Bolton Mansion Night Ghost Hunt at the 1687 Phineas Pemberton House

Read the full experience

The Bolton Mansion - also known as the Phineas Pemberton house - sits at 85 Holly Dr in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Built in 1687 with Federal-style additions from 1790 and early-19th-century wings, this is one of Pennsylvania's oldest standing homes and a rare place where architectural history and active ghost lore intersect. New Jersey Paranormal Investigations leads a nightlong, small-group investigation that balances museum-grade history with hands-on paranormal methods. Even before midnight the mansion reads like a field manual of local history: hand-hewn beams in the original one-room section, Federal-era mantelpieces, and the double windows on the second floor where witnesses report a child peering from inside. Your ticket buys a trustee-led walk through the house's 337-year timeline, followed by gear demonstrations with K2 meters, REM pods, shadow detectors and other devices the team uses in active research. The event limits groups to nine participants, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and allows time to test equipment in the main parlor, the basement where a shadow figure has been seen, and the east addition dated to 1810-1820. The investigation format blends brief instruction - an accessible "Ghost Hunting 101" - with free-roaming exploration, so curious guests can follow leads, repeat experiments, or quietly stake out a landing. Expect EVP work, EMF sweeps, and recorded sessions; the hosts encourage visitors to bring personal devices on airplane mode or their own meters if they have them. Practical notes: closed-toe shoes and a flashlight are required, and no alcohol is permitted on site. What sets this experience apart is its coupling of formal stewardship with active folklore. Bolton Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Homes; trustees actively preserve architectural fabric while documenting contemporary reports like the woman in white and accounts of a prowling "ghost cat." That dual role makes the venue unique: you're not just chasing gags for a camera - you're participating in a living archive of local memory. This evening is ideal for history-minded night owls who want hands-on learning more than Broadway scares. Hearing creaks under loading beams or catching a sudden spike on a K2 meter becomes more than a jump scare when you know which wall dates to 1687. Whether you arrive skeptical or convinced, the Bolton Mansion investigation delivers a focused, atmospheric night of research, story, and the kind of slow-building chills that linger on the drive home. The event runs about six hours and is limited to adults 18 and older, with a maximum group size of nine to minimize noise and protect fragile interiors. Wear layers - the house cools quickly at night - and bring water for the long session. If you have recording gear, label your files and note locations; coordinated timestamps help team correlate EVP and sensor data during post-investigation review.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

6 hours.

Fitness level

Minimal fitness required; participants should be able to stand and move through stairs and narrow rooms for long periods.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the investigation?

The investigation runs about six hours, typically beginning with a historic briefing followed by gear demos and free-roaming investigation.

Is this appropriate for children?

No. Events are limited to participants 18 years and older due to the content and overnight nature of the investigation.

What equipment is provided?

Organizers supply K2 meters, REM pods, shadow detectors and other standard paranormal gear; guests may bring personal devices on airplane mode.

Can I bring my own recording devices?

Yes. Guests are encouraged to label files and note locations; synchronized timestamps help correlate findings during review.

Are tickets limited?

Yes. Group size is limited to nine people to protect the site and keep investigations manageable and respectful of the property.

Is the mansion accessible?

Accessibility is limited; historic architecture includes narrow stairs and uneven floors. Contact organizers for specific accommodation questions.

Local insights

Wildlife

Great horned owl
Raccoon

History

The core of the house dates to 1687, with a Federal-style addition from 1790 and east sections dated to 1810-1820; it sits on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Conservation

Trustees actively manage preservation, so groups are kept small and handling is restricted to limit wear on original fabric.

About New Jersey Paranormal Investigations

New Jersey Paranormal Investigations conducts immersive ghost-hunting events and investigations based in Burlington, New Jersey. The organization offers a rotating roster of investigations at historic and allegedly haunted locations, including manor houses, museums, hotels, mansions, and a tattoo parlor. Events combine guided history tours, hands-on experiments, and the use of professional paranormal equipment such as K2 meters and thermal detectors. Several investigations are tied to charitable causes, including benefit events for the Center for Hope & Safety and Make‑A‑Wish, and other events that support recovery and community organizations. Trips range from exclusive, limited‑attendance nights—such as an investigation at West Hill Manor restricted to ten participants—to larger public investigations at sites like the Red Mill Museum Village, the Shanley Hotel, and the Strauss Mansion. Age restrictions apply for some events; many investigations require participants to be 18 or older. Investigations are led or guided by trustees and hosts at each location, and certain events feature named hosts, including a tattoo parlor investigation led by Sophia Wescott. For those who prefer remote participation, select investigations provide live coverage options. New Jersey Paranormal Investigations emphasizes historical context, structured experiments, and respectful conduct at historic properties. The organization highlights authenticity by partnering with site trustees and established venues, maintaining limited-access events, and promoting safety and charity support during public investigations. Investigations include events at the Ocean County Art Guild, the Samuel Miller Mansion in Columbia, PA, Taylor‑Butler House (Marlpit Hall), and the Strauss Mansion. Several investigations highlight historic significance and public storytelling and education.

Base locationLevittown, Pennsylvania

Tours offered8+

Adventure tips

Flashlight and backupsBring a strong flashlight and spare batteries; many investigation areas are dim and phone lights can wash out audio equipment.

Closed-toe footwearWear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to protect floors and for safe movement on stairs and in the basement.

Phone on airplane modePut devices on airplane mode to prevent interference with sensitive EMI/EVP gear while still using them as torches or recorders.

Respect the artifactsDo not touch historic surfaces or move items; the trustees monitor preservation and handling can damage fragile features.

Recommended gear

Flashlight with spare batteries: Reliable illumination is essential for safe movement and focused investigation in dark rooms.
Closed-toe shoes: Protects feet on uneven floors and steep staircases inside the historic structure.
Portable audio recorder or phone on airplane mode: Useful for capturing EVPs and backing up official recordings; timestamp files for later review.
Warm, layered clothing: Interior temperatures can drop quickly at night; layers keep you comfortable during long sessions.