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.

 

 

 

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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