The message from spirits lingering in the dark among the dank, dirt graves was clear: “Get back!”
This frightful recording is just one of several that paranormal investigator Tammy Patterson and her ghost-hunting group caught on their recent visit to Baltimore’s Westminster Burying Ground and Catacombs.
The catcombs — located at the corner of Fayette and Greene streets — are home to more than 1,000 graves. [Edgar Allen Poe is the Burying Grounds’ most famous resident.] Revolutionary War generals, politicians and some of Baltimore’s wealthiest from past centuries are among those buried in the catacombs. But not all are resting in peace.
If you feel a presence when no one’s around or hear whispers at Westminster, Patterson advises that it’s wise to acknowledge who you are and state your purpose.
“I start by introducing myself and saying, ‘Please don’t hurt me. You’re welcome to communicate, and I’ll do my best to understand,’” said Patterson. “I find most of the time, unless it’s a really nasty or demonic spirit, it’s not there to hurt you. A lot of the recordings we seem to get are people asking for help.”
Many of the investigators in Patterson’s group joined because “they have seen something pretty profound, and that lead them to start searching for answers,” she said. “We began the group for people who may actually understand the things we’ve seen and not think we’re crazy.”
Patterson says she’s never fled an investigation in fear, but she’s sure her time will come.
A bitter, angry spirit terrorized a psychic in Patterson’s group during their Westminster investigation. “[The spirit] tried to get at him — not physically harm him, but it was argumentative and negative,” she said. “You could tell by his face it drained him.”
Westminster’s lead tour guide Lu Ann Marshall was with Patterson and the ghost-hunters the night they witnessed moans, orbs with faces and other supernatural occurrences.
“Apparently, there are lots of people who have not crossed over,” Marshall said. “Thankfully, I don’t speak to them, or I’d have another job.”
IF YOU GO
To the chilling sounds of a 13,000-pound, 1882 Johnson pipe organ, the bravest Halloween revelers are invited to tiptoe between Westminster’s graves, view an antique coffin, learn ghost-hunting techniques and hear tales from real-life figures Frank the Body Snatcher and an eternal Westminster resident Gen. John Stricker.
Westminster Burying Grounds and Catacombs
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday
Where: 519 W. Fayette, Baltimore
Admissions: $5 adults, $3 children under age 12. Price includes all you-can-eat popcorn and unlimited cider
Info: 410-706-7228; www.law.umaryland.edu/westminster/
MORE SPOOKY EVENTS
• Pretentious Pooch will host its 3rd annual Doggie Trick and Treating event on Halloween. 6 p.m. Friday; Pretentious Pooch, 1017 Cathedral St., Baltimore; Free; www.pretentiouspooch.com
• The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will host its Annual Haunted Hike on the Gwynns Falls Trail. 7 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Gwynns Falls Trail/Leakin Park, 4500 Franklintown Road, Baltimore; $10; 410-396-7900.
• Arundel Mills will host their Halloween Boo Bash on Friday for children aged newborn to 12 and their families. 4 to 7 p.m.; Arundel Mills, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover; Free; 410-540-5111.
• RA Sushi Bar in Harbor East is throwing a haunted Halloween bash with food and drink specials all night. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; RA Sushi Bar Restaurant, 1390 Lancaster St., Baltimore; Free; 410-522-3200.
• In recognition of Edgar Allan Poe’s 200th birth anniversary in January, Spotlight UB will present “Poe Night,” an evening of readings of the author’s best known works. 8 tonight; University of Baltimore Student Center Performing Arts Theater, 21 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore; $5 to $10; www.ubalt.edu
• The B&O Railroad Museum will host their Toddler Time Halloween Celebration, complete with kiddie train rides. 10:30 a.m. to noon; B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore; $8 to $14; 410-752-2490, ext. 214.
• The Fells Point Development Corporation presents Halloween in Fells Point for both children and adults. 4 p.m.; Broadway Square, Fells Point; Free; www.fellspointdevelopment.org
• Ellicott City dares residents to “Survive the Night” in one of the top five haunted places in Maryland — the Ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute. 8 p.m.; Patapsco Female Institute Haunted Ruins, 3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City; $10; 410-465-8500.
• Tersiguels will host a Halloween Cocktail Party just for adults. Costumes are optional. 7 p.m.; Tersiguels French Country Restaurant, 8293 Main St., Ellicott City; $50; 410-465-4004.
• Set sail on the Lantern Queen for the Queen’s Masquerade, an over-the-top adults only Halloween party. 6:30 p.m.; Lantern Queen, 100 Congress Ave., Havre de Grace; $52; 410-939-1468.
