About the Location

Opened in 1908 in southeastern Pennsylvania, Pennhurst State School and Hospital was intended to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Instead, it became infamous for severe overcrowding, neglect, abuse, and inhumane conditions. At its peak, thousands of residents lived in crumbling wards with inadequate food, sanitation, and medical care.

Conditions were exposed in the late 1960s after journalist Bill Baldini’s televised investigation, Suffer the Little Children. The resulting outrage helped fuel the landmark 1971 federal lawsuit (Halderman v. Pennhurst), which ruled that residents had a constitutional right to humane treatment and community-based care. Pennhurst finally closed in 1987.

Today, the decaying campus—long abandoned—has earned a reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations. Visitors and investigators report disembodied voices, footsteps, shadow figures, cold spots, and apparitions, often tied to the children who once lived (and sometimes died) there. The site now operates as a historic attraction and haunted venue, blending documented tragedy with enduring paranormal lore.

Images

Field Notes

We had a great time exploring this location during Paracon 2025 at Pennhurst State School and Hospital, even though the large crowds made investigating a bit challenging at times. Despite that, we were able to sit in with more experienced investigators and attend several insightful panels featuring Ghost Hunters and Project Fear, where we learned a lot about techniques, equipment, and investigative approaches. We also enjoyed seeing the gear and tools other investigators were bringing on their hunts and had the opportunity to purchase a few items ourselves. Overall, it was a valuable and exciting experience, and we’re really looking forward to returning to this location again for a more private or small-group investigation.