Private Paranormal Investigations
Private paranormal investigations cannot begin before 4 PM. All paranormal investigations must conclude by 1 AM, no exceptions. Paranormal investigations are allowed from April to September. JCHS does not provide equipment.
Deposits: Booking deposits are required to confirm your date and must be sent back with a signed contract within 14 days of the date the contract was generated. Payment can be made via check or credit card to Jackson County Historical Society.
a. A non-refundable booking deposit of 50% of the rental fee is required.
Insurance: The renter(s) must obtain event insurance for the event. Documentation must be presented with a deposit and contract.
Use of Property: Rental of the site includes the use of the courtyard, 1859 Jail Museum, and Howard Schoolhouse. Renter(s) are not allowed in the basement, root cellar, or upstairs portion of the 1907 building for investigations.
No more than 15 people can be on the grounds: using the courtyard, museum gallery, 1859 Jail, and residence during a paranormal investigation.
The 1859 Jail Museum contains hazards including, but not limited to, narrow and/or steep stairs, uneven surfaces, and low door thresholds. Furniture and items on tables and/or desks cannot be moved or sat/laid on. A JCHS representative must be on-site for supervision.
1. To deter items from being removed from the 1859 Jail Museum, only small bags are permitted on any one person. Leave any extra items, cases, backpacks, large bags, etc. in your vehicle or the 1859 Jail Museum Visitor’s Center. The Visitor Center is a designated area inside the 1859 Jail where investigators/teams may come back for a break, and leave extra equipment, and equipment cases, and is also an area where teams may set up DVR equipment/monitors. You are allowed to exit the building and go to your vehicle at any time. On account of all doors being locked, a JCHS staff member must unlock/relock doors.
2. No drugs or alcohol. Anyone found using drugs or alcohol will be immediately escorted from the premises.
3. No Séances or Ouija boards. Use of Ouija boards or conducting a séance will result in immediate expulsion from the premises.
4. Removal, damage, or desecration of any 1859 Jail Museum property will result in immediate expulsion from the premises and possible legal action.
8. Intentional scaring of other participants and/or loud behavior will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the premises.
9. If being filmed for a documentary, television show, movie, or other mass publicly viewed creation, JCHS staff must approve dialogue to ensure factual information is provided to viewing audiences.
Please contact info@jchs.org for more information to book a private investigation and fees.
The 1859 Jail Museum is first, and foremost, a historic structure with the mission to provide an educational opportunity.
Paranormal Experience
Have you experienced something paranormal while visiting us?
If you have an experience that you want to share with us, feel free to email us at 1859jailmuseum@jchs.org
Public Paranormal Investigations
JCHS partners with an approved professional paranormal team to host public investigations that are respectful to the history and integrity of our site. These tours are currently only offered in October on Fridays and Saturdays.