At the Sampson County History Museum, visitors learn about people and events that shaped the past. In several weeks, they will have a chance to experience phenomenon beyond normal understanding.

Southern Paranormal Society NC is hosting a paranormal investigation event on the grounds from 7 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Sampson County History Museum, 313 Lisbon St., Clinton.

Billy Edwards is the founder of the Southern Paranormal Society NC.

“It’s just something that happened,” Edwards said about being an paranormal investigator. “After I got the first case done, then another case came in … and 15 years later, here I am.”

He enjoys helping people effected by the paranormal activity. As an ordained minister, Edwards said he conducts house blessings or deliverances on properties. Edwards expressed how it’s similar to an exorcism.

“We try to identify it the best we can and try to remove it, if necessary,” Edwards said.

Investigations were previously held in Erwin and Salemburg. The work is conducted through video recordings, photographs and digital recorders to capture electronic voice phenomenons (EVP),which are interpreted as spirit voices.

“We’ll have people come in and they’ll get to investigate and use some of our equipment,” Edwards said. “It’ll pretty much be a paranormal investigation. I’ll just be open to the public.”

Chris Woodson, museum director, is looking forward to the event. He said it’ll provide education and history about the grounds. The event will be the first time hosting a paranormal event for the public. An investigation was conducted at the museum by Southern Paranormal Society NC a while ago.

“They picked up on some things in some of the different buildings,” Woodson said. “They approached us with the idea about hosting the event for the public to see what they do with their paranormal investigations.”

Edwards added that the previous findings were not something to worry about. A lot of it depends on a certain location.

“We captured a few EVPs and there were some instrumentation fluctuation from (devices) that were going off several times,” he said. “There were some interesting photos that showed up. Nothing bad or aggressive.”

One of the findings was an orb, a spherical body which are the most common captured images. Edwards said it looks like a young boy.

Woodson said the paranormal experience is gaining popularity because of TV shows and movies. Soon, the public will have a firsthand experience.

“I think there’s stuff out there that goes beyond our normal explanations,” Woodson said. “I think it’s something that a lot of people are interested in, regardless of what they believe.”

Admission is $10 and only cash will be accepted. Proceeds from the event will go towards the museum’s new military building. A groundbreaking was held during Veterans Day in November. When it officially opens, the 12th building at the museum will pay tribute to Sampson County’s contributions to the United States Armed Forces. Some of the current buildings include the law enforcement museum, blacksmith shop, sports hall of fame, exhibit hall and the old fashioned Wooten Store.

For more information about the event, contact the museum at 910-590-0007 or by email at [email protected]. Edwards may be reached through Southern Paranormal Society NC website at www.southernparanormalsocietync.com

Billy Edwards, founder of the Southern Paranormal Society NC, is hosting an event at the Sampson History Museum.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_Southern.jpgBilly Edwards, founder of the Southern Paranormal Society NC, is hosting an event at the Sampson History Museum.

By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.