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The Haunted Librarian

~ Researching, investigating, and writing about the paranormal.

The Haunted Librarian

Tag Archives: destination america

Ghosts of Shepherdstown Brouhaha—It Hasn’t Been Debunked as Fake

08 Saturday Jul 2017

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Debunking the Debunked, Destination America, Ghosts of Shepherdstown, In the News, Reality TV, Uncategorized

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Tags

bill hartley, debunking, destination america, elizabeth saint, Ghosts of Shepherdstown, nick groff

Ghosts-of-Shepherdstown

Ghosts of Shepherdstown Brouhaha—It Hasn’t Been Debunked as Fake

This week saw Destination America’s sophomore series Ghosts of Shepherdstown under attack as “faked” in order to “make good television.” While tracking down the story, it was difficult to locate the originating source that actually calls the show out. In fact, the original article does NOT. The subsequent articles misconstrue the intent of the first article to kick up some paranormal dirt.

Destination America’s Ghosts of Shepherdstown debuted last year. It features ghost hunter Nick Groff, formerly of Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Lockdown, and Ghost Stalkers; Elizabeth Saint, an actress and paranormal enthusiast; and Bill Hartley, a Civil War re-enactor and ghost hunter. The first season explored strange phenomena occurring in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Billed as “America’s most haunted town,” Shepherdstown is a small college town. Thomas Shepherd received a land grant in 1734 and established the town as an outpost. The town was officially formed in 1762 as Mecklenburg. The name changed to Shepherdstown honoring Shepherd shortly after the Civil War. It sits on the Potomac River and is home to a small college. The town’s population peaked at 2,137 in 2012 and currently sits at 2,095. This is one small town!

Dread Central posted an article on July 3, 2017 penned by Steve Barton. He claims that the show has “recently come under the microscope.” He cites another article in The Inquisitr whereby the director of the local visitor’s center was quoted as saying parts of the show were “staged and faked.” The article contains an Editor’s Note stating Barton used an earlier version of The Inquisitr’s article noting it was misleading. The note describes an error with incorrect quotations and original sourcing.

Julie Johnson wrote the July 3rd article in The Inquisitr. This article quotes “critics” who claim the show is scripted and hires actors as witnesses. Further, the author points to Paranormal U.S. and posts on the online forum LiveSciFi to highlight viewer skepticism. Paranormal U.S. is a website run by Donna, no last name is provided. She writes of a life-long interest in the paranormal and blogs about haunted locations. Ms. Johnson does not refer to Donna by name nor links to any of her blogs in the article; therefore, she may or may not be the person stating Shepherdstown looks staged.

LiveSciFi is a forum where paranormal fans and viewers chat. They have one bulletin board devoted to Shepherdstown. The forum “Is Ghosts of Shepherdstown Fake?” began July 20, 2016. The last entry was posted on March 31, 2017. There are 17 posts from 12 people. The consensus from these para-fans is that the show seemed faked or staged but none proffered much in the way as evidence. One user, Lee Keensnach, proclaimed the show fake because one of the “witnesses” has an IMDb page.

Yes, one of the “witnesses” was played by the actor Bradley Nnadi. He appears in the pilot. Considering the show utilizes re-enactments, it’s reasonable to expect actors to be hired to play other roles. This hardly supports the show being faked. Further, most reality television shows are scripted. It doesn’t mean they are fictitious; it’s an industry standard. Finally, note the last entry date. It is a full 3 months since the Dread Central article was posted. None of the posts refer to the quotation from the visitor center’s director.

But then there’s the quotation from Marianne Davis, the director of the visitor’s center. Specifically, the article states: “parts … are staged (locations were changed) and fake (ghost stories were changed) ‘to make good television.’”

First, there seems to be a misunderstanding of the word usage of “staged.” While the Dread Central article used it to mean “made-up,” here it clearly means “locations were changed.” Pay attention to the direct quote. Producers changed the locations. It doesn’t mean stories were fabricated; it means the producers used different locations. Unfortunately, the author doesn’t explain why this occurred. However, there are numerous reasons why: inability to film, location no longer exists, safety issues, etc.

The second part is more problematic—just slightly, though. Taken at face-value, the quote states that paranormal stories were altered for production reasons. Again, there may be reasons for this. Fear not, though. The author helps with the interpretation. She provides the exact quotation from the original article: “Davis said some of the locations or ghost stories were changed by the show’s producers ‘to make good television.’” Read it again. Ms. Davis does not say the show was faked. She merely states that stories were altered. Again, no reason is provided. Sadly, paranormal trolls latched onto this quote and ran with it proclaiming that the show has been debunked! Well, not exactly.

The original-original now original article is from January 25, 2017. Mary Stortstrom wrote the article “Strange Things: “Ghosts of Shepherdstown” Gears Up for Second Season” in The Journal. Ms. Davis is quoted as stating the above; however, she further states that some of the stories are from long ago. Ms. Davis nor Ms. Stortstrom provided examples of such changes. Ms. Davis’ comments were positive and encouraging. She merely spoke about the impact the series has had on the town and tourism.

Nick Groff jumped out in front of the Dread Central article by posting a response to his Facebook page. In part, he points out that Dread Central did not provide the original content or research for their article—they regurgitated information from another site. Next Mr. Groff states what is addressed above: At no time did Ms. Davis say the show was faked. At no time did she say the stories were made up.

Groff

And it’s true. Marianne Davis never said those things. Therefore, to publish articles claiming she did is misleading. To further state the show has been debunked as fake is libelous—not unless the author provides solid evidence and examples (which none have been provided to support these stories). Reality TV has been around for a long time. It’s not a secret that locations and stories are scripted to fit the constraints of the genre. Moreover, the paranormal community should be skeptical, but that skepticism doesn’t mean everything is faked. It means that more research should be conducted. Frankly, it means that more locations should be explored and more stories shared. To be clear: None of these stories support this show as being faked. Neither the Dread Central or The Inquisitr stories interviewed Mr. Groff or his team. Nor did they interview a sufficient pool of people. Sorry one blogger and 12 fans aren’t critics. They’re a blogger and fans.

 

Note from Lesia: I usually do not provide sources for my articles. However, I have pasted them below. Thank you for reading.

Sources:

http://www.dreadcentral.com/ghosts-shepherdstown-debunked-staged.html

http://www.inquisitr.com/4343034/is-ghosts-of-shepherdstown-real-or-fake-critics-claim-nick-groffs-show-is-scripted-witnesses-are-actors/

http://paranormalunitedstates.com/

http://forums.livescifi.tv/threads/is-ghosts-of-shepardstown-fake.2226/

http://www.inquisitr.com/4343034/is-ghosts-of-shepherdstown-real-or-fake-critics-claim-nick-groffs-show-is-scripted-witnesses-are-actors/

http://www.journal-news.net/news/local-news/2017/01/strange-things-ghosts-of-shepherdstown-gears-up-for-second-season/

http://paranormalunitedstates.com/

 

 

Ghost Brothers Returns to Destination America

26 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Destination America, Reality TV, TV Reviews, Uncategorized

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Tags

destination america, Ghost Brothers

Season 2

Ghost Brothers Back on Destination America

Looking for new episodes from a paranormal series? Tune in to Destination America at 10 PM EST for new episodes of Ghost Brothers. Season 1 premiered on DA in 2016. Ratings were strong; therefore, it relocated to TLC (formerly known as The Learning Channel). However, it quickly returned to DA. The show follows three friends as they explore haunted locations. Season 1 locations were the typical over-exposed ones nearly every show explores. Unfortunately, Season 2 offers the same. Most of the locations are the ones from Ghost Adventurers. This is disappointing.

But it is summertime and the paranormal show offerings are slim. Check your local cable listings for Destination America. It is only available in certain markets. Certain episodes are also available by streaming directly from DA. Destination America has not committed to a third season. If you enjoy the show, start binging.

Would You Kill Bigfoot? Alternatively, Should Bigfoot be Killed?

29 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Animals, Bigfoot, Conspiracy Theories, Destination America, In the News, Reality TV, Uncategorized

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Tags

destination america, gulf coast bigfoot research organization, killing bigfoot

killingbigfoot1

Would You Kill Bigfoot? Alternatively, Should Bigfoot be Killed?

The philosophical question usually arises in a classroom, with a purely hypothetical situation. However, Destination America’s new TV show Killing Bigfoot attempts to tackle it.

The first season, 6-part series Killing Bigfoot debuts on February 4th. It follows the Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization (GCBRO) as they track down and ultimately kill Bigfoot. They justify this decision to fatally wound the elusive creature because it has reportedly been slaughtering farm animals and pets, while attacking homes. No actual proof exists to show this cryptozoological creature in the act, which has caused some tension in the field.

Bigfoot is a humanoid creature standing between 7-8 feet in height. He is a hairy beast who prefers a solitary life. Hence the inability to capture him on video, film, or camera phone. Native American legends told of such a beast, along with early American settlers. Since 1967, there have been over 3,000 sightings across the United States. However, no one has ever captured one. Nor have any skeletal remains been located.

In 2016, GCBRO started receiving reports on possible sightings. And the ethical/philosophical questions arose. Do they merely capture the beast? Or gun it down? Predictably, the club wants to kill it. They claim that a nuisance animal can be hunted down and killed. On the other hand, former group member Dr. Samuel Webb Sentell advises not to kill it. He argues that Bigfoot is classified as a humanoid, part man/part beast. Since these animals are reclusive, they show signs of intelligence. They live in families. Simply put: Killing Bigfoot equates to murder.

bigfoot

The GCBRO rebuttal is that a killing is required to show science that Bigfoot exists. Further, they would like to harvest him in the name of science. Wow.

The first obstacle is locating the humanoid. Seems that the 6 episodes spend most of the time attempting to find one. The pesky, elusive creature truly enjoys hiding. Maybe he can hear and understand just what the hunt is about. And he objects.

Tune in February 4th on Destination America at 9 PM. Let me know what you think.

RIP Ghost Stalkers

26 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Destination America, Ghost Hunting, Portals, Reality TV

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

chad lindberg. john tenney, destination america, discovery channel, ghost stalkers, portals

Ghost Stalkers

Ghost Stalkers

RIP Ghost Stalkers

Word on the street is that Ghost Stalkers will not be returning on Destination America. The show, starring John E.L. Tenney and Chad Lindberg, was divisive. The cancellation by non-renewal was not for lack of effort. John and Chad reached out to their fans and held live twitter sessions for every episode. Others involved with the production followed suit. Unfortunately it was not enough to persuade Discovery Communications, owners of Destination America, to pick up Season 2. While neither John nor Nick Groff, Executive Producer, responded to instant messages seeking confirmation, their silence may in fact answered the question.

While I enjoyed the show, I am aware that some people cringed at Chad’s zealous cries of fear. Looking beyond that, the show contained innovative equipment and technology designed to locate portals. John balanced out Chad’s excitability with insightful commentary. In addition, the locations were unique and not the same-old-same-old locations pervasive on other paranormal shows. I will miss Ghost Stalkers. Fingers crossed that one of Discovery Communications many other channels may be interested.

Chad’s the “Man” for Ghost Stalker Premiere

18 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Famous Locations, Ghost Hunting, Haunted Houses, In the News, Media, Paranormal, Real Estate, Reality TV, Reviews, Scarefest

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

chad lindberg. john tenney, destination america, ghost stalkers, haunted librarian, scarefest, vortex, whispers estate

Ghost Stalkers

Ghost Stalkers

Chad’s the “Man” for Ghost Stalker Premiere

Scarefest 2014 attendees screened the pilot episode of Ghost Stalkers, starring Chad Lindberg and John E.L. Tenney. Produced by Ghost Adventurer’s Nick Groff, Ghost Stalkers follows Chad and John as they tool around in a Coachman RV and investigate six highly active haunted locations. The “Whispers Estate” was profiled in the first episode.

Built around 1894, the “Whispers Estate” was originally owned by Dr. George and Sarah White. They sold the 3-story Victorian house to Dr. John and Jessie Gibbons, who adopted orphaned children. One child was Rachael. At age 10, Rachael started a fire in the first-floor parlor. Badly burned, she died within a few days. Other family members died in the house. Paranormal investigators believe some are still attached and haunt the house.

The current owner, Vann, rents the house out for paranormal investigations. The caretaker, Gwen Zeigler, has a profound attachment to the property. Both believe that a vortex exists in the parlor.

The 30 minute preview consisted of Chad’s lockdown in the house. Both Chad and John spend a night at the location while the other monitors the cameras from inside the RV. Although neither stated how each episode concludes, I would image that there is some sort of evidence review incorporated into the show.

At this location, Chad experiences strange anomalies prior to his lockdown and during. He hears disembodied voices and footsteps. He even captures an EVP recording. At one point Chad begins to breakdown and to question his ability to complete the lockdown. Chad replays the digital voice recorder and hears “Chad…Be a man.” With that challenge, Chad finds his courage and proceeds.

Chad’s compromised emotional state is refreshing. His fear is real. Yes, I know he is a paid actor; however, his inability to control his voice and shaking hand earns my respect. When the “shit got real,” Chad reacted. [Note: See “Chip Coffey is not the Western Union of the Dead” for context.]

Equally real is the bat that appears out of nowhere. After filming, both inquired about the bat. According to Vann, no one has ever witnessed a bat in the house before. [Teaser: Seems a bat appears in all 6 episodes AND Chad’s favorite superhero is Batman. Interesting.]

Chad was respectful during his lockdown announcing, “I come out of love and respect.” I look forward to screening the entire episode. My early assessment is positive. I hope Chad and John break new ground. The 6 episode season highlights locations that have not been overexposed by other TV shows. This remains to be seen. Although John remained tightlipped, he did offer a teaser: former Maryland mental facility. Tune in, set your TiVo or DVR, or watch On Demand on October 19th at 10 pm EST for Ghost Stalkers, Destination America’s latest paranormal offering.

 

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Archer Paranormal Investigations

Archer Paranormal Investigations

The Haunted Librarian

Marietta, Georgia

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