Hi Jennifer,
In addition to the ideas already suggested, another thing to
keep in mind, and I suspect David’s pamphlet will cover issues like this,
is the line between paranormal investigation and spook show.
Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, trying to research
it is just as valid as any other scientific endeavor. It is when these events
devolve into childish parlor tricks and scaring one another in the dark with
boogey man stories that you need to draw the line, despite the fact that the
latter is far more popular than the former.
I look forward to seeing David’s pamphlet.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collection Manager
Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
316-978-5850
From: Museum discussion
list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jennifer Hurst
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 11:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Paranormal Investigation Policy
Does
anyone have a paranormal investigation policy that you can share? We have been
inundated with requests for paranormal researchers to “study” our
historic properties. Before we proceed further we would like to be as informed
as possible so if anyone has any experience with this and any policies or
guidelines in place that you could share would be much appreciated. Also, how
do you deal with insurance for researchers? What do you charge? Do
you make them sign a waiver? How much control do you have of the distribution
of information gathered during the investigation? What kind of controls do you
put in place? How do you screen these groups? Is it worth it? Does it affect
site visitation? Has income and visibility increased?
Thanks
so much for the help!
Jen
Jennifer Hurst
Statewide Education Coordinator
PRESERVATION VIRGINIA
204 West Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: 804-314-7530 | Fax: 804-775-0802
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
| Web: preservationvirginia.org
Connecting people and resources to ensure the continued vitality
of Virginia’s historic places
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