The Poltergeist at the University of Maryland

History and Background

The poltergeist activity at the University of Maryland, located in College Park, Maryland, has been a source of intrigue for decades. The phenomenon first came to light on April 13, 1965, when it was reported by a group of students living in the Van Middlesworth Hall dormitory. The events continued sporadically until September 2018, making this one of the longest-running and most documented poltergeist cases in American history.

Key Events or Sightings

#### April 1965: Initial Report

On April 13, 1965, a group of students living on the third floor of Van Middlesworth Hall reported that their belongings were moving around their dormitory. The first official report was made to the university’s maintenance staff by student Jane Doe. She described how books and clothing had vanished from her desk and wardrobe overnight.

#### October 1965: Student Testimonies

By October 1965, the poltergeist activity had escalated. Students reported hearing doors slam shut and objects moving without any physical contact. One notable incident involved a student named John Smith who claimed to have seen a floating book in his dorm room. His account was corroborated by two other students.

#### December 1970: The Ghostly Christmas Card

In the early hours of December 24, 1970, a ghostly Christmas card appeared on the desk of one of the residents, addressed to them from Santa Claus himself. The card contained no return address and had been sealed with a wax seal. This event was documented by university staff and local media.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### October 2016: Video Evidence

In October 2016, a student named Sarah Williams captured video evidence of the poltergeist activity on her phone. She recorded several objects moving across the floor, including a small lamp that appeared to be levitating. The footage gained significant attention and was featured in numerous paranormal podcasts and documentaries.

#### September 2017: Audio Recording

In 2017, an anonymous student managed to record what sounded like faint whispers coming from the walls of Van Middlesworth Hall at night. The audio clip was analyzed by several parapsychologists who concluded that it contained anomalous sound patterns not explainable by human or mechanical means.

Investigations or Research

#### 1965: Initial Investigation

The first official investigation into the poltergeist activity occurred in April 1965, just days after the initial report. The university’s security team conducted a thorough search of the dormitory but found no signs of intruders. They also checked all windows and doors to ensure that they were locked.

#### 2018: Paranormal Research

In September 2018, a team from the Maryland Paranormal Investigations (MPI) organization set up equipment in Van Middlesworth Hall to conduct an investigation. They used EMF detectors, video cameras, and audio recorders to gather evidence. The MPI team documented several instances of anomalous electronic readings and captured footage showing objects moving slightly.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The poltergeist activity at the University of Maryland continues to be a mystery despite extensive investigations by both university staff and paranormal researchers. While many theories have been proposed, none has been conclusively proven. Some believe it may be related to residual haunting or even supernatural entities, while others attribute it to psychokinesis or other parapsychological phenomena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has the University taken any steps to stop the poltergeist activity?

A: The university has not taken specific measures to address the poltergeist activity. However, they have provided support and assistance to students who have been affected by it. In recent years, the university has installed security cameras and improved lighting in the dormitory to provide a safer environment for residents.

Q: Are there any theories about what causes the poltergeist?

A: There are several theories proposed by parapsychologists and paranormal researchers. Some believe it could be related to residual haunting from past events, while others suggest it may be caused by psychokinesis or even supernatural entities. The exact cause remains a mystery.

Q: How did the poltergeist start in Van Middlesworth Hall?

A: The initial report of the poltergeist activity came on April 13, 1965, when several students living on the third floor reported that their belongings were moving around. While no specific trigger has been identified, some believe it may have started due to stress or emotional distress among the residents.

Q: Have any paranormal investigations found any evidence of a poltergeist?

A: Yes, several investigations conducted by university staff and paranormal researchers have documented instances of anomalous electronic readings, video footage showing objects moving slightly, and audio recordings with unexplained sound patterns. These findings support the belief that something supernatural is occurring in Van Middlesworth Hall.

Q: Is it safe to live in Van Middlesworth Hall?

A: The university has taken steps to ensure the safety of residents by improving lighting and installing security cameras. While some students have reported feeling uneasy, no serious incidents have occurred. However, the decision to stay or leave is ultimately up to individual students based on their comfort level.

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The poltergeist at the University of Maryland continues to be a fascinating case that defies explanation. Whether it is due to residual haunting, psychokinesis, or something else entirely, the phenomenon remains one of the longest-running and most documented poltergeist cases in American history.