Whether a curious amateur or an experienced scientist, be sure to follow proper standards of etiquette when visiting haunted places.
Whether personally curious or scientifically driven, seeking out ghost stories and legends can be a unique way to spend a weekend. Always remember that you are guest, however, and be sure to follow some basic rules of etiquette when visiting haunted places.
Remember first that many haunted places are either privately owned or maintained by local, state, or federal governments. Some places may have restricted access, while others may be off-limits entirely. Never enter a private or restricted access area without the express permission of the property owner or other property representative. Other haunted areas may be open to the public, but with restricted hours of access. Respect those hours! If you cannot arrange to visit off-hours, or secure permission to enter a restricted-access property, then you may be out of luck. Illicitly entering any location has a very real and legally-actionable name: trespassing. Sneaking in after hours can get you into trouble, and trespassing on restricted access property may even land you in jail!
Before conducting anything more than a routine visit, always contact the location's owners or representatives. If they are aware of the stories surrounding the location (and they likely are) then you are probably not the first person to inquire about a visit. Be honest about your purpose. The location may have policies in place concerning "ghost hunters;" respect these policies, especially where they concern restrictions on video, audio, or other electronic equipment. Finally, remember that many locations may have a collection of useful facts on where ghostly activity has been reported; this may help maximize your time and effort.
Despite its unusual particulars, visiting a haunted place is no different than visiting a historic or natural attraction, and should be treated with the same respect. Do not deface, damage, or destroy anything; do not litter or despoil the area; do not break, chip off, or otherwise damage any object or structure to retrieve a "souvenir" of your visit. The old hiking adage goes well here: leave only footprints, and take only pictures (and video, and audio, and thermal readings, and gravestone rubbings, and "¦ ).
If the site is open to the public, there may be other visitors. Respect their right to enjoy the location without intrusion. If they take note of your activities and ask about them, answer their questions, but remember that not everyone believes in ghosts, or believes in the particular ghost you are seeking. Never force your beliefs on anyone, or get belligerent if they scoff at the notion.
Cemeteries in particular require tactful etiquette. They have a very real, very solemn purpose in society, and you must take special care not to violate it. Most visitors to a cemetery are there to grieve or remember; some may be attending a funerary event; still others may be historians or genealogists doing research. Do not intrude upon their privacy. Making jokes, being loud or rambunctious, sitting on headstones, or in any disrespecting the dead is not only rude, but may also generate complaints that get you removed from the site.
Finally, don't be disappointed if your visit yields nothing. Not every ghost story is rooted in fact, and ghost-hunting expeditions frequently come up empty-handed. Never blame the owners, proprietors, other visitors, or the restricted circumstances of a visit for a failure to find what you are looking for. Bad behavior will only work against you, should you wish to try again in the future!
