By David N. Britt
[email protected]
Dumfries, Va. –– More than 60 people had a paranormal experience at the Dumfries Community Center on Saturday.
The Weems-Botts Museum presented “Paranormal Research 101,” where Krystal Porras, founder and director of 3:33 AM Paranormal Research, shared the differences between “paranormal investigators” and “ghost hunters.”
Ghost hunters” use no sophisticated equipment and tend to be motivated by the possible thrill of the experience,” said Porras.
The full-time professional who works 50 hours a week, and is a wife and mother of five, spoke Saturday to a crowd was about 4 to 1 female –– and by their looks no one would be able to pin them down as heretics.
Porras demonstrated some of the equipment she and her team use in the field and recounted a host of stories to illustrate her presentation.
One of her favorite pieces of equipment is a simple Mini-Maglite LED pen light. Her investigations are done late at night, and she uses the light to communicate with spirits, she said.
She explained that once she made contact she’d ask yes or no questions, and the spirit would flash the pen light for yes, or leave it dark for no. Well, unbeknown to her, that same penlight had been flashing away merrily behind her as she spoke.
Joann Barron, Administrator of Historic Dumfries Inc, and event organizer used to be a non believer until she spent a night with Porras inside the museum.
During the investigation, the two women ended up in the former bedroom of a little girl who passed away years ago. Inside, they made contact with Mamie, the little girl, who turned out to be quite playful and fascinated with some of Krystal’s equipment.
They actually communicated with her for over an hour, said Barron.
There are over 9,000 unmarked graves on the grounds of the Weems-Botts museum. It is also known as the second-most haunted site in Virginia, said Barron.
The first is an abandoned mental institution.
The museum will hold two ghost walks April 16 – one during the day, which will be an abbreviated ghost tour of the museum, and an adults-only experience from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Those interested can call 703-221-2218 for details and reservations.
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