PEOPLE reporter Julie Jordan joined paranormal investigators Liz Beedle and Emily Penke, known as the Ghost Moms, for an overnight stay inside the notorious Lizzie Borden house to see if the old Victorian home still holds its dark reputation. What they found mixes history, eerie sensations, and modern ghost-hunting tools, and it raises fresh questions about why the house still captivates visitors.
Nightfall at an infamous crime scene: inside the Lizzie Borden house
The house at 92 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, no longer functions as a private home. It operates as a museum and a magnet for people drawn to its 1892 double homicide and the sensational trial that followed. After visitors left for the day, the team settled into the rooms where the crimes occurred. They moved quietly through parlors and bedrooms, setting up devices and listening for anything out of the ordinary.
- The team spent hours in the main bedroom and the front parlor.
- They recorded ambient sound, monitored temperature, and watched for visual anomalies.
- At times the investigators reported chills and unexplained noises.
How the Ghost Moms investigate: methods and tools
Liz Beedle and Emily Penke combine family storytelling with scientific-seeming methods. Their approach blends empathy, history, and equipment designed to detect anomalies. They did not rely on sensationalism alone. Instead, they documented every moment for later review.
- Audio recorders to capture faint voices or clicks.
- EMF meters to flag electromagnetic spikes.
- Infrared cameras to log movement in low light.
- Temperature sensors to mark sudden cold spots.
Moments that felt uncanny during the overnight stay
Throughout the night the investigators encountered moments that they describe as unsettling. Some were sensory: drops in temperature, a sense of being watched, or soft thuds that had no visible source. Others were recorded artifacts that warranted later analysis.
- Brief audio clips with indistinct words or whispers.
- Camera footage showing motion with no clear cause.
- EMF spikes in rooms away from electrical sources.
These occurrences do not prove anything by themselves. But they do fuel interest and invite closer scrutiny from those who study the paranormal.
Why the Lizzie Borden story keeps drawing people
The house’s pull stems from a violent, unresolved chapter in American criminal history. On Aug. 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were murdered with an axe. Lizzie Borden, the daughter, was tried and acquitted. Yet the case has never lost public fascination.
- The trial raised questions about class, gender, and justice in the late 19th century.
- The physical house preserves period rooms and artifacts tied to the case.
- That mix of legal drama and domestic horror creates a potent atmosphere.
Voices from the museum and visitor reports
Staff at the museum report frequent accounts from guests who feel discomfort or sense something unusual. Many tour-goers describe cold breezes in closed rooms and sudden feelings of sadness or dread. The museum both acknowledges visitor stories and emphasizes the site’s historical value.
- Guided tours recount the events and show original furnishings.
- Special overnight programs allow small groups to sleep in the house.
- The museum encourages respectful curiosity and historical preservation.
What skeptics point to when debunking haunt claims
Skeptics note the age and structure of the house can explain many sensations. Old buildings have drafts, settling noises, and creaks. Psychological factors also play a role. Expectation and suggestion can shape what people perceive.
- Drafts and poor insulation cause cold pockets.
- Old plumbing, pipes, and heating systems create odd noises.
- Confirmation bias makes listeners hear what they expect.
No single recorded phenomenon proves supernatural activity. That nuance keeps the debate active.
Planning a visit: tours, overnights, and what to expect
The Lizzie Borden house functions as both a historical museum and a destination for paranormal seekers. It offers daytime tours and limited overnight stays. Booking is required for special programs, and visitors are advised to arrive with realistic expectations.
- Check the museum website for hours and ticket availability.
- Book overnight experiences well in advance; they fill quickly.
- Bring a flashlight, dress warmly, and keep an open but critical mind.
Visitors who hope to witness something unusual should also know that most nights pass without dramatic events. Still, the house’s history and atmosphere create a memorable experience for many.
Evidence, storytelling, and why the house remains a cultural touchstone
The Lizzie Borden house sits at the intersection of true crime, folklore, and tourism. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the location offers a layered story: a violent crime, a sensational trial, and decades of retelling. Investigations like the one by PEOPLE and the Ghost Moms add fresh chapters to that story.
Each visit becomes part of the ongoing narrative. The museum documents experiences, and investigators collect data, but definitive proof remains elusive.
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