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Step inside the 1890 House Museum after dark for a guided paranormal investigation led by Lost Souls Paranormal and Empirical Paranormal. Limited to 30 guests, this four-hour, hands-on evening pairs high-tech tools with investigative technique in Cortland, NY.
Step inside the 1890 House Museum after dark for a guided paranormal investigation led by Lost Souls Paranormal and Empirical Paranormal. Limited to 30 guests, this four-hour, hands-on evening pairs high-tech tools with investigative technique in Cortland, NY.
Book with The 1890 House Museum
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Operated by The 1890 House Museum · Cortland, New York
By night, the 1890 House Museum in downtown Cortland, New York becomes a laboratory of the uncanny. Paranormal Investigation with Lost Souls and Empirical Paranormal invites curious visitors to step through the museum’s doors at 37 Tompkins St and spend an evening exploring five floors and a carriage house where recorded reports and local lore have gathered over years. This four-hour public investigation pairs hands-on instruction with high-tech gear—EMF readers, digital voice recorders, and infrared cameras—alongside the low-tech instruments of attention: listening, observation, and a willingness to follow strange sounds. The event begins when doors open at 6:30 p.m.; investigations start promptly at 7:00 p.m. Limited to 30 guests and priced at $45 for ages 12 and up, the night is designed to be intimate and methodical. Lost Souls Paranormal and Empirical Paranormal lead teams through period rooms, basements, stairwells, and the carriage house, pointing out hotspots where past groups have logged unexplained readings—growls in the basement, tactile contacts on the staircase, and reported apparitions. Participants learn how to set and read devices, conduct EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) sessions, and document evidence with photography and field notes. What sets this experience apart is its mix of museum context and investigative rigor. The house’s multiple levels create vertical surveying opportunities uncommon in single-story investigations, and the carriage house offers a separate structure for focused interviews and imaging. The program’s limit on attendees keeps the night controlled, so evidence, if it appears, can be traced and analyzed without overcrowding. Organizers encourage respectful behavior toward the museum space and its artifacts; conservation-minded techniques are integrated into the protocol. Practicalities are straightforward: arrive early to check in, bring a charged smartphone and a small notebook, and be prepared to move through narrow stairs and dimly lit rooms. The organizers provide guidance but expect participants to be engaged—this is a hands-on learning night as much as an eerie entertainment. If you need to cancel, call the 1890 House at 607-756-7551. For travelers exploring Central New York, this event is an unusual way to spend an evening that merges local history, scientific curiosity, and the thrill of facing unexplained phenomena. Whether you’re a skeptical investigator or a first-time ghost hunter, an evening with Lost Souls Paranormal and Empirical Paranormal at the 1890 House Museum is a controlled, instructive, and potentially spine-tingling way to experience Cortland after dark. The museum’s location on Tompkins St keeps you within walking distance of Cortland’s downtown, convenient for a pre-investigation meal or late coffee. Photography and recording etiquette protects artifacts and other guests. Whether you come to collect evidence or learn investigative methods, this focused, community-oriented evening at a historic town museum delivers a rare, practical way to engage the unexplained.
easy.
4 hours.
Able to stand, climb several flights of narrow stairs, and move between rooms for extended periods.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the investigation begins at 7:00 p.m.; arrive early to check in and receive directions.
The event price lists Adults (Ages 12+) at $45; plan for participants to be at least 12 years old.
This event is limited to 30 guests to keep the investigation controlled and manageable.
Organizers bring high-tech gear and instruction, but participants should bring a charged phone, notebook, and small flashlight.
Yes, but photography and recording etiquette is enforced to protect artifacts and respect other guests; follow staff guidance.
If you need to cancel, call the 1890 House at 607-756-7551 for cancellation instructions.
The 1890 House Museum preserves period rooms and outbuildings that provide historical context for Cortland’s local story, referenced in the site name.
Investigators are asked to minimize flash and handling of objects; staff protocols balance research with artifact preservation.
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.
Book with The 1890 House Museum