Save the Day, Oct 14 and 15 in Milford, DE

From Milford Beacon: Paranormal team invites public to investigate Parson Thorne Mansion
Milford, Del. — For those who have ever wondered if the Parson Thorne Mansion on Front Street in Milford is haunted, Delmarva Historic Haunts plans to find out.

The Milford-based paranormal group will host a public ghost hunt at the mansion from 7 to 11 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15.

Milford resident Rick Coherd, lead investigator and founder of Delmarva Historic Haunts, formed the group seven months ago after branching off from the Delaware Ghost Hunters, a group that investigates historic sites like Fort Delaware, Bellevue Hall Mansion and Fort Mifflin, as well as local homes.

Coherd said DHH focuses on helping local historic sites, like the Milford Historical Society’s Parson Thorne Mansion, raise funds in order to continue educating the public.

“I’m a historian first,” he said. “If we can help these places keep history alive for the people and for our kids to enjoy, what’s wrong with a little ghost hunting?”

Coherd, a longtime guide at Fort Delaware, said he’s experienced his share of paranormal activity in the fort and is a definite believer in the supernatural.

“Life is complicated and sometimes death is, too,” he said. “If you’ve heard all the things I’ve heard or seen all the things I’ve seen, there’d be no doubt there’s something going on.”

Coherd said his group, made up of 11 members, will not investigate houses less than 100 years old. His investigators will often spend the night in homes, looking to debunk claims or find something eerie.

“What we do is try to find out if anything at all is actually going on,” he said. “There’s no show. We’re either watching corn grow in the dark or it’s something phenomenal.”

The group recently investigated the Parson Thorne Mansion and did come across some activity using electro magnetic field detectors and DVR system, Coherd said. Activity has included hearing footsteps up the stairs and even catching what could be a shadowy figure near the graveyard.

“Parson Thorne is supposed to be walking around the grounds and the house,” he said. “I’m chomping at the bit to see the footage we caught. Even if it’s some guy with a beer can, we’ll post it. Sometimes you’ll end up debunking rumors.”

Coherd said the public ghost hunt in October will include a one-on-one class at the local library before the two-hour investigation. The public will be divided into three groups of 10 and explore different spots of the property using the group’s equipment.

“Often times, people want to be apart of the investigation,” he said. “This is a great way of doing that.”

Coherd said those interested but aren’t able to make this hunt will have another opportunity when DHH teams with the Lewes Historical Society to explore Shipbuilders Square each during the last two weekends of October. The group will offer two separate sessions, which will run from 7 to 10 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday nights.

“These historical societies need our help,” he said. “This is our way of giving back. We’re here to help the community have a good time around Halloween, so let’s have some fun and do it.”