Historic Howell Theater Annual Public Ghost Hunts Return

A tingle in your spine, your heart pounds and suddenly a rush of adrenaline hits you. Then, a shadowy figure appears before you and you are paralyzed in both awe and fear as you attempt to whisper to your neighbor, “Do you see that?”

The Historic Howell Theater will open its doors for its annual, authentic ghost hunts led by renowned paranormal investigators Portal Paranormal Society (PPS). The events bring flocks of attendees each year hoping to experience a ghostly interaction. The theater is known as one of the most haunted locations in the region and, while no one can guarantee activity, its spirits rarely disappoint.

Now in its fourth year, the hunts are a fundraiser for the continued restoration and operation of this golden age of cinema movie house which celebrates its 90thbirthday this December. “We are grateful to the outpouring of interest and attendance each year at our hunts,” said Tyler DePerro, Owner, Historic Howell Theater. “Theaters are storytelling venues. Part of the story is the paranormal history here. Many people are drawn to learn that story and we are fortunate to be able to provide an opportunity for them to experience it firsthand.”

The investigators at PPS are highly respected in their field. They are heavily sought after to investigate the unexplained and maintain a keen commitment to debunking whenever possible. “Our focus is to give our attendees the best experience we can,” said Ken Suminski, Founder, Portal Paranormal Society. “We invite people to come with an open mind to experience a cross-section of what it is that we do as investigators. There are no guarantees with the paranormal, but the theater has traditionally shown itself to be highly active for these hunts.”

Suminski explained that one of the most fascinating elements of hunts in this location is the amount of visual activity that occurs. In past years shadowy figures have frequently appeared in several areas of the building. In addition, there have been voices singing, doors slamming, unexplained tapping and many other phenomena. As part of the two-hour hunt, guests will have the opportunity to interact in various ‘experiments’ to encourage interaction with the spirit world. PPS uses some of the latest technology as well as some older methods to capture any interactions and unexplained energy. They will also be conducting an experiment using the Estes Method. This method of contacting spirits was developed at the legendary Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO and has been successfully applied by PPS in other locations including Brownella Cottage in Ohio. Following the hunt, attendees will have access to any and all findings that occurred through the group’s website.

All are welcome to attend. Parents are advised to use their discretion on age of children in attendance. While the hunts themselves are rated “G” no one can know or control what any spirits may say through the equipment. Attendees who have investigative equipment are welcome to bring and use it as long as it doesn’t interfere with the hunt. Each hunt is limited to 20 people. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance reservations are highly encouraged. To book your tickets and for more information visit: historichowelltheater.com. For more information on Portal Paranormal Society visit: portalparanormalsociety.com

2018 Public Hunt Dates and Times

Friday, October 26- 9:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

11:59 p.m.- 2:00 a.m.

Saturday, October 27-9:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

11:59 p.m.- 2:00 a.m.

HALLOWEEN- October 31- 9:30 p.m.- 11:30 p.m.

Friday, November 2- 9:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

11:59 p.m.- 2:00 a.m.

Saturday, November 3- 9:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

11:59 p.m.- 2:00 a.m.

Location: Historic Howell Theater, 315 East Grand River, Howell, MI 48843