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The Noah Webster House
History meets Mystery!
Investigation:
Potentially haunted historic homestead, West Hartford Connecticut.
Date: March 12, 2008
Investigators: Jeffrey Messenger, Cher LaLuna, Dan Murzin
Equipment Used:
3 Sony Hi-8 Camcorders, with peripheral Infrared illumination
2 Digital still cameras
2 Digital Recorder, with boundary microphone peripheral
1 Electromagnetic Field Gauss Meter
SPI Investigation Case Ranking: D
On the evening of March 12, 2008, three investigators from SPI visited the Noah Webster Homestead. The investigative group included Director Jeffrey Messenger, Investigator Dan Murzin, and Psychic Cher Laluna.
The Executive Director of the Noah Webster House, along with other museum representatives, consulted with the team.
SPI set up four Hi-8 camcorders, with infrared boosters, throughout the house. One camcorder was set in the attic, one in an upstairs bedroom, and two stayed with the team and remained handheld. Cher and Dan took several digital photos through the old house. Three digital recorders were utilized. One question session was conducted, with the hopes of recording examples of spirit voice, otherwise known as “electronic voice phenomena.” Later review would subtract background noise from a nearby wine tasting event.
Jeff was primarily interested in three reports concerning the homestead.
1. The website “Shadowlands” reports that witnesses often see a female in period clothing pass by a window, carrying a candle or lamp.
2. The same website reports the sighting of bright orb formations in the front garden.
3. Museum staffers report the frequent opening of an old door leading to the basement. They believed it to be caused by “drafts.” The door was now braced shut with a heavy weight.
Upon speaking with a woman involved with the Museum, Jeff learned that some nighttime events at the house involved guides dressed in period clothing. Staffers frequently carried flashlights or lamps through the house at night.
The basement door had an antique latch and hook system, but did seem secure when properly latched. If the door wasn’t latched securely, it had a natural pop and drift effect…it would open about four inches.
Although the basement rapidly cooled during the evening, Jeff didn’t note any strong drafts. Even when it became quite windy after sunset, the basement air was relatively still. The door didn’t seem “airtight,” thus air pressure changes should have a minimal effect.
The old house experienced a dramatic temperature drop after sunset.
No visible phenomenon that could be considered “paranormal” was filmed during the visit.
The empty attic featured some knocking and shuffling sounds, even before it became windy outside. It is uncertain if rodents or some other naturalistic explanation were responsible for these sounds.
Upon later review of Hi-8 and digital recordings, a few possible examples of “electronic voice phenomena” were noted, including a young voice superimposed over Cher’s voice... possibly saying “Mommy.”
The most compelling evps were recorded and discovered by investigator Dan Murzin. Some of these include:
A child like giggle was recorded while Cher spoke.
A wail or voice was caught that may say, “…Help me.”
A man’s voice says “Abby.”
SPI will research whether anyone named Abby has been associated with the house.
(Update: Unknown to SPI investigators, a woman named Abby does work for the Noah Webster museum. This particular Abby was not present during the investigation, however).
While compelling, the evidence collected is not strong enough to verify that this site is haunted. We cannot be absolutely certain that the potential evps collected were paranormal. SPI recommends further investigations.
SPI thanks the courteous staff of the Noah Webster house, and is very appreciative of the opportunity to investigate this famous site.
We all should give a nod of recognition to Noah Webster, an American Pioneer and scholar. For a true glimpse of American life as it was experienced more than two centuries ago, be sure to bring the entire family to the Noah Webster House in West Hartford, Connecticut!
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