AFTER-HOURS EVENTS FOR 2025
AFTER-HOURS events are separate from general admission prices
* for conference attendees only! *
THURSDAY NIGHT PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS!
“NIGHT BEHIND THE MUSEUM”
WITH TROY TAYLOR
THURSDAY: 7:00 PM | $24 PER PERSON
Join Troy Taylor with a NEW presentation about the secret stories of the American Oddities Museum! When he opened it, Troy fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning an oddities museum and it’s now filled with haunted objects, supernatural items, sideshow relics, medical quackery, true crime, funeral artifacts, religious relics, and much more! But each of those exhibits has its own unique story and at this pre-conference event, Troy will be presenting the secret stories, dark tales, and sinister histories behind his favorite items on display. An entertaining and spine-tingling night that presents the weirdness BEHIND the museum — and you don’t want to miss it!
ALTON HAUNTINGS TOUR
HOSTED BY LUKE NALIBORSKI
THURSDAY: 7:00 PM | $24 PER PERSON
DEPARTS FROM THE MINERAL SPRINGS IN DOWNTOWN ALTON
Join Luke as he takes you on a trip back into time to explore the ghostly history of Alton — “One of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America!” Based on the book by Troy Taylor, our award-winning tour takes you behind the scenes — and inside of — the most haunted places in town! Come see how the events of the past have created the hauntings we experience today!
FRIDAY NIGHT AFTER HOURS EVENTS
“MESSAGES IN MOTION”
NEW WORKSHOP WITH APRIL SLAUGHTER
FRIDAY NIGHT: 9:30 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE
Discover the transformative practice of automatic writing—a gateway to a profound connection with the spiritual dimensions. When approached with caution, discernment, and genuine openness, this powerful technique can awaken the unconscious mind, allowing messages from spirit guides, ancestors, and departed loved ones to flow effortlessly onto the page. This workshop will guide those with a curiosity in establishing safe spiritual boundaries to cultivate a profound awareness and connection to the other side. Through the practice of automatic writing, participants will learn to discern the energies being channeled, ensuring clear and meaningful communication with higher consciousness. With respect for these subtle energies and a grounded understanding of spiritual safety, learn how this practice, as with all forms of spirit communication, requires both discernment and an anchored mindset to navigate. Witness the experience as it unfolds in real time as April demonstrates the delicate balance between the revelatory and the illusory.
ESTES METHOD EXPERIMENT
WORKSHOP WITH LISA KRICK
FRIDAY NIGHT: 9:30 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT THE AMERICAN ODDITIES MUSEUM
Join investigator Lisa Krick as she instructs you on the best way to seek evidence of hauntings and spirits using the modern technique known as the Estes Method. If you’ve ever wanted to come face-to-face with authentic haunted relics – and take part in paranormal experiments with them – this is your chance! Join a limited number of guests and examine, touch, and take part in experiments with actual relics from haunted places, cursed objects, and objects believed to have attachments.
While guests can bring their own equipment to try and detect and measure the paranormal energy that surrounds these objects, the main focus for the night will be taking part in the Estes Method of EVP recording.
“CONSCIOUS INVESTIGATIONS”
NEW WORKSHOP WITH THE SINGULAR FORTEAN SOCIETY
FRIDAY NIGHT: 9:30 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE
USING ALTERED STATES TO EXPLORE THE PARANORMAL! From the Estes Method to meditation and occult techniques, Tobias and Emily Wayland will explore how to utilize altered states of consciousness to connect with paranormal phenomena. This workshop will include live demonstrations with attendee participation.
All necessary equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring anything that you have questions about or think could be usefully included.
MCPIKE MANSION GHOST HUNT
FRIDAY NIGHT: 10:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
LOCATED AT 2018 NORTH ALBY STREET
Conference Attendees Only! Join other ghost hunters from the conference for this exclusive event and explore what’s been called “One of the Most Haunted Houses in Illinois!” We’ll be seeking out the spirits of the house, grounds, and the eerie wine cellar, where so many strange encounters have occurred that we’ve lost count. Don’t miss your chance — it sells out fast!
FRANKLIN LODGE GHOST HUNT
FRIDAY NIGHT: 10:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
LOCATED AT 1513 WASHINGTON AVENUE
Conference attendees Only! Join other investigators from the conference and explore the chambers, hallways, and spaces of the Franklin Lodge, one of the most actively haunted places in Alton! Constructed in 1930, the lodge had hosted hundreds of events over the years — including the funeral of lodge member Robert Wadlow, the Tallest Man Who Ever Lived — and from the thousands who have passed through its doors, it’s become apparent that may have stayed behind. Don’t miss this one — it’s going to sell out fast!
CHENEY MANSION GHOST HUNT
FRIDAY NIGHT: 10:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
LOCATED AT 601 N. STATE STREET IN NEARBY JERSEYVILLE
The Cheney House, owned by the Jersey County Historical Society, dates back to 1827 when it was a stagecoach stop. During its years as a private residence, the house was also used as a station on the Underground Railroad — escaped slaves were hidden in a cistern in the basement. Today, the mansion and grounds are home to a museum, a genealogy lab, a one-room schoolhouse, a country church — and a lot of resident ghosts! Over the last decade, the Cheney Mansion has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted spots in the region and we’re including it with our conference activities for the first time in 2025! LOCATED JUST 15 MINUTES FROM THE CONFERENCE SITE AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE!
saturday night after hours events
ALTON HAUNTINGS BUS TOUR
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $48 PER PERSON
DEPARTS FROM AND RETURNS TO THE BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL
Join us for a special Haunted America Conference bus tour and experience the history and mystery of “one of the most haunted small towns in America” from the comfort of our motorcoach. But be warned — we will be getting off the bus and going into some of the most spirited spots in the city — don’t miss it!
“HAUNTED WRITER’S WORKSHOP”
WORKSHOP WITH AMANDA R. WOOMER
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE
Have you ever wondered what it takes to get your writing published? Join Amanda R. Woomer — dark historian, author of over 20 books, and creator of the all-female paranormal journal, The Feminine Macabre — as she shows you ways tips and tricks to getting your foot in the publishing door. Whether you want to submit writing to anthologies and magazines, present pitches to publishing houses, or learn how to format, publish, and promote your work independently, this workshop is the perfect way to take out the guesswork and get your work in print. Do you have a great story to tell? Then you NEED to take part in this workshop!
“READING THE BONES”
WORKSHOP WITH LAREN PIKE
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE
Join “That Bone Lady” Laren Pike as she offers everything you need to know about the mysterious world of ostemancy, from a history of when it started and how it all works to the best way to choose the bones that will work best for you, your various uses, and intentions. She demonstrates how to build a relationship with the spirit that inhabits your bones, how to channel those spirits, and then hands-on teaching of the most popular methods of osteomancy — the “bowl scatter” and “five-bone toss” and how to interpret the messages you receive!
“PAST LIFE REGRESSION”
WORKSHOP WITH SHERRI BRAKE
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE
Have you ever wondered if you have lived before? Can a past life influence our present, everyday lives? Past Lives can influence our relationships, careers and behaviors. Do you sometimes wonder where a certain habit, hobby interest, fear, phobia or other unusual behavior comes from? Have you ever experienced Déjà vu? Why do we think we’ve been somewhere before? Perhaps we have! Past Life Regression is an exciting trip into your own past lives, unlocking doors in your mind that may open other worlds, worlds that were yours in another time. Past Life Regression can be both fascinating and intriguing. Participants will be seated (or can lay on the floor- bring a blanket/pillow) and will be lead into a meditation state where through imagery, music and vocal guidance, can glimpse a past life. Success rate in the past is about 75%. The most important tool to bring for this workshop is an open mind!
“SPIRITS THROUGH FREQUENCIES”
WORKSHOP WITH MATTHEW D. JACKSON
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT THE AMERICAN ODDITIES MUSEUM
Join us for an immersive exploration of PRISM, a revolutionary spirit communication method that is one of the most extensively researched and data-backed methods in Instrumental Trans Communication (ITC), offering the clearest real-time example of spirit communication ever recorded. Its patent-protected process uses a proprietary blend of sound measurements to create a resonance that allows “the others” to communicate without internet, radio frequencies, or word banks. This session will demonstrate how PRISM generates a carefully calibrated palette of sounds, enabling spirits to form words, phrases, and even entire conversations. Whether you’re an ITC experimenter or simply curious about paranormal technology, this workshop offers an exclusive look at how PRISM is revolutionizing our understanding of communication between worlds.
“MAKE YOUR OWN PENDULUM BOARD”
WORKSHOP WITH KARI BERGEN
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE
Pendulums are a great tool for getting yes/ no answers from spirits in real time but they can do so much more with the help of a pendulum board! Let Kari Bergen walk you through creating a custom wooden pendulum board that suits your unique style and purpose as you learn all about working with pendulums, including: the pendulum’s many different purposes, how & why pendulums work, different methods of working with pendulums in investigations & daily life, how to choose & care for your pendulum, and more! There will be pendulums available to use or purchase during the workshop, but feel free to bring your own. This comprehensive workshop is great for both beginners and those already familiar with pendulums.
“BLACK MIRROR SCRYING”
WORKSHOP WITH LISA KRICK
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE
Join Lisa Krick explore this ancient method of spirit communication and a way to interpret messages using images and symbols. The word ‘scrying' comes from an Old English word, ‘descry,' meaning ‘to catch sight of,' or ‘to make out dimly.' In the simplest terms, scrying involves peering into a surface, usually one imbued with mystical energy, to see images or symbols that you then interpret meaning from. Traditionally, scrying is depicted as a form of fortune-telling, a way to peer beyond the present into the future to see what lies ahead, or even give insights into a past life. Modern uses of scrying see it as a tool of self-reflection, allowing those who participate to gain a new perspective on someone or something by peering into the depths of the scrying mirror's reflective surface and yourself.
“THE MAGICK ACADEMY”
WORKSHOP WITH THE THREE APPALACHIAN WITCHES
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL
Magick is everywhere! Join three Appalachian Witches as they discuss magick in the healing of mind, body, and spirit. As part of the session, these healers will go into the audience and work with some individuals one-on-one. Ashley, Pat, and Misty will also reach out to the other side and speak with those who have crossed over the veil. And psychic revelations will be revealed to participants who join them in this rollicking, fun-filled psychic adventure!
“PRODUCING THE PARANORMAL”
WORKSHOP WITH LARRY EISSLER
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE
Step into the world of the paranormal with award-winning director Larry Eissler III. The producer, director, writer, and paranormal researcher will take you “behind the scenes” of making your own documentaries and films! Delve into how documentaries are made, how to utilize film concepts, and acquire the knowledge needed to bring your vision to life. Based on his experience creating Expedition Entity and teaching film at Northern Illinois University, this workshop is a must for emerging paranormal filmmakers!
MCPIKE MANSION GHOST HUNT
SATURDAY NIGHT: 10:30 PM | $42 PER PERSON
LOCATED AT 2018 NORTH ALBY STREET
Conference Attendees Only! Join other ghost hunters from the conference for this exclusive event and explore what’s been called “One of the Most Haunted Houses in Illinois!” We’ll be seeking out the spirits of the house, grounds, and the eerie wine cellar, where so many strange encounters have occurred that we’ve lost count. Don’t miss your chance — it sells out fast!
FRANKLIN LODGE GHOST HUNT
SATURDAY NIGHT: 10:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
LOCATED AT 1513 WASHINGTON AVENUE
Conference attendees Only! Join other investigators from the conference and explore the chambers, hallways, and spaces of the Franklin Lodge, one of the most actively haunted places in Alton! Constructed in 1930, the lodge had hosted hundreds of events over the years — including the funeral of lodge member Robert Wadlow, the Tallest Man Who Ever Lived — and from the thousands who have passed through its doors, it’s become apparent that may have stayed behind. Don’t miss this one — it’s going to sell out fast!
CHENEY MANSION GHOST HUNT
SATURDAY NIGHT: 10:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
LOCATED AT 601 N. STATE STREET IN NEARBY JERSEYVILLE
The Cheney House, owned by the Jersey County Historical Society, dates back to 1827 when it was a stagecoach stop. During its years as a private residence, the house was also used as a station on the Underground Railroad — escaped slaves were hidden in a cistern in the basement. Today, the mansion and grounds are home to a museum, a genealogy lab, a one-room schoolhouse, a country church — and a lot of resident ghosts! Over the last decade, the Cheney Mansion has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted spots in the region and we’re including it with our conference activities for the first time in 2025! LOCATED JUST 15 MINUTES FROM THE CONFERENCE SITE AT LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE!
SUNDAY BREAKFAST EVENT
“DON’T YOU WISH THAT YOU WERE DEAD?”
BREAKFAST EVENT WITH TROY TAYLOR
SUNDAY MORNING: 9:00 AM | $48 PER PERSON
HELD AT THE BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL
Join Troy Taylor for a NEW, blood-soaked presentation of ghost stories and horror tales that are connected to America’s murder ballads — popular tales of true crime and the supernatural that were turned into songs. Reveling in gore and set to music, murder ballads were the tabloid newspapers of the past, telling stories of horrible events that often left ghostly tales behind! From famous hauntings to little-known tales of death, Troy reveals a side of American history that most aren’t even aware exist. Including the dark stories and the songs that go along with them, you don’t want to miss this send-off event from the 2025 conference!