Students gathered at the G.W. Frank Museum last week as ghost hunter Ross Allison gave them a look into the world of paranormal investigation. Attendees first learned about the museum’s history, past accounts of paranormal activity and the equipment used in ghost hunting, before taking part in an interactive investigation of the museum.
Allison, founder of Advanced Ghost Hunters of Seattle-Tacoma, brought over 30 years of experience as he shared his background and provided equipment for students to use during the investigation.
“We started before ghost hunting was as popular as it is today,” Allison said. “Back then, you didn’t want to tell people you were ghost hunting, otherwise you’d be alone at the party.”
Students were given tools such as motion sensors, temperature instruments, dowel rods and ping pong balls to guide their search. The investigation began on the upper floor, moved to the main floor and concluded in the basement. Allison led the investigation, but encouraged students to ask questions and point out paranormal activity throughout the tour.
April White, director of the G.W. Frank Museum, said stories of past paranormal sightings have circulated for years. While only one confirmed death is known to have happened inside the building, its long history contributes to reports of paranormal activity.
“People say they see things on the stairway, and sometimes in the basement,” White said. “If there are any spirits here, they’re very friendly.”
The Lopers Programming and Activities Council initially wanted to investigate West Center for the event, which once served as a tuberculosis hospital and is rumored to be far more paranormally active.
“It is estimated that about 600 to 800 people have died inside of that building,” White said. “There’s a security guard who won’t even go in there at night.”
Due to stricter building regulations and challenges in deciding which areas to hold the investigation in, the event took place in the museum for the second year in a row.
Kody Tejral, a UNK junior and co-chair of the LPAC programming committee, said the G.W. Frank Museum is the best fit for a paranormal investigation.
“The museum is a better environment than any of the campus buildings anyways,” Tejral said. “We aren’t able to shut off lights in any other buildings at any time of day.”
Interest for the event still remained high, with both investigation sessions of the night filling all available spots.
While initial plans to host in West Center didn’t work out, Renae Zimmer, director of student engagement at UNK, was happy students had the chance to both learn and have fun.
“It’s a way to show that history can be exciting while also giving students a hands-on experience,” Zimmer said.
The event offered students a chance to explore both history and the unknown in a single night. With plans to possibly expand to new locations next year, organizers hope to continue combining education and entertainment in future events.
