The Poltergeist at the New Jersey State Hospital

A Haunting in Historical Context

The New Jersey State Hospital, established in 1847 and once known as Morristown State Hospital, has a long and tumultuous history that is steeped in folklore and mystery. One of its most enduring tales involves a poltergeist, which allegedly haunted the hospital for decades. This article delves into the history and background of this paranormal phenomenon, detailing key events, witness accounts, investigations, and the current status of the case.

The History and Background

The New Jersey State Hospital was founded in 1847 to provide care for mentally ill patients who had previously been confined in private facilities or simply left to fend for themselves. Over the years, it expanded significantly, with multiple wings added to accommodate an increasing number of patients. The hospital’s history is marked by a series of tragic incidents and scandals, including widespread abuse, neglect, and deaths among its residents.

In the 1960s, as part of deinstitutionalization efforts, many patients were moved out of the facility, but several wings remained open for those who could not be reintegrated into society. It was during this period that the poltergeist activity began to be reported.

Key Events or Sightings

#### 1960s: The Initial Reports

In the early 1960s, reports of strange occurrences started to surface within one of the hospital’s wings. Patients and staff began noticing unexplained noises, objects moving on their own, and sudden shifts in temperature. One of the first documented incidents occurred on March 4, 1962, when a patient reported seeing a woman dressed in an outdated nurse’s uniform walking through a corridor. No one else saw her, but she was heard whispering, “Please don’t leave me.”

#### 1970s: Increased Activity

By the 1970s, the poltergeist activity had become more frequent and intense. Patients reported hearing heavy footsteps and doors slamming shut by themselves. In April 1975, a nurse found a lamp hanging from the ceiling that she could not recall having placed there earlier.

#### 1980s: The Paranormal Investigation

In 1982, a group of paranormal investigators arrived at the hospital to conduct an official investigation. They brought with them equipment such as seismometers and video cameras. During their stay, they recorded numerous instances of unexplained phenomena. On October 3, 1982, one of the researchers documented an object being moved by an unseen force in a patient’s room.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Patient Testimonies

One former patient, Jane Doe, who was admitted to the hospital in 1965 and discharged in 1970, provided detailed accounts of her experiences. “I remember nights when I would be in my bed reading, only to hear a loud crash coming from down the hall,” she said. “When I investigated, nothing was out of place, but by morning, it looked like someone had been running through the room.”

#### Staff Reports

A former nurse, Mary Johnson, recounted an incident where she witnessed a patient’s clothes being neatly folded on her bed one day and completely disheveled the next. She stated, “It happened over several days, with no one else knowing about it until I asked the patient who had been doing their laundry.”

Investigations or Research

#### The 1982 Investigation

The 1982 investigation by paranormal enthusiasts was groundbreaking for its use of scientific equipment. The team documented instances where sensitive microphones picked up unusual sounds, and video cameras captured unexplained movements in empty rooms.

#### The 2005 Reinvestigation

In 2005, the hospital hosted another paranormal group who decided to use advanced technology such as thermal imaging cameras and electromagnetic field (EMF) detectors. They recorded several instances of anomalous temperature drops and EMF fluctuations that coincided with reported poltergeist activity.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

While some former patients and staff members have left the hospital, the memory of the poltergeist haunts it to this day. Occasional reports continue to surface about unexplained phenomena, though they are less frequent than in previous decades. The hospital’s administration maintains a policy of non-commentary on paranormal claims, focusing instead on patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Did the poltergeist activity cease after the 1982 investigation?

A: No, reports continued to come in even after the 1982 investigation. The activity seems to have persisted for several more years but has since subsided significantly.

Q: Were there any attempts to exorcise or banish the poltergeist?

A: There are no recorded instances of an official exorcism being performed at the hospital. However, some staff members and patients did attempt to perform their own rituals, but with little reported success.

Q: Can the activity be explained scientifically?

A: While many paranormal enthusiasts believe the phenomena can’t be fully explained by natural causes, scientific communities remain skeptical. EMF fluctuations could potentially be attributed to electrical equipment or building issues, while other occurrences might be due to psychological factors such as mass hysteria.

Q: Has anyone ever been able to capture footage of the poltergeist?

A: No credible footage has been confirmed to show the presence of a poltergeist. The best evidence is usually video recordings that document unexplained movements or changes in environment.

Q: Is there any ongoing research into this case?

A: There are no active, publicly known research projects dedicated to studying the poltergeist at the New Jersey State Hospital. However, it remains a topic of interest among paranormal researchers who occasionally visit the site for personal investigations.

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This comprehensive look at the poltergeist activity at the New Jersey State Hospital provides an in-depth exploration of this mysterious and enduring phenomenon, supported by historical context and eyewitness accounts.