Dearly Departed

Staff, visitors and volunteers in the Sash Stalter Matson Building (the former Matson Public Library) in Princeton have had some unexplained experiences: the sound of footsteps in empty rooms, hearing voices, items knocked off shelves, or finding lights on at odd hours.

Last year, we decided we wanted to learn more about what we were experiencing in our historic buildings, so we reached out to the Society for Anomalous Studies (SAS), a group of paranormal investigators based in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, to conduct a paranormal investigation. Their first investigation was in the Clark Norris Museum.

This year, we wanted to know who is “haunting the stacks” of the former library building. The group have obtained video and audio evidence of paranormal activity during their multiple investigations on all levels of the building. This will be an audio-visual presentation of their findings.

The SAS team observes and documents their investigations in an attempt to capture tangible evidence of the paranormal. They observe best practices, as well as established protocols, to ensure they run clean investigations that are documented via multiple audio and video devices. They use a large variety of equipment, follow a planned investigation, and upon obtaining possible evidence, peer review it to help ensure its validity.

For the last 10 years, SAS has worked almost exclusively with historical societies and historic properties to support them with fundraising events.

All proceeds from this event will go to support the Bureau County History Center to maintain not only the Sash Stalter Matson Building, but also the two other historic properties we maintain.

Recommended for ages 12 and older. For entertainment only, learn about the many people represented at the Bureau County History Center through artifacts and personal history.

Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite below. A service charge will be added by Eventbrite for any tickets purchased online.