The Real Story of Pennhurst Asylum | Haunted History Explained

The Real Story of Pennhurst Asylum | Haunted History Explained

Episode 89: Slice of the Paranormal has investigated the infamous Pennhurst Asylum, widely regarded as one of the most haunted abandoned psychiatric hospitals and paranormal hotspots in the United States. The dark history of Pennhurst State School and Hospital came to national attention after journalist Bill Baldini's groundbreaking 1968 exposé, Suffer the Little Children, revealed shocking abuse, neglect, and inhumane conditions within the institution. Combined with legal challenges, public outrage, and sweeping reforms, the revelations ultimately led to Pennhurst's closure. Today, the abandoned halls of Pennhurst Asylum stand as a haunting reminder of the past. As nature slowly reclaims the crumbling buildings, countless reports of paranormal activity continue to draw ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, and thrill seekers from around the world. Visitors report hearing disembodied voices echoing through dust covered corridors, mysterious whispers in empty rooms, and shadow figures darting through the darkness. Many investigators have also documented unexplained scratches, physical pushes, and other encounters with unseen forces said to linger within the asylum's walls. In this episode, we explore the history, hauntings, and legends surrounding Pennhurst's remaining structures, including Quaker, Mayflower, Limerick, Tinicum, Philadelphia, and Devon Hall, home to the infamous "Candyland" area. We also discuss why Pennhurst remains one of the most popular haunted locations in Pennsylvania, attracting thousands of visitors each year for paranormal investigations, ghost tours, the legendary Pennhurst Halloween attraction, and the annual Pennhurst Paracon. Slice of the Paranormal was honored to attend and work Pennhurst Paracon alongside our friends Bob Christopher and Gina Bengtson of Vortex Ghost Gear. During the event, we connected with celebrity ghost hunters, explored one of America's most notorious haunted asylums, and even served pizza to Rest in Peace ticket holders inside the historic Assembly Building. From documented history and urban legends to chilling paranormal encounters and firsthand experiences, this is one Pennhurst Asylum podcast episode you do not want to miss. Sources: Weird Pennsylvania by Matt Lake https://phillyghosts.com/the-chilling-legacy-of-pennhurst-asylum/ [https://phillyghosts.com/the-chilling-legacy-of-pennhurst-asylum/] Ghostly Tales of Pennsylvania by Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler 2024 Ghosted Magazine April 2024 https://civilwarghosts.com/pennhurst-asylum [https://civilwarghosts.com/pennhurst-asylum] https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130840594 [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130840594] https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-adventures/articles/pennhurst-states-haunted-history [https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-adventures/articles/pennhurst-states-haunted-history] https://disabilityjustice.org/halderman-v-pennhurst-state-school-hospital [https://disabilityjustice.org/halderman-v-pennhurst-state-school-hospital] https://weirdnj.com/stories/pennhurst-asylum/ [https://weirdnj.com/stories/pennhurst-asylum/] Ghosts and Eerie Legends of Chester County, Pa by Kevin Lagowski 2025 A Pennhurst Haunting: Ghosts of Mayflower by Tamera Lawrence 2013 Haunted at Pennhurst: Stories from Staff and Residents by Dan Clarke 2025 Special Thanks to: Travis Carlton of Mirror Image Paranormal. https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bp9NUAXhx/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bp9NUAXhx/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Mirror Image Paranormal documentary "Our Terrifying Night at Haunted Pennhurst Asylum" https://youtu.be/XagjttTHLz0?si=_15K2CxUJpKGjSfL [https://youtu.be/XagjttTHLz0?si=_15K2CxUJpKGjSfL] Vortex Ghost Gear. https://vortexghostgear.com [https://vortexghostgear.com]

Behind the Curtain at the Apollo Theatre

Episode 88: The Slice Team is tromping around West Virginia and we end up at the Apollo Theatre in Martinsburg. This theatre opened in 1914, and has had its stage graced by many celebrated performers. It also has some dark lore associated with its origin. We stopped to ask the employees about its famous ghosts….. Charlie and George! Our female fans should be careful when using the restroom at this site, it's said the one ghost is felt there. While this site has its spooky lore, the staff are quite friendly. Ask politely and they may share a tale or two! Sources: https://apollocivictheatre.org https://midatlanticdaytrips.com/2021/10/hunting-what-haunts-martinsburgs-apollo-theater/

Horned Giants of Sayre PA

Episode 87: Slice of the Paranormal travels to Sayre Pennsylvania to check out "Spanish Hill". A New York Times article alleged that Horned Skulls of Giants were found at this Native American site. We attempt to see what parts of the story have merit and which parts are sensationalist tales, conjured by journalists. We also ask the question what is a giant? Are they even scientifically possible and what is the largest a human body can grow to? Sources: Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania by Thomas White 2009 The Pennsylvania Files by Jack Myers 2024 www.spanishhill.com/?m=1 New York Times (New York, NY), 14 July 1916, Special to The New York Times. https://youtu.be/dRWbCzKgW2U?si=8HDSwiz5pdeAowuE

Haunted Mansions of Binghamton, New York

Episode 86: This episode we focus on the haunted town of Binghamton, New York, just over the Pennsylvania border, where we visit three haunted locations filled with paranormal activity, ghost stories, and local lore. We investigate the Bundy Mansion, the Phelps Mansion, and the Kilmer Mansion, three of the most well known haunted mansions in Binghamton. The best part is that all three locations offer opportunities for ghost hunters and paranormal investigators to experience these haunted sites for themselves. These haunted locations are known for full bodied apparitions, disembodied voices, unexplained paranormal phenomena, a clock that chimes despite never being wound, and even the laughter of dead children… my least favorite phenomena! So strap in and "unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension, a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight. A dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into the Slice Zone." Sources: https://www.newyorkhauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/the-bundy-museum-of-history-art.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Serling?wprov=sfti1#Posthumous_honors Haunted History Trail of New York State 2025 https://hauntedhistorytrail.com/explore/phelps-mansion-museum Sites: https://www.bundymuseum.org https://kilmermansion.org/ www.phelpsmansion.org.

The Screaming Jenny Ghost & The Snarly Yowl Cryptid of Harpers Ferry

Episode 85: Slice of the Paranormal hits up Harpers Ferry WV to explore the tales of Screaming Jenny, a ghostly woman said to appear as a flaming figure running along the railroad tracks near the historic B & O Railroad Station. Local legend says her screams still echo through the night as she races down the tracks where tragedy once struck. We also discuss the Snarly Yowl, a terrifying Appalachian cryptid said to haunt the surrounding hills. Described as a massive dog like beast with fiery red eyes that walks on two legs, the Snarly Yowl is rumored to be impossible to kill, surviving bullets, car crashes, and anything else thrown its way. To help us in our paranormal quest, we stopped at Devils Due Distillery to to hear the locals tales about Cryptids at an establishment that makes special Cryptid branded creations. Join Ryan, Christy, and Steven as they dive into haunted history, Appalachian folklore, ghost stories, cryptids, urban legends, paranormal encounters, and the strange mysteries hidden in the mountains of West Virginia. Sources: A Guide to Haunted West Virginia by Walter Gravenda and Mike Shoemaker 2001 Spooky South by S.E. Schlosser. https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-cities/the-most-haunted-places-in-harpers-ferry/ [https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-cities/the-most-haunted-places-in-harpers-ferry/] https://easttennessean.com/2024/04/17/cryptids-of-the-south-west-virginias-snarly-yow/ [https://easttennessean.com/2024/04/17/cryptids-of-the-south-west-virginias-snarly-yow/] https://coffeehousewriters.com/west-virginias-snarly-yow/ [https://coffeehousewriters.com/west-virginias-snarly-yow/] #google_vignette #Paranormal #Cryptids #GhostStories #HarpersFerry #WestVirginia #ScreamingJenny #SnarlyYowl #AppalachianFolklore #HauntedPlaces #UrbanLegends #ParanormalPodcast #GhostHunting #CryptidEncounter #HauntedHistory #SliceOfTheParanormal