After searching for records on the Internet, looking through microfiche in the library and historical societies, and investigating records at City Hall, what else can you do to research an active haunting? Small communities may not have a historical society, but usually there is still a local historian. Ask around, but don't be discouraged if no name comes up. The local newspaper or library may be able to give contact information for the local historian, who is often an amateur history buff or a retired history professor.

Advertising and Canvassing

Running an ad in the local newspaper or posting a query to message boards for the area may turn up leads to events in the past. It doesn't have to be a large ad or even refer to ghosts directly. You merely need to say you want to talk to someone who has knowledge of a particular address at a particular time.

Neighbors and former neighbors are often happy to come forward to tell you what they have heard about a haunted location. Sometimes they will know how to reach former occupants of the house who may have experienced something during their time at the property.

These days, people seem more relaxed and tolerant of the paranormal. There is more acceptance of it by the mainstream, so many people are actually eager to speak of their experiences. Interviews with these people should be conducted with the same care and courtesy as those with the primary residents who called you in.

Use What You Have

If a number of years have passed, memories will often be hazy. People may not remember the details or may make things up to fill in the gaps. The information obviously isn't as fresh as that you obtain from people who were more recent residents or neighbors, but there should be enough to draw some parallels between the older reports and the newer ones. If any of the witnesses have children, be discreet around them. It can be quite scary for children to have to deal with talk of ghosts and hauntings, and they should be sent out of the room before you begin the interview.

Dealing with Curious Neighbors

Occasionally, neighbors or former residents will want to know what is going on and why you are investigating. Discuss this possibility with your client before you cast a wide net to interview others. The client may not want any publicity and may not want anyone else to be brought into the case. Always honor their wishes regarding confidentiality. Those who don't put any restrictions on the investigation may find that by not limiting the research they are giving themselves a better chance of resolving the case satisfactorily. Although finding the history is important, it may not actually be relevant to the case you're investigating. Do not assume that connections exist until the facts support it.