Pittsburgh’s Ghost Hunt Society

Pittsburgh’s Ghost Hunt Society: A Decade of Paranormal Pursuits

The History and Background

In 2013, a group of passionate paranormal enthusiasts founded the Pittsburgh Ghost Hunt Society (PGHS) with a mission to explore the city’s haunted history through scientific and methodical means. Since its inception, PGHS has conducted over two hundred investigations across diverse locations, ranging from historic mansions to abandoned buildings in various neighborhoods of Pittsburgh.

Key Events or Sightings

The Haunting of the Allegheny Arsenal

One of PGHS’s most notable cases is the haunting of the Allegheny Arsenal, a former armory located on the banks of the Monongahela River. The arsenal operated from 1820 to 1947 and was shut down due to safety concerns following several major explosions. PGHS conducted an investigation there in October 2015.

On October 30, 2015, a team of investigators, including Sarah Johnson, a long-time member, documented eerie occurrences during their night-time scan. The group captured what appeared to be shadowy figures moving through the empty corridors and heard unexplained whispers echoing from the walls. Temperature fluctuations were also recorded, with sudden drops in temperature despite no external weather changes.

The Ghosts of Allegheny City Hall

In August 2017, PGHS launched an investigation at Allegheny City Hall, the seat of government for the former city of Allegheny before it merged into Pittsburgh. The building, now a museum and community center, has a rich history dating back to 1896.

On August 14, 2017, during their investigation, team member Mark Thompson reported witnessing a flickering light in one of the upper floors that seemed to move on its own. Another investigator, Lisa Davis, noted a strong sense of unease and heard disembodied footsteps descending the stairs. Later analysis revealed an anomaly in the thermal imaging data, suggesting unexplained heat sources.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

The Mysterious Knocking at the Carnegie Library

In 2016, PGHS received a tip about mysterious knocking sounds coming from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s North Side branch. On June 5, 2016, a small group of investigators set up audio and video equipment in the library to capture any evidence.

The team reported hearing rhythmic knocking that seemed to correlate with the heartbeat of one of the investigators, but played back at normal speed showed no such correlation. Temperature sensors also indicated sudden drops and rises in temperature, inconsistent with air conditioning systems.

The Haunted Allegheny County Courthouse

On January 13, 2019, PGHS conducted an investigation at the Allegheny County Courthouse. A series of video recordings captured what appeared to be a shadowy figure walking through the empty hallways. Later analysis revealed that the figure’s movements could not be accounted for by any known means.

Investigations or Research

PGHS employs a rigorous methodology, combining traditional ghost hunting techniques with modern scientific equipment. They utilize thermal imaging cameras, EMF meters, audio recorders, and video surveillance to document their findings. Each investigation is meticulously recorded and analyzed later to rule out natural explanations.

In addition to field investigations, PGHS has conducted several online research projects focusing on the history of haunted locations in Pittsburgh. They have compiled extensive databases of historical records, newspaper articles, and witness accounts, which provide valuable context for their hunts.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous investigations, many mysteries remain unsolved. The most persistent cases continue to be those at the Allegheny Arsenal and the Allegheny County Courthouse, where unexplained phenomena have been consistently reported over multiple visits by different teams of investigators.

PGHS continues to receive tips and witness accounts from the public, indicating that the paranormal activity in Pittsburgh is far from over. The society remains committed to uncovering the truth behind these enigmatic occurrences through continued research and investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Has any specific location been confirmed as haunted by PGHS?

A: While many locations have reported unexplained phenomena, none has been definitively confirmed as “haunted” by PGHS. However, the Allegheny Arsenal and the Allegheny County Courthouse continue to show persistent signs of paranormal activity.

Q: How does PGHS determine which sites to investigate next?

A: PGHS selects locations based on historical reports, witness accounts, and preliminary research. They prioritize sites with rich histories and known supernatural folklore or reported sightings over a period of time.

Q: What is the most interesting piece of evidence you’ve collected so far?

A: One of the most intriguing pieces of evidence was captured during an investigation at the Carnegie Library in 2016. A series of video recordings showed a shadowy figure moving through the empty hallways, which could not be explained by natural means.

Q: How do you handle skepticism and criticism from non-believers?

A: PGHS is open to all perspectives and encourages dialogue with skeptics. They provide detailed records of their investigations and are transparent about their methods. While they respect critical thinking, they also believe that scientific investigation can shed light on unexplained phenomena.

Q: What does the future hold for PGHS?

A: PGHS plans to continue expanding its research and investigative efforts across Pittsburgh. They hope to collaborate with other paranormal groups and academic institutions to further our understanding of supernatural phenomena in urban environments.