This time of the year most are thinking about the holidays and making plans to visit family and friends. Some will be having guests at their own homes while some will be traveling afar, enjoying each others’ company. There will be laughter along with heartache as stories are told around the dinner table about the past, present and yet to come. No, I am not going to talk about the movie “A Christmas Carol” even though it does seem like family gatherings tend to resemble this classic.  But instead I want to tell you about a very interesting and unusual museum located in Moundsville, W.Va., that if it is along your travels I would suggest paying a visit.

The museum’s name itself,  “Archive of the Afterlife: The National Museum of the Paranormal” is enough to stir an interest to those interested in the paranormal. On my first visit to this location I was able to see several interesting things and listened to the stories that they told us while visiting. But since that time the museum had grown out of that building and moved to a new location in the Sanford Center. While visiting, one can view allegedly haunted dolls and postmortem photos along with a Bible that is referred to as the “666 Bible.” It is from an abandoned hospital in Milton, W.Va. The Bible was found opened to the page 666; and after it was taken home the individual reported experiencing unexplained phenomenon.

There is also a children’s book called “The Foot Book” by Dr. Seuss.  It was taken from a quadruple homicide and is believed to be haunted by a two-year-old girl named Nassira.

One can also view a picture of a lady by the name of Annie. This picture is believed to be a conduit for her and some have reported her presence while visiting. The museum also has a section called Spiritual Protection and has many interesting books and items. If these things are not enough to strike an interest in visiting, then how about this: An execution cap that was worn by inmates of the Moundsville Prison as they were electrocuted. A total of nine inmates wore this cap. These are just a few things that can be seen here at this museum.

Yes, interesting and unusual is the only way to explain this place. Paranormal researchers come from all over to visit and to see these artifacts in person.  This is not just a museum for those interested in the paranormal but for those interested in historical information as well. Many families, even with children, have come to view these items. The museum accepts donations from anyone who wishes to visit.

A museum like this is something that I, myself, have been interested in for a long time. It is good to see it doing so well and continuing to grow over time. Perhaps some day a museum like this will open even closer to our area.  This would allow people that believe their items have negative or evil energy a place to take them.