By Steffen Klenk
On a dark, spooky Halloween weekend, dozens gathered at Absecon Lighthouse for an evening of thrills and chills. It was the optimal evening for a rare night climb to the top of the 228-step structure. Dozens enjoyed the view from the top as the bright, full moon illuminated the iconic Atlantic City attraction.
Downstairs, the venue hosted a unique event that sent chills down the spine and fascinated the mind. NJROPE (New Jersey Researchers Of Paranormal Evidence) conducted a special paranormal investigation of the Absecon Lighthouse Saturday evening, Oct. 28. During the event, teams were split into groups of three. Moving from room to room, participants used various techniques and equipment to communicate with long-lost spirits.
Special devices were used such as Structured Light Sensor (SLS) Cameras which are believed to allow the ghost hunters to capture video images of spirit forms not seen with the naked eye. Investigators were also prepared with K2 Electromagnetic Field Meters to detect any ghost activity, along with electronic voice recorders capable of picking up low frequencies.
NJROPE was formed in 2009 to actively research and respond to paranormal cases throughout the state. The team investigates an average of 40 cases per year, and according to Owner and Director Frank Lazzaro, their members go through extensive training.
“We take a lot of steps to make sure personnel are educated and know how to use the equipment and understand the limitations of the devices they’re using,” Lazzaro said.
Absecon Lighthouse was built along the northernmost end of Absecon Island to alert mariners of their proximity to the coastline. Its construction came in the aftermath of the tragic Powhatan shipwreck off of Long Beach Island in 1854 in which 311 passengers and crew members lost their lives when the 600 ton schooner sank in severe weather.
At one point, because of the number of shipwrecks that had occurred, Absecon Inlet was given the most unfortunate nickname of “Graveyard Inlet.” The light was first lit on Jan. 15, 1857, and remained active until 1933.
Throughout its history, Absecon Lighthouse has been the subject of paranormal activity. Prior participants have reported visible shadows, unusual voice recordings, even a full body apparition of a former light keeper. The adjoining oil house on the property grounds has been a hot spot for spirit activity. Participants in Saturday’s investigation were taken by surprise by a motion-sensor toy robot that moved by itself.
What makes events such as this special, according to lighthouse Operations and Education Coordinator Milton Glenn, is the opportunity for more people to take a deep dive into the landmark’s storied history and haunts.
“It’s not necessarily the history that we tell folks when they come through the front door on normal business hours,” Glenn said.
Tammy Sullivan is the chief of operations for NJROPE and has been with the team for more than 12 years. She says that putting together special events such as Saturday’s paranormal experience takes a lot of teamwork.
“Everybody has their function, so they know what they need to do,” Sullivan said. “It takes a village.”
While the weeks leading up to October are the busiest months for NJROPE Paranormal, the team remains active in locating spirit activity on a year-round basis. Events have been conducted in various locations along the East Coast, including the Cape May County Museum, Cold Spring Village, Whitehall Mansion, and Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia. When the team is not on the road conducting investigations, you may find one of their members at your local library providing lectures on spirit sightings and previous findings.
NJROPE Paranormal are preparing to host their next paranormal event at the Cape May County Museum 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. To learn more or receive additional updates, visit them online at www.njrope.com.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
