included.
https://www.ghoststop.com/
Founded in 1992, the non-profit group conducts paranormal investigations into reported hauntings and ghostly phenomena in the Carolinas and Virginia. Its professional affiliations are cited, a history of the organization is related, and its investigative team is identified. Its investigations into commercial, public and private sites are outlined and various North Carolina legends are told. Contributions are solicited online.
http://www.hauntednc.com/
Based in southeast Michigan, the team investigates private residences, businesses, historical locations, and public buildings in order to determine the presence of paranormal activity, as well as offering educational and children's programs in Michigan, hosting ghost hunts in cooperation with Michigan historical societies and museums. An overview of its work is presented here, and investigation requests may be made through the site.
http://motorcityghosthunters.com/
The independent research entity was founded by David Margerum, the chief researcher and administrator of the site, whose biography is included here. Contributor guidelines and rules are defined, along with an overview of the sciences of psychometry, divining and dowsing. Ghost stories are told, along with photographs and a discussion about orbs that appear in photos taken at known paranormally active locations. A list of paranormal investigation organizations is posted to the site.
http://paranormalactivityresearch.com/
Originally known as the Southern Wisconsin Paranormal Research Group, the PRG was founded in Janesville, Wisconsin in 1999, changing its name when its headquarters was moved to Red Lion, Pennsylvania, and their focus shifted in 2011. Research articles and reports, case files, haunted mansion data, and information about its equipment are put forth. An online shopping area offers books and DVDs on topics relating to ghosts and hauntings.
http://www.paranormalresearchgroup.com/
Paranormal Research Society of North America
Based near Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the PRSNA documents and seeks to scientifically prove the existence of ghosts, and to educate the public, and assist those who live with hauntings to deal with their situations. The group investigates public places and private residences throughout the country, using simple and high-tech equipment, which is highlighted here. Member profiles, photos, audio recordings of EVPs, and video are included.
http://www.paranormalinvestigators.com/
The non-profit group in the United Kingdom touts its science-based research into hauntings and ghostly phenomena, and the liability insurance program held by the organization on behalf of its members. The research team is identified, with information of the role that each plays, their qualifications, and other information. Photographs, EVP, and and video are included, and a number of documents and forms are available for downloading from the site.
http://www.paranormalresearchuk.org/
The Atlantic Paranormal Society
Commonly known as TAPS, this ghost hunting team was founded by Jason Hawes in 1990, and was featured in "Ghost Hunters," a nationally syndicated television show, and currently includes a nationally syndicated radio show. While preferring to be referred to as paranormal investigators, the team is best known for its investigations into ghosts and hauntings. An introduction to the team and its work is included, and assistance requests may be made online.
http://the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/
