Archive of the Afterlife – Follow Up 1 Investigation

Archive of the Afterlife

February 10, 2023

Cameron, WV

 

Investigation

 

Located just south of Pittsburgh, PA, across the West Virginia border, through the weaving and winding rural backroads rests a very normal and stereotypical blue collar house in the midst of the small town of Cameron. Travelers beware, however, as this very normal and very standard two story house hides wonders and gorgeous artifacts from the world over. While this is not the original incarnation of the museum, it’s former home in the former Sanford Elementary School, the house that is it’s current home holds a very unique and otherworldly electricity of its own. Combined with those aforementioned artifacts, this location does seem to draw on its visitors for a certain energy that tends to come and go, dissipating as it likes.

 

Each artifact holds its own unique energy and, the way that the intelligent and ever thinking Steve Hummel designed the small house has managed to separate these energies in different rooms and on separate floors. The more predominant items dedicated to specific rooms sprawled throughout the Archive of the Afterlife include a full room décor and artifacts from World War II and acquired from all walks of life, a mortuary room complete with real display coffins, a room full of dolls surrounding every corner of the room, a room where a book left bloodied from a murder combines this true unadulterated fear with that of the ethereal with an entire bookshelf lined with Ouija boards, an aptly nicknamed hospital room which encapsulates everything from hospital beds to wheelchairs to strange relics collected from former hospitals over time, and finally the red-lit room holding artifacts which were utilized in spirituals rituals and even exorcisms all culminating in the center of the room encapsulated in a glass case: the Hope Doll. This particular doll is locked tight inside this case and even blessed regularly by Steve himself, all hoping to keep whatever malevolent being which is said to be trapped inside this doll at bay. Unfortunately due to the fear of break ins and robbery, some of the more predominant pieces (which Steve does in fact bring along to conventions and displays on occasion) are not regularly displayed including rarities of the Old Sparky execution cap from the Moundsville Penitentiary, the Bible owned by the gangster John Dillinger, and another owned by serial killer  Aileen Wuornos. All of these artifacts are safely secured off-site.

 

 

Strange noises like footsteps, knocks, and whispers are said to regularly be reported and the changing of energies has been noted to Steve in the past, particularly on the second floor. Some artifacts throughout the museum seem to draw particular and specific attention like that of the blood stained ‘The Foot Book’ by Dr. Seuss which has been related to whispers and footsteps pacing in that room. The entirety of the Hope Doll Room, aka the Dark Room, have been purportedly linked to nausea and just a general uncomfortable sensation. Whether this is directly related to the entity associated with the Hope Doll or another artifact entirely is still to be determined. Other tales aren’t necessarily related so much to any particular artifact and possibly more so to the combination of energy or the house itself as some tragedies have been recently uncovered surrounding the building and property in Cameron itself. An elderly couple reportedly passed away inside the building simply from old age and a woman, who lived in the former duplex nearby not in the building, was in a fatal car accident but still may be tied to this location and lost after this tragic accident. Even though nothing in particular has been recorded regarding the former B&O Railroad, it has been documented that the original lines ran right in front of the building which could link this location to a slew of stories and local legends from the small town.

 

While the age old tales of footsteps and whispers have been recorded here and stories have been passed around regarding Rempod activity, EVP’s, and light anomalies, we did have first hand experiences from a prior investigation which yielded spectacular results. The Doll Room provided us with voices and a pair of red eyes which could not be debunked by us or Steve himself. In this same area, we had a clear vision of a young girl with pigtails and a blue dress all the while we captured a face in the shadows of that very back room where this vision occurred. In the Hope Doll Room there was a clear figure spotted thanks to the SLS camera showing that a shorter entity seemed to be appearing in the closet and climbing up the wall only to disappear near the ceiling. With this past personal experience, we were excited to attempt to debunk these occurrences and we were already well versed on the building and artifacts so we knew exactly what areas to focus on.

 

 

Aside from our normal tardiness due to a pit stop at a local barbecue spot of Brady’s Roadhouse in Waynesburg, PA, we had high hopes on a much more straight shot to the museum, but alas, we were once again caught off guard by the weaving and winding roads. Being that this is a follow up investigation, rather than continuing to dig into the history or the past investigations any further, we (and surely you) would just prefer to move right along into this second visit to the Archive of the Afterlife.

 

As always, we welcome any and all opinions as well as any personal experiences you may have had here. After you explore our findings with us, please feel free to email or comment your own thoughts!

 

As always, you have been warned, that some of this is not for the faint of heart and can be slightly explicit:

 

Pre Investigation / Walkthrough / Interview 

 

Our new approach of interviewing owners or operators started off on a great foot with Steve being as understanding and as professional as they come. With this being our first go round, he was more than helpful and gave us plenty of incites along the way all the while helping answer any and all questions we had for him. However, this was not the only thing experienced this early on, but rather the activity was noticeable not just during our review but even as we were there mid-interview! Two moments were captured and recognized by all of us. The first was the camera acting sporadic, turning on and off even though it was fully charged and had full capacity. The next was a thud heard from an adjoining room away from the group but was definitely heard by all standing around in the entry area where the interview was recorded. The third odd moment captured during this time was not heard by any of the team members or Steve. While Steve was explaining that one of his artifacts was stored at his home, an EVP of a whisper of the name ”Annie” was recorded on only one device which was situated away from the entire group.

 

Additional whispers were heard during our brief walk through as well, but never captured nor was clearly heard but also not explainable. As three of us were off in the WWII Room, Jim Jack heard what he thought was one of us talking to him. As he spun around, to his complete dismay, we were all in a completely different area.

 

Photos:

 

• There was nothing apparent or out of the ordinary captured here.

 

 

Recording 1 – EVP:

 

 

• As we were a little bit into the interview, we set a backup recorder in the hallway leading toward the Casket Room. A low whisper of a woman’s voice could be heard at :30 reiterating Steve’s story of “Annie.”

 

Recording 2 – EVP:

 

 

• A strange occurrence beeping was heard here as if to guide our attention to the camera as if the battery was low or the memory card space was nearly full. Neither of these things are true, and it was simply a compelling thought that this camera was being toyed with or drained by someone we couldn’t see. These beeps were heard at :27 and :31.

 

Recording 3 – EVP:

 

 

• As we took a break and discussed the building and new artifacts, this thud noise occurred at :17 and the three of us who were present in this room could clearly hear this in the moment.

 

Video 1 – Cell Camera:

 

• We heard a banging noise prior to this clip, and we can be seen attempting to track it down to no avail.

 

 

Video 2 – Stationary Trail Camera:

 

• All throughout the night, when investigating a particular room, we would place the trail camera which was originally located in that room into the hallway to avoid the camera turning on constantly. During these moments, we never thought we’d catch anything but rather thought we’d save ourselves some time in the review process. However, there were some lights which were captured moving sporadically in this clip around :07.

 

 

Video 3 – Stationary Trail Camera:

 

• Much like the previous clip, we never thought we’d gather much here but once more, to prove us wrong, another light anatomy was spotted at :02 and :05 moving very unnaturally.

 

 

Doll Room

Much like the previous investigation, we began in this bedroom affixed with dolls no matter what direction you look, supplying its nickname. During our first investigation we experienced a pair of phantom red eyes which we could not pinpoint an explanation for at the time, Steve had also joined us on this hunt to no avail or reasoning. This is also the area Dan received a clear vision of a young girl with blond pigtails and a powder blue dress. Only after the investigation did we realize we captured what looked like a face in that exact area close by to that timeframe. History of hauntings in this area have helped back up these claims as sensations of being watched from afar and the feeling as though visitors are stepping on stage with all those doll eyes fixated on anyone entering the room. While all of these dolls have specific backstories, some tend to bring out uneasiness and even nauseous in guests. While these tales are tied to that of Izzy and Lydia, we were not able to pin down any specific doll that exudes more energy than any of the others.

We felt a similar pull to this room during our walkthrough but during our time spent in here during our investigation we did not experience much outside of some Ovilus activity which never really tied into much conversation or intelligence. However, even though we felt as though we spent ample time here, we may have moved on a little prematurely as we captured a heavy breath as well as another still slightly indecipherable voice. While here, we also believe that someone was toying with some of our devices like the laser grid which flickered and, later in the night, a stationary camera was knocked over.

We were unable to duplicate any of the evidence which was previously captured leaving those few moments as still unexplained.

 

Photos:

• There was an interesting moment where we captured a figure in the SLS camera seated next to a doll which was unmapped.

 

 

Recording 1 – EVP:

 

• Prior to us setting up here, there was a noise echoing from the back room just as a feeling of sadness rushed over the group. The majority of this clip is simply to document the Ovilus readings as some points were noticeably intelligent while others seemed random at best.
• “My baby” was seen on the Ovilus at :36 after we asked if any of these dolls belonged to them.
• After some silence, the Ovilus read “Offended” at 1:11 and “Ticket” at 1:35.
• We did record the name of “Anthony” thanks to the Ovilus at 1:50.
• An odd combination of “Level” and “Anna” was shown at 1:55 followed by “Process” at 1:59.
• Another name was then shown at 2:37 of “Frank” then, as if continuing, “Is here” at 2:40.
• We explained that we have come with good intentions and a question of “What?” was recorded on the Ovilus at 3:20.
• As we continued to ask who was with us and who we were speaking with, the word “Without” was recorded at 3:40.
• Yet another combination was shown at 4:30 with “Angel” and “Children.”
• More odd words came across pretty quickly at this point starting with “Ours” at 4:44, “decided” at 4:50” and “Frustrated” at 5:26.
• We pushed for some type of communication and the Ovilus produced “Drink” at 7:15 and “Nathan” at 8:15.

 

Recording 2 – EVP:

 

• There was a strange noise here, as if someone was speaking very softly at :07 and was inaudible. Unfortunately, if we clean this up anymore, it would be completely distorted.
• A soft breath was then heard here at :24.

 

Recording 3 – EVP:

 

• This capture is similar to the previous Ovilus announced communication and we have called out every moment where something was produced and what, if anything, it could have meant.
• We asked if one of these dolls belonged to them and at :10, the Ovilus produced “How?”
• After we begged them not to be afraid of us, the Ovilus showed “Two” and “Fell” at 1:05. The first word could be relating to the prior question of ‘Did any of these dolls belong to you?’ whereas the second word was still quite random.
• We followed this up and asked if they fell. At 1:46, the word “Hello” was produced.
• After Dan introduced himself, the word “Closer” was seen at 2:03 as if they now wanted him to move closer inside the room.
• The Ovilus then produced an almost laughable “Haunted,” after some silence, at 3:58 then “Peek” at 4:05 as if someone was peeking out from that back room where the noise was heard.
• An ominous word of “Die” was shown at 4:37.
• The Ovilus then strung together a few words that finally made some sense combined with a visual representation of this energy. These words began with “Grandmother” at 6:11 followed by the laser grid flickering as if someone had passed in front of it, we could be heard reacting to this moment at 6:17. “Open” was then shown at 6:37 and “Heaven” at 6:45.
• “Adam” was then shown on the Ovilus at 7:00.
• A minute later, at 8:00, the Ovilus produced an entire phrase of “A long time ago” after we asked if they were stuck here.
• The end of this was cut out without anyone touching the recorder to top off this odd combination of energy and communication.

 

Recording 4 – EVP:

 

• Even though we attempted to continue communication and pull in more energy, nothing else was heard here in the remainder of this recording and investigation session.. 

 

Video 1 – Handheld Camera:

 

• The conversation utilizing the Ovilus was seen here, however, there was nothing visually out of place or noticeable.

 

 

Video 2 – Cell Phone Camera:

 

• We were documenting the light from the laser grid but unfortunately the flicker of the light occurred before this video.

 

 

Murder Book Room

Down the hall from the Doll Room is a very open and artifact-filled room. Here, there are two noteworthy artifacts which have been said to be linked to unusual and unexplained activity. The first is the namesake of the room where a bloodied Dr. Seuss’ book is encased in the center of the room. The book itself was a witness to a murder with blood stains clearly visible. This piece is said to give guests uneasy sensations but draw their long gaze as if they can’t turn away. The second is a stack of Ouija Boards which are accumulated in the corner of the room. Naturally, tales of unexplained activity are reported in this area such as footsteps and whispers as if the boards are calling out in hopes of being utilized.

During the last investigation we did not spend much time in this spot aside from a passing glance. We decided to spend some time here during this second investigation but aside from some names appearing on the Ovilus and the sensation of being watched from afar, we did not experience much in the form of paranormal or other worldly activity.

 

Photos:

• There was nothing to note from our photographs here.

 

 

Recording 1 – EVP:

 

• Much like the Doll Room, we confirmed a slew of communication through the Ovilus but aside from those sporadic moments we did not capture or experience anything paranormal. What we have dictated here are the Ovilus productions whether it’s intelligent communication, residual energies, or completely debunkable verbiage.
• Early on, the Ovilus produced the name “Martha” at :26.
• After a brief silence, the name “Beverly” was provided at 2:55 followed by “Cold” at 3:28.
• As if relating to the Ovilus and our other tools, “Computer” was seen at 3:47.
• Confusingly, the number “47” was shown at 4:19 followed by “Games” at 4:25.
• A greeting of “Hello” was then provided at 4:43 then “Lawrence” at 4:54. This could have been some type of residual communication we were able to experience but what’s odd is that Jim Jack’s real name is (shh don’t tell anyone) just that of Lawrence.
• As if a little timid, the word “Innocent” was shown at 6:17.
• We had asked who they were talking about in reference to the ‘Innocent’ comment when we were told “Leave me alone” at 6:41 via the Ovilus.
• Another name of “Olivia” was shown at 6:57 then the word “Spell” at 7:27 after Derrick had a sneezing fit.
• The Ovilus then produced “Immune” at 8:46.
• Once again we were told “Leave me alone” at 9:30.
• At 11:19, we were simply told “Bathroom” through the Ovilus.
• With a lack of further decisive communication and being told to leave them alone multiple times, we agreed to do so and moved on at that point.

 

Video 1 – Handheld Camera:

 

• The only thing that was noticed here was the Ovilus producing a “Hello” at about :45, nothing visually was captured.

 

 

Dark Room (Hope Doll Room)

As we’ve once again come upon the awe inspiring and ominous entry sign of ‘WARNING – Dangerous Haunted Items’ we were naturally drawn to this room filled with artifacts from rituals and exorcisms that were passed along to Steve. He has appropriately stored all of these items here in this room in hopes of keeping this energy locked into the same space away from the remainder of the artifacts and house in general. A single red light illuminates the surrounding bookshelves filled with everything from totems to crucifixes all leading to the Hope Doll who is sealed inside a glass case with a Rosary around her neck and surrounded by blessed crucifixes all in hopes of keeping whatever supposedly malevolent force locked inside this vessel and away from anyone it may wish to harm or manipulate. Rumors have told that this dark entity could be a vengeful spirit or even demonic. The typical unexplained phenomena that is said to occur here are footsteps, visitors being touched, and a very overwhelming feeling of not being wanted or, an opposing sensation, being drawn toward the Hope Doll possibly in hopes of being released.

Throughout our last investigation we managed to capture a small figure through our SLS camera practically climbing through the mirror and disappearing near the ceiling. However, much like prior tales of the Hope Doll she did not map in the SLS camera. While investigating this room, we captured footsteps and knocks while we captured a few names through our Phasma Box of “Francis” and “Charlie.” As we took pictures of the artifacts and the Hope Doll we did hear pleas of “Please don’t” through the Phasma Box as we were surrounded by negative sensations and commands of not to take pictures.

We set out to attempt to duplicate and debunk this SLS figure first off during this second time back. However, no matter what angle or movement, we could not recreate this figure. Once again though, the Hope Doll would not map but after finding out that the case was in fact open we managed to capture a new SLS figure as if someone were sitting on top of the case itself. Aside from a few notable Ovilus captures as if commanding us to open the case or, in hindsight, telling us that the case was already open we also managed to capture some creaking footsteps and an odd clicking sound on the far side of the room nearest the Hope Doll. 

 

Photos:

• We have shown an image through our SLS camera where it appeared as though a figure was situated on top of the Hope Doll’s case.

 

 

Recording 1 – EVP:

 

• At the start of this investigation we also pulled some communication via the Ovilus and while none of this can truly be categorized as paranormal some of the communication here did in fact make sense and even continued conversations we attempted.
• Early on, Dan began to feel his head pounding and the Ovilus produced “Open” at :22 and “Drown” at :53. The first word of “Open” could be directed toward the Hope Doll case which we actually found later on into the night that this case was already opened. The “Drowned” could be related to how they died as we asked this question previously.
• With a long pause and no activity, the Ovilus showed “Crazy” at 3:20.
• Naturally, we asked if they thought we were crazy to which the Ovilus produced the word “Agreed” at 3:39.
• Dan’s headache picked up again here and began throbbing worse and following another lengthy silence the Ovilus showed “Peace” at 6:27 just as his head started to ease up.

 

Recording 2 – EVP:

 

• There was a creaking noise captured here at :07 after we asked them to give us a sign that they were with us.

 

Recording 3 – EVP: 

 

• A very similar sound of footsteps or creaks were heard at :11 as we discussed the Hope Doll. A good comparison was also recorded here as Dan’s foot could be heard moving at the start of this clip so there seems to be a clear difference.

 

Recording 4 – Spirit Box:

 

• After we asked what they’re afraid of, we heard “That thing” at :04 possibly in reference to the Spirit Box.

 

Recording 6 – ESTES:

 

• At :15 “Hey” was heard on the Spirit Box and Jim Jack repeated this as he heard it in person.

 

Recording 7 – ESTES:

 

• With some silence we agreed and said we don’t blame them for not liking people and “You” was heard at :08 on the Spirit Box, Jim Jack also noted this.

 

Recording 8 – ESTES:

 

• After much silence, a clicking type noise was recorded at :01 and :04 with no explanation.

  

Video 1 – Following Noise from Doll Room:

 

• Prior to this video, we heard a noise coming from down the hall, particularly it seemed to come out of the Doll Room but nothing was captured here.

 

 

Video 2 – Handheld Camera:

 

• The same conversation utilizing the Ovilus then the Spirit Box could both be witnessed throughout this video. The only few noticeable items that did draw our attention were the creaking noise (also heard on the recorder) at 8:13 with no apparent suspect causing this. Further creaking and footsteps could be heard at 10:07, also with no culprit causing this.
• In addition, the phrase “Yes sir” could be heard at 13:27 and this occurred after our recorder shut off.

 

 

Video 3 – SLS:

 

• As we attempted to map the Hope Doll, unsuccessfully once more, a figure was actually spotted on top of the case where the Hope Doll was sealed – or so we thought.

 

 

Video 4 – Stationary Trail Camera:

 

• As we left these trail cameras run all throughout the night, there were some oddities captured starting with this clip at :05 where a light could be seen by the chair.

 

 

Video 5 – Stationary Trail Camera:

 

• A similar light was noted here at :02 but this time in front of the case itself.

 

 

Casket Room

On the first floor, exploring the funerary side of death, this room showcases caskets, podiums, bibles and everything in between that comes to mind with a funeral. These items have all been gifted to Steve in hopes of saving the historical value of them and they all hold different sentimental values to guests but among these thought provoking pieces are wicker caskets; one adult size and one which was created to hold a very young child perhaps even a baby. These are unsettling enough but when you begin to combine some of the experiences which some visitors have had here it really makes you wonder what lingers within some of these artifacts. 

During our first investigation we did not spend much time here aside from passing through although it definitely held an eerie pull to it. This time, we planned to spend a decent amount of time here and right off the bat during our walkthrough Jim heard a voice speaking to him while everyone else was in the World War II Room. As we attempted our first investigation here, two of us initially smelled the distinct smell of lilac as though stepping directly into a funeral parlor. Following this moment, a cold breeze burst through the room as if someone had just opened a door. As we noted this moment and attempted to find ductwork, open windows or doors, and even pinpoint the random draft we this cold breeze turned more toward Jim and, as explained to us, this cold spot felt as though someone placed their hand on his cheek almost as if comforting. While we continued to poke and pry, we were pulled away with the word “Hospital” coming through desperately on our devices. At that moment we opted to follow this and headed upstairs into the Hospital Room.

 

Photos:

• There was one notable image of a figure provided by the SLS camera seen as if a child then a second figure as if the parent.

 

 

Recording 1 – EVP:

 

• Even before we began recording, we stepped in and immediately noticed a scent of lilac and the Ovilus had produced the words “Mostly” and “Old.” 
• Another note is that Dan and Steve could be heard here in the background.
• Starting at :09, the word “Evil” was shown in the Ovilus.
• With another large gap of silence we asked them if they could come speak to us, at which we heard “Don’t go there” at 3:15. We’re unsure if that was a sarcastic remark and we weren’t supposed to ask or if we were supposed to stay away from the baby casket we began moving toward.
• A cold burst of air was felt by Jim Jack and Derrick around 5:43 followed strangely by “Hide now” on the Ovilus at 5:57.
• The cold picked up and actually grew even colder around 6:20 as if there was a breeze and Jim noticed it was on his cheek as if someone placed a hand there but it was freezing cold rather than warmth.
• Not long after, the cold dissipated around 6:34 leaving us with “Hospital” on the Ovilus at 7:42 to which we obliged and headed that direction.

 

Video 1 – SLS:

 

• Throughout this clip, a small figure was seen through the SLS inside the casket followed by a second larger figure next to the casket as if portraying a parent and child.

 

 

Video 2 – SLS:

 

• To further build on the last clip, we attempted to move around and debunk this but the figures still appeared in the same locations.

 

 

Video 3 – SLS:

 

• As we continued to try to debunk this, eventually, both figures disappeared.

 

 

Hospital

This openly displayed room calls back to an old hospital where the patients were laid out on a metal framed bed surrounded by small metal trays and tables while the random Armoire  housed the patient’s clothes and backup nursing uniforms and wheelchair were strewn about waiting for the next patient. Each piece is gently used and well cared for by the museum and showcases the history and growth of the medical field with old medical tools and lobotomy picks sealed behind glass cases allowing guests to see where the medical field began all the way up to modern day and how far we’ve come. With all of these relics safely stored here, it’s rumored that some of these items hold energy dating back to when they were in use, some of the patients being saved, as well as being lost, could have led to a storage of redistribution of energy through these tools. Some of the more common claims from this area are simple creaks and footsteps as if someone is either pacing or entering and exiting as if checking on a patient. 

Our first exploration of this building yielded some odd results all harkening to the likelihood that we were not wanted here as we recorded laughter numerous times and Dan had a throbbing headache for the duration of our investigation of this room as it dissipated as we left the area.

After we were seemingly called up here, a sense that we were unwelcomed was immediate and the closet where the wooden wheelchair was stored below the hanging nurse’s dresses definitely felt darker as if something occurred here in the past. Even though we did feel cold here, we didn’t seem to communicate with anyone but the most captivating evidence experienced in this room was actually when no one was present. As Jim and Dan were in the Dark Room, eventually making their way downstairs, Derrick was speaking with Steve. The duo downstairs heard what sounded like a heavy ball rolling across the floor above us which was in fact the Hospital Room. Derrick and Steve did not particularly react to this noise at first as they both thought Dan and Jim possibly kicked a cat ball or knocked something over but as they returned downstairs they did not even notice that noise. Upon investigating this strange occurrence, nothing seemed out of place and there was no reasonable explanation for this sound. However, upon a review of our videos, one stationary camera was left in this Hospital Room which did capture this noise, still unexplainable to the extent that nothing was seen to create it nor any disturbance could be accounted for to create such a noise.

 

Photos:

• There was nothing to note from our photographs here.

 

 

Recording 1 – EVP:

 

• During our time here and in this recording, the Ovilus seemed to be quite active and the odd sensations of being immediately struck cold and just an uneasy feeling near the wheelchair were noted.
• Starting with the word “Dark” seen on the Ovilus at :12 we opted to turn the light on for them.
• A seemingly confused question of “Why am I here?” was produced at :15 followed by “Curious” at :30.
• Following this moment, around :35, the room grew increasingly colder as the odd, uneasy feeling occurred near the wheelchair in the closet at :45.
• We then received another question of “Can you hear me?” through the Ovilus at 1:02.
• After some silence, the words “Finish” and “Kneel” were produced on the Ovilus at 2:40 and 2:45 respectively.
• We responded and told them we will not kneel and the word “Sinner” was then shown at 3:34.
• As we questioned this, and asked what made them think they could call us sinners as a question of “Are you a friend” was shown at 4:14 then “Real” was shown at 4:17 as if tying into this question fully formed as “Are you a real friend?”
• The word “Color” was then noted at 4:56.
• After we asked if they needed help, the Ovilus produced “Maybe” back to us at 5:29.
• Finally, after more silence and as we approached our time to move on, the word “Disfigured” was shown at 7:30.

 

Recording 2

 

• We recorded the sound of an unexplained ball rolling and we are still unsure what to make of this.

 

After a second evening spent in the Archive of the Afterlife, reviewing our captured evidence in depth, relying on Steve’s expertise and help regarding some of these moments, and recording our personal experiences we have been able to pinpoint quite a few unexplained occurrences from this visit. In addition, we had the opportunity to attempt to debunk some of our evidence from the prior investigation which we were unable to for the majority of these phenomena. Once more, we can confirm our previous findings and help solidify the claim that the Archive of the Afterlife Paranormal Museum located in the small town of Cameron, WV holds a very intriguing energy all throughout the building itself and pulls in a combination of unique energies from some of the artifacts on display inside.

As the information regarding the building itself continues to roll in, the majority of the artifacts are well documented and openly shared with all. This combination of written history and passed down tales along with the results from our initial investigation have helped guide us further along during this follow up investigation between uncovering new evidence as well as authenticating the previous evidence. This information not only helped guide us the night of the investigation but it also helped drive our further research and analysis during this second time around.

Personal experiences, emotions, and sensations were duplicated here from our initial investigation moving into this follow up. Even though the majority of these phenomena were not captured, or even able to be captured like when we were physically touched, there were a few moments where we managed to record and capture some type of paranormal evidence through our digital recorders and stationary video cameras. 

The more personal moments occurred with simple atmospheric changes, sensations of cold spots and breezes, scents, and even being emotionally affected via headaches and personality swings. The cold spots and blowing air as paired up with the scent of lilacs occurred in the Casket Room whereas personality alterations and headaches occurred in the Dark Room. 

Our most intriguing gathered evidence actually occurred at seemingly random intervals and more often than not when we were unaware or unexpecting, as if someone was trying to draw our attention elsewhere. There was a combination of moments that we recognized while during our investigation whereas others were only noticeable upon review. We noticed some odd noises during our initial interview and did record this thud or bang coming from the Casket Room but during our review, during this same time frame, we captured a voice saying “Annie.” A similar moment occurred during our time in the Dark Room where we both heard and captured some creaking footsteps and creaks while the opposite was captured in the Doll Room as we didn’t think we captured much activity here but, upon our review, we recorded a heavy breath and a still indecipherable phrase.

While spending some time in the Dark Room, we did capture a few photographic anomalies mainly thanks to our SLS camera. During our first investigation, we had noticed a smaller figure in the camera in the closet, however, this time around we noticed a figure almost sitting atop the Hope Doll case. This felt as though this entity was mocking us and upon a further review of the case itself later in the night, it was in fact open. After sifting through some of our videos, thanks to our stationary cameras, we noticed a few other visual oddities like lights moving sporadically up and back the second floor hallway almost as if pacing. Even though we had a stationary camera set up in the Hospital Room, what it captured was not visual but rather caught what Derrick and Steve heard while downstairs; the sound of a ball rolling. There is still no explanation for this but at least it was caught thanks to this camera.

 

 

It’s hard, if not impossible, to differentiate where the energy is truly emanating from, whether it is the building, the artifacts, or a combination is still unknown. While the house feels more comforting and almost welcoming there are numerous rooms which feel different and even foreboding. However, these rooms each house different elements such as dolls, personal belongings, and ritualistic artifacts that can certainly bring different energies and, maybe even associated spirits, with them filling each room where they’re housed.

Inside the Dark Room, we believe we met with some type of Trickster element. This could be tied to a number of artifacts in this room or to the Hope Doll itself. The Doll Room seemed as though someone wanted to speak with us but were either not comfortable enough to do so or they were being held back by something else. The Casket Room and the Hospital Room seemed to be tied together and both utilized as distractions through numerous occurrences. Based on our recorded paranormal evidence as well as our personal experiences from not only one night but including this second, follow up investigation we can confidently conclude that the building and artifacts held within its walls are subject to paranormal activity and ethereal energies. The evidence we gathered was mainly in the form of recordings but ranged from creaks and footsteps to breaths and spoken words. Some of the photographic evidence was captured in SLS photographs while the videos helped tie together some of the strange noises throughout the night as well as help capture some strange lights. This all led to our belief in residual energies left to reverberate here from both the building’s long lost history combined with some of those artifacts which have found a new home in this building. However, with some of the verbal communication combined with the apparent distractions, we have also been led to believe that there is some partial intelligent energies left here tied directly to some of the artifacts. 

Our goal is to build upon our investigations and others experiences to help direct Steve toward what energies and spirits may be attached to the building and the artifacts. As the history of the building continues to be uncovered by the tireless efforts of Steve, we will continue to document our findings in hopes of tying some pieces of information together whether it is directly connecting to the building or some of the artifacts, which new ones tend to be added to this beautifully curated collection and museum on a regular basis. We hope to be back soon to continue our investigations and to build upon our documented findings and share them with all guests, and walks of life (and the dead, too?) who visit the museum.