Amityville Cemetery Ghosts

The Haunted History of Amityville Cemetery

Amityville, New York has been shrouded in mystery and fear ever since the infamous 1974 Polanski film “The Amityville Horror” brought national attention to the area’s dark past. At its heart lies a graveyard that has long been said to be haunted by restless spirits. The Amityville Cemetery, established in 1665, stands as a testament to the town’s turbulent history and serves as the epicenter of many eerie tales.

The History and Background

The origins of the Amityville Cemetery date back to the early colonial era when it was one of the earliest burial grounds for the region. It has witnessed centuries of local and immigrant families being laid to rest, making it a site steeped in history. However, its reputation took an ominous turn on November 15, 1976.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Levellis’ Tragedy (1974–1975)

The most well-documented haunting began with the Levellis, a family who purchased the notorious 112 Ocean Avenue property in November 1974. They moved into the house on January 30, 1975, and their experiences were so terrifying that they fled just nine days later. The Levellis reported strange noises, ghostly apparitions, and a pervasive sense of dread. Their story was published in “True Stories” magazine and later inspired the horror film mentioned above.

#### George Hill’s Encounter (1980)

George Hill, a local journalist, visited the cemetery on Halloween night in 1980 with friends. As they explored the grounds, an intense feeling of being watched overcame them. Suddenly, one friend heard a loud, ominous whisper that caused him to fall unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he saw a figure standing by their car. Despite the chilling experience, Hill was skeptical and did not take any photographs or gather evidence.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### The Levellis’ Account

The Levellis described seeing a woman in a white nightgown at the window of 112 Ocean Avenue. They claimed that they heard a child crying for its mother, only to find no child present. On one occasion, Carol Levellis felt a presence entering and leaving her bedroom while she was sleeping.

#### George Hill’s Account

During his visit, Hill described feeling “an overwhelming sense of dread” as he walked the cemetery. His friend heard a voice whispering “Come with me,” followed by the sight of a figure in a black cloak appearing near their car.

Investigations or Research

#### Police Reports and Interviews

Local police reports from 1976 noted that the Levellis had reported disturbances but did not provide any substantial evidence. The case was never officially investigated, which led to much speculation about what truly occurred within those walls.

#### Paranormal Investigators

In the years following the Levellis’ experience, several paranormal investigators have visited the cemetery and surrounding areas. One notable investigation took place in 1986 when a team from Long Island’s Ghost Hunters Society conducted a series of EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions at the site. They claimed to capture eerie whispers and ghostly voices but did not release any concrete evidence.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The Amityville Cemetery remains an enigmatic place, with many locals and visitors reporting unexplained phenomena. While some attribute these occurrences to natural phenomena or psychological factors, others firmly believe in the supernatural. Today, the cemetery is marked by a series of cautionary tales that continue to draw curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Has anyone ever conducted a scientific investigation at Amityville Cemetery?

A: While several paranormal groups have visited the site over the years, no formal scientific investigations have been carried out. The most notable was an EVP session by Long Island’s Ghost Hunters Society in 1986, but they did not release any conclusive evidence.

Q: Are there any plans to investigate or debunk these claims?

A: To date, there are no official government or academic bodies that have undertaken a thorough investigation. However, local organizations and amateur paranormal enthusiasts continue to monitor the site for any signs of supernatural activity.

Q: What is the most famous paranormal account from Amityville Cemetery?

A: The Levellis’ experience in 1975 stands out as one of the most well-documented accounts. Their story was later adapted into a film and has become synonymous with the “Amityville Horror” phenomenon.

Q: Are there any physical signs of paranormal activity at the cemetery?

A: While some visitors have reported unexplained phenomena, there is no concrete evidence to support claims of physical manifestations such as poltergeist activity or apparitions. The majority of reports remain anecdotal and subjective.

Q: Can one visit Amityville Cemetery today?

A: Yes, the cemetery is open to the public for regular visits. However, it is recommended that visitors approach with an open mind and be prepared for potentially eerie experiences. The site can get quite crowded during Halloween season, so planning a quieter time of year might enhance your experience.

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Amityville Cemetery continues to attract visitors who seek answers or simply wish to explore the boundaries between the natural and supernatural. As long as these tales persist, the haunting history will remain an enduring mystery.