How long is the investigation?

The event runs approximately four hours: doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the investigation starts at 7:00 p.m.

How many people can attend?

This event is limited to 30 guests, so advance purchase is recommended.

What is the ticket price?

Adults (ages 12+) are $45.00 per person.

How do I cancel my reservation?

If you need to cancel, please call the 1890 House at 607-756-7551.

Is prior paranormal experience required?

No prior experience is required; hosts provide instruction on basic investigative techniques and equipment use.

Can I take photos or record video?

Photography policies may vary by room; bring discreet gear and check with staff on arrival—some spaces may restrict flash or tripod use.

Night Investigation at the 1890 House: Lost Souls Paranormal in Cortland, NY

On a quiet block of Tompkins Street in Cortland, New York, the 1890 House Museum stands like a stiff-shouldered witness to a century of local life and late-night tales. At 37 Tompkins St, the museum’s Victorian rooms, curved staircases, and original woodwork provide a compact, lantern-lit stage for Lost Souls Paranormal to run guided investigations that invite visitors to listen for things that won’t show themselves on a daytime tour. These are working nights: the museum opens at 6:30 p.m. and, over a four-hour session beginning at 7:00, up to thirty guests move through period parlors, bedrooms, and back passages testing theory with EMF meters, EVP sessions, and attentive quiet. In practice the event blends history and hands-on methodology. Hosts from Lost Souls Paranormal introduce the building’s provenance, recount local lore, and set expectations before teams split to explore signature features—parlor bay windows, a narrow servants’ stair, and the second-floor room reputed to have the strongest activity. The house’s timber framing, plaster walls, and late-19th-century furnishings create acoustic pockets and shadowed corners that make measurements matter; wood grain, iron hardware, and plaster moldings are as much a part of the investigation as the stories attached to them. For first-time investigators the night is both classroom and experiment. You’ll learn basic investigative protocol, how to capture usable audio, and when to apply handheld meters versus long-form silent observation. The experience is intentionally intimate: the cap at 30 guests keeps groups small enough for guided exercises but large enough to create shared moments—sudden cold spots, unexpected sounds, or a quiet reply on an EVP track—that are quietly discussed afterward. Practical details matter. Tickets are $45 for ages 12 and up; purchases are recommended in advance because seating is limited. If plans change, call the 1890 House at 607-756-7551 to cancel. Expect four hours on your feet, modest walking between rooms, and an evening schedule that unfolds after dusk; comfortable, layered clothing and a pen for note-taking are essential. Whether you come for a curiosity about the unexplained or a deeper interest in investigative technique, this investigation at the 1890 House delivers both local context and hands-on experience. It’s a distinctly Cortland night: historical architecture framed by modern equipment, community folklore shared in low light, and the chance to spend an evening where the town’s past sometimes speaks back. Plan to arrive early to settle into a seat and listen to initial briefing; photography may be limited in some rooms, so bring a small headlamp and a notebook instead of bulky gear. Respect the artifacts and the home’s fragile finishes—follow guide directions, avoid touching displays, and keep voices low. These simple courtesies preserve the site and ensure the best chance to notice subtle phenomena during the night.

About The 1890 House Museum

The 1890 House Museum in Cortland, New York preserves the former home of inventor Chester F. Wickwire. The museum occupies a 15,000-square-foot residence furnished to reflect multiple generations of Wickwire family life. As a historic house museum, it interprets local history, technology, and domestic life through guided tours, special events, and public programs.

Visitors can choose a standard museum admission for a guided tour of the home's rooms, artifacts, and family histories. The guided tour highlights Wickwire’s inventions, household objects, and the evolution of the residence across decades. The museum also hosts specialized events that appeal to history enthusiasts and visitors seeking unusual experiences.

Paranormal investigations are offered periodically in partnership with accredited investigators. Public investigations listed include Empirical Paranormal’s scheduled event on September 13, 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, and Lost Souls Paranormal’s inaugural public investigation. These events allow participants to work alongside investigators, use personal or loaned equipment, and follow established investigative protocols.

The 1890 House Museum operates as a curated historic site with documented provenance tied to the Wickwire family and the preserved property. Museum programming combines historical interpretation with structured events to maintain visitor safety and artifact preservation. Ticketed admissions and partner-led investigations provide clear scheduling and participation details. For visitors seeking documented local history or immersive paranormal experiences at a historically significant site, the 1890 House Museum offers transparent programming and established partnerships that support credibility and public engagement. Advance tickets and event information are available through the museum's official channels and local listings.

Night Investigation at the 1890 House: Lost Souls Paranormal in Cortland, NY

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