This book is the third in a series of anthropological studies which analyze ghosts and haunting phenomena in their cultural context. A history of visitations to the Gettysburg landscape is linked to the presence or absence of anomalous sensory manifestations. The preliminary analysis of the data suggests that the hauntings at Gettysburg may be a product of sociocultural factors, in part related to the growth of heritage tourism, rather than any ghostly manifestations by civil war soldiers. Since this is a preliminary analysis, a research design is proposed to further excavate the Gettysburg...

The Bedford Springs Resort and Spa is haunted. This haunting takes the form of two materializations. First are the historical documents, objects, and photographs on display there, the things left behind. The second involves those presences who have remained behind and/or have returned, former guests who continue to partake of the 'Bedford Springs Experience'. These returning guests are not professional 'ghosts', those encountered on 'ghost hunts' or sensed by mediums. They are also not commercial 'ghosts', those marketed by the resort for their economic potential. These ghosts are those...

If 'ghosts' are perceived as real, why is the 'hunt' for them still 'chained' to 19th century sensitivities (through a 'ghost technology') and sensibilities (a 'ghost culture' epistemology)? This is a book about this ghost research mythology. But it is also about what still lies ahead (not 'beyond') for the serious investigator, that exploration of the 'Other' (ontology). This is not about the 'weekend hunter', 'ghost' tourist, or 'paranormal' hobbyist. It is about what 'materializes' when we turn away from 'ghost tech' toward a more sense(able) approach to documenting past human cultural...

There are many different past presences that continue to 'reside' at Bedford Springs as 'permanent' guests. That is part of the charm of Bedford Springs, its haunting ambiance. In this book, however, the focus will center on the continuing Victorian presence at Bedford Springs. Many contemporary 'sightings', from both staff and guests, have involved Victorian ghosts. Is this mere coincidence, a mistaken identity of perception, a 'normalcy' turned 'anomaly', or is it something more? We will explore that latter possibility: the Victorian ghost as 'returning guest'. We will also discuss why they...

In this book an emphasis is placed on an archaeological approach to a haunted building complex. Within its walls, multiple layers of construction, functionality, social occupation, cultural tradition, memory, and presence are present (and materializing). The Omni Bedford Springs and Spa complex is viewed as a tangible and material 'bricolage', or haunted 'brick (and limestone) collage' of past presences. Its historical evolution of (and 'revolutionary') sociability has created and enabled different senses of place (as experience and memory) to become embedded and attached to a constructed...