The first National Woman’s Day in the United States was observed on February 28, 1909. By 1911, the observance had spread internationally, eventually becoming what we now celebrate each year on March 8 as International Women's Day . But decades before that, something remarkable was already happening. In the mid-1800s, during the rise of Spiritualism , women began speaking publicly, leading gatherings, and guiding conversations in ways that were rare for the time. Séance circl

The word seance carries a mysterious aura today, often linked to ghostly encounters and spiritual communication. Yet, its origins tell a very different story—one rooted in the simple act of sitting. Understanding how seance evolved from a straightforward term for a session or sitting to its current meaning reveals much about cultural shifts and language development over centuries. A traditional seance setup with candles and a crystal ball on a wooden table The Original Mean

There are weekends that entertain. And then there are weekends that confirm something deeper . Pueblo Paranormal Weekend was never meant to be theatrical. It was meant to be respectful. Intentional. Rooted in place. From the moment we stepped into the Pueblo Heritage Museum, the tone was set: this wasn’t about chasing shadows. It was about listening. Fire Hose Company No. 3 – A Full House. The Fire Hose Company No. 3 Museum sold out — and what moved me most wasn’t the numbers

The loudest paranormal investigations aren’t usually the clearest ones. In fact, the calmer the conversation, the more honest the experience tends to be. We live in a culture that rewards reaction — jump scares, dramatic claims, bold declarations. But, when it comes to exploring the unknown, heightened emotion can distort more than it reveals. Fear changes perception. Expectation fills in gaps. Noise becomes meaning. I’ve found that when we slow down — when we treat a space,

There is a quiet thrill in stepping into the shadows of history - where whispers linger and the unseen beckons. We gather our tools, not just as instruments, but as keys to unlock stories untold. Each item carries a purpose, a promise to bridge the gap between the known and the mysterious. What do we bring with us on these journeys? How do these tools shape our understanding of the paranormal world? Paranormal Investigation Tools: Our Trusted Companions When we embark on a pa

Pueblo’s layered history holds stories that don’t always rest quietly. This February, In The Shadows Paranormal  invites you to a guided weekend experience that blends heritage storytelling with hands-on paranormal investigation at select historic locations in Pueblo, Colorado. This is not a jump-scare event or a free-for-all investigation. It’s a small-group, respectful exploration designed for curious minds—whether you’re new to paranormal investigation or have experience i

This photograph captures Roy Bourquin standing in front of the former St. Nicholas Hospital in Cripple Creek—now the historic Hotel St. Nicholas . His presence in this image is not incidental. Roy lived and worked at the hospital for more than twenty years, remaining there until his death in 1958, and his story is deeply woven into the history of this place. Born in 1889, Roy’s early life was marked by severe hardship after a devastating accident left him without both hands a

A Year-End Call to Preserve Heritage and History As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the places that quietly carry our stories—our history, our voices, and the lived experiences of those who came before us. Heritage sites are more than buildings. They are keepers of memory, culture, and community. Several organizations and historic locations are especially close to my heart, and I want to share ways you can support them as we head into the new year. Pueblo H

Cripple Creek, Colorado "Historic, haunted, and bursting with paranormal energy—Cripple Creek is a ghost hunter’s paradise!" I think every building there ahs something going on! Spooky Rating:  👻👻👻👻👻 St. James Hotel, Cimarron, NM "Wild West meets restless spirits—bullet holes, shadow figures, and an unmistakable vibe." Spooky Rating:  👻👻👻👻👻 Taos, New Mexico "Land of Enchantment, or whispers? Taos feels like one big ghost story waiting to unfold." Spooky Rating:  👻

This is not a tarot deck. This is not a game. It is a field-born spirit It is a field-born spirit question deck — created during real investigations, in real places, with respect for the unseen and the stories that linger. Each card offers a thoughtful prompt designed to invite  communication, not command it. Use it during paranormal investigations, personal reflection, or moments when you feel called to listen more closely. Energy is currency. — In The Shadows Paranormal Th

A Journey into the Unknown Have you ever felt a chill run down your spine? A whisper of the past brushing against your ear? In Colorado, the air is thick with stories—tales of the unexplained that beckon us to listen. We find ourselves drawn to these mysteries, seeking to understand what lies beneath the surface of our history. The Allure of the Paranormal The paranormal world is a tapestry woven with threads of intrigue and wonder. Each thread tells a story, each whisper car

Sometimes justice doesn’t arrive through evidence alone. Sometimes it arrives through memory. In 1977, Teresita Basa—a respiratory therapist living in Chicago—was found murdered in her apartment. The case quickly went cold. There were no witnesses. No clear suspect. Then something unexpected happened. A coworker began experiencing vivid episodes—speaking in a voice that was not her own. Through her, details emerged: a man Teresita trusted, the theft of her jewelry, the locati

The latest episode of the Shenanigans In the Shadows podcast has just landed, and it promises to captivate anyone interested in the paranormal. Episode three, titled Lost Spirits and Found Legends , takes listeners on a journey through the haunted history of the Hotel Saint Nicholas in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Hosts Carly and Gail share personal experiences and stories from their paranormal investigations, offering a unique glimpse into the mysterious world of spirits and le

The Hotel Saint Nicholas event on November 15 brought together enthusiasts of the paranormal and curious visitors for an unforgettable evening. This blog post shares additional video footage captured during the event, offering a closer look at some of the most intriguing moments. Alongside this, we are excited to announce the launch of a new store soon, dedicated to In the Shadows Paranormal , providing fans with unique merchandise. Whether you attended the event or are just

The Western Hotel in Ouray, Colorado, stands as a historic landmark with a reputation that extends beyond its charming Victorian architecture and scenic mountain views. Known for its rich history and stories of the past, the hotel has attracted visitors interested in both its heritage and its paranormal activity. This post explores the stories, offering a detailed look at what makes the Western Hotel a fascinating destination for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts.' The

Ventura City Hall isn't just a historical landmark—it once served as a courthouse and jail, and today, it's said to be home to one of California's most infamous spirits: Elizabeth "Ma" Duncan. In 1959, Duncan earned notoriety as the last woman executed in California after orchestrating the murder of her daughter-in-law. During my recent visit to Ventura City Hall, the stories of Ma Duncan echoed through its halls. Visitors and employees alike have reported unexplained footste

Brandy, a sensitive and longtime bartender at the historic Hotel St. Nicholas, has spent four years deeply immersed in the spirited energies that reside within its walls. The hotel’s Boiler Room Tavern, where Brandy tends bar, is particularly active with paranormal occurrences, especially after 11 p.m. She regularly encounters three spirits who frequent this space and one I witnessed tonight. Brandy herself is enveloped by protective, grandmotherly energy extending about thr

Losing an animal companion can split your world into before and after. Many of us still hear the soft jingle of a collar, feel a warm weight settle at the foot of the bed, or catch a glimpsed motion in the doorway that makes us pause. Are these tricks of memory? Or is love simply doing what love does best— refusing to end ? In this gentle space, we explore stories of “ghost animals”: the familiar signs, the subtle visits, and the incredible comfort these moments bring. If y

Do animals have spirits that linger lovingly by our sides? Many who've experienced the comforting presence of beloved pets long after they've crossed the Rainbow Bridge would say a heartfelt yes. This weekend, Carly and I will be recording a special episode of Shenanigans in the Shadows, dedicated to ghost animals—those loving companions who may still nuzzle us gently from beyond the veil. We would love to hear your personal experiences and stories about encounters with ghos

In the Shadows is gearing up for an unforgettable night of haunted heritage at the historic Hotel St. Nicholas on November 15th. This isn't just another ghost hunt—it's a deep dive into the mysteries and legends that whisper through the halls of one of Cripple Creek's most storied locations. Rumor has it, beyond the already infamous presences of Stinky and Peter, two seemingly permanent resident spirits about whom little is known, there may be another spectral resident roamin