The Importance of Research

by: Micki Rowlette

Why do you research a potential investigation site? In essence, research is the key to a successful investigation. Research can determine the validity of a lead before the investigation begins and provides valuable historical information for the investigators. This includes the history of the property itself, surrounding property if applicable to the investigation, and investigating the occupants of the property (both past and present). However, in some cases there is limited information, which makes the researching process more difficult. When researching a possible investigation site some good reference sources to use are the current/past owners, local historians, area museums, historical societies, old newspapers/books, local libraries and the Internet. Another good source are those who have lived in the area for a long time. They may be able to provide you additional history and insight.

A good way to begin is to research the property. This can include both the land and existing or preexisting structure. A phone call or an Email to the County Tax Collector may provide you the history of ownership. If no county tax records are available, speak with current and past owners of the property. Some examples of questions to ask:

• have there been multiple property owners
  
  
• are there any local legends involving the property
  
  
• have others witnessed any phenomena
  
  
• what types of phenomena have been witnessed (physical, cold spots, items disappearing, etc.)
  
  
• did previous owners have similar experiences
  
  
• was there a violent death or tragic event that happened on or near the property?

Just to list a few.

These questions can also be posed to the local historians, area museums, and historical societies of the area. Old newspapers/books, local libraries and the Internet can be utilized to find past and present information, which may not be readily available or common knowledge to others.

After the research has been completed, and the lead substantiated, the site investigation can begin It is very important to get the property owner's written permission before pursuing an investigation. If you are there without permission, you could be arrested and charged with trespassing. That would certainly take all the fun out of any investigation.

If a potential investigation site is not researched, you may find yourself wasting valuable time, effort and energy only to be left with frustration. More so, you may find that the site does not exist at all. For a good example of why research is important, see our article, "The Case of the Abandoned Monastery". You want all the time and effort you spend on an investigation to be productive. Researching a potential investigation site before you begin will allow you to achieve this goal.