Renee’s First Paranormal Experience

November 14, 2020 — My First Paranormal Experience

My very first paranormal encounter happened during a public investigation at Pennhurst. Jackie and I had originally met through our kids, and when I learned she had previously done an investigation at Gettysburg, I was instantly intrigued. The evidence she captured was compelling enough that I reached out to see if she’d be interested in doing one together. We chose Pennhurst—one of the most famously haunted locations in the U.S. It was relatively close to us and had a reputation for intense activity.

That evening began with a historical tour that took place outside. As it was wrapping up, our group—about 25 of us—started walking along the catwalk back toward the Mayflower Building. Jackie and I were near the front of the group, and amid the chatter, I suddenly heard a woman’s voice. It sounded as if she were trying very hard to speak up, though I couldn’t make out any actual words—just the clear tone of a woman trying to be heard.

I politely interrupted our tour guide by telling her I thought someone was trying to ask a question. At that very moment, a woman from the back of the group rushed forward, exclaiming, “Did you hear that? Did you hear that?” I asked her, “Did you hear a woman’s voice too?” She replied, “YES! And it’s coming from over there!” But the direction she pointed in led to a construction site—completely deserted. There was no one else on the property.

Later, we finished the investigation on the second floor of the Devon Building. Our group decided to go lights-out and sit in a circle, simply listening. It was pitch dark, with only moonlight filtering in. After a while, we suddenly heard a child humming a song. It wasn’t a tune any of us recognized, but it was soft, sweet, and strangely comforting—almost ethereal. It gave us the sense that this spirit, whoever they were, was at peace, and they wanted to share that peace with us.

I didn’t capture a recording—it was my first investigation and I didn’t know much about equipment—but that moment has stayed with me ever since. Our team has had many experiences since then, but that night at Pennhurst will always hold a special place in my memory.