An event with the Cotesworth Culture & Heritage Center is returning from the grave.
Those looking to learn about the history of Cotesworth, a Carroll County mansion, and its possible paranormal residents can participate in its ghost tour Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m.
Guided by a paranormal investigations group, participants will explore the mansion and hear the rumors of ghosts and other supernatural activities that have been documented over the years.
This is the second time the mansion has held this event. The first, held around Halloween, received so much positive feedback that the Heritage Center board had to bring it back to life, board member Joe Nokes said.
“It was really successful, both in people enjoying it and also as a moneymaking opportunity for a nonprofit organization,” Nokes said.
He said the event created a buzz online from both those who attended and those who wished they had.
“I’ve heard people talk to each other about it or on Facebook … asking each other, ‘Did you hear anything or see anything when you went last fall?’ And they don’t divulge the information, but I’ve heard people say, ‘Yeah, something strange happened,’” he said.
Still, Nokes said that this is more for entertainment and education than for confirming the presence of spirits.
In 1847, lawyer and future U.S. Sen. James Zachariah “J.Z.” George purchased the several hundred acres of land and later built the large Greek-revival style mansion.
Nokes said he hopes the tour can provide a detailed history of the site while also providing an enjoyable experience for wanted to learn local lore.
Southern Paranormal Investigations, which is based in Kosciusko, will again be leading the tour. Nokes said the group will bring several pieces of equipment, including cameras; electromotive force (EMF) meters, which measure any positive sources of energy; and Spirit Boxes, which randomly scan through FM and AM frequencies to pick up possible spirit presence through white noise.
The technology led to some interesting discussions at the first ghost tour, Nokes said.
“There were a lot of people over the course of both nights going, ‘Well, I thought I heard this,’ or ‘I thought I saw a dark shape at one point,’” he said.
The cost to participate is $25 per person, cash only, at the door.
Tickets are limited, and those wanting to participate should send emails to joenokes0128@yahoo.com to make their reservations.
- Contact Adam Bakst at 581-7233 or abakst@gwcommonwealth.com. On Twitter at @AdamBakst_GWCW.
