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 Pensacola Lighthouse Ghost Hunt

By Angela Ash

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The Pensacola Lighthouse has been around since 1826, with its lovely beacon shining over Pensacola Bay.  The site itself includes several buildings, including the keeper's quarters, attached directly to the lighthouse.  Its historical significance is significant and inspiring, so much so that it is open as a museum during the day, with exhibits, wax figures depicting the daily work and tasks, and there is, of course, the 177 steps to the top of the lighthouse, which requires good shoes with no open toes or backs and the actual ability to climb steep steps with no fear of of heights. 

But the steps are not the only thing to fear at the Pensacola Lighthouse... which is why it has been investigated by all manner of paranormal researchers, including TAPS, whose enlightening investigation here was aired on Ghost Hunters on the Syfy channel. 

Fortunately, such an adventure is also available for individuals or groups who may wish to see for themselves what may lurk within the Pensacola Lighthouse.  The hunts are held on select dates, and you will have two full hours to explore the keeper's quarters, with full use of investigative equipment that is available for your hunting pleasure.  This tour also includes a climb to the top of the lighthouse, if you dare.

I decided to visit the lighthouse during the day, prior to the ghost hunt.  The entire atmosphere of the exterior grounds is very serene.  The breeze is gently blowing off the water, and the trees seem to whisper as you stroll beneath them. 

Walking into the keeper's quarters, everything changes.  There is a definitive feeling of depression inside.  It is a weight, seeming to pulsate with dread and, ultimately, loneliness.  Even though I entered with a group, I lagged behind, and found myself alone in the rooms, and what I experienced was mostly loneliness.  I wanted to catch back up with my group... not out of fear, but out of the feeling of not wanting to be alone. The realization that this is probably what the keeper experienced hit me. While the keeper's family often lived there, as well, there surely had to be a feeling of isolation.

This atmosphere seems to intensify as the sun goes down. As the group gathers, this feeling seemed to remain with me.  Those leading the hunt begin to pass out several mechanisms that the visitors may use in their investigations... including EMF detectors (which measure electromagnetic fields), Laser Grid Scopes (which emit a field of green lights, useful for detecting shadows and disturbances, and anything that the investiagtor may bring to search fo entities within the lighthouse. The guides lead the group through various areas of the quarters most known for paranormal activity.

One room specifically raises the hairs on my arms.  It is the exact place where one of the keepers violently murdered her huband.  That could have just a tiny bit to do with it. 

However, one of the most active areas on this particular night seems to be the basement, where legend has it that a young boy often played... and seems to be playing still.  Several people in the room experienced playful pulls on their sleeves, and one man felt a tug on his shoelaces, only to look down and see that they were untied.  I constructed a make-shift pendulum with a moonstone ring and a necklace and, when asked specific questions, the ring moved in response to yes... it was a young boy, yes... he wated to play, and no... he did not want us to leave.

At any point during the investigation, participants may also climb to the top of the lighthouse.  Not one for missed adventures, I begin to climb.  And of course, I feel like something is beside me... not behind me, where a few other willing climbers trudge along, but directly beside me.  Quite ironically, this feeling was almost comforting, probably considering that I needed all the help I could get to make it to the top!  But finally, I emerge and can witness the beautiful view across the bay... and my helpful spirit is momentarily forgotten.

This is a location that definitely deserves a place on anyone's "Look For Ghosts" list. Orbs and strange lights are constantly captured on photos taken here, and there are plenty of cases of pulling, tugging, and pushing.  However, this seems to be a site where "feelings" really take precedent.  It is nearly impossible to walk through these buildings and not experience empathic emotions. 

During the day the museum is a pleasant, informative experience, but if you are looking for spirits, chance are that you will find them... even before the moon crests the tops of the trees.

Visit the Pensacola Lighthouse online for additional information on museum tours or ghost hunts, or call 850-393-1561.