Connecticut is considered the most haunted state in America and spooky season is all year long here. Whether it’s on our campus or around town, there are plenty of haunted hot spots.
On Campus:
Dolan Hall
There is a long-standing belief that a ghost haunts Dolan Hall. Before becoming a part of Fairfield University, Dolan Hall was a nunnery. Rumor has it that one of the nuns who lived there became pregnant. Fearing others would discover the pregnancy, she committed suicide in her room and hasn’t left since. Residents have reported unexplainable noises and a room on the fourth floor is mysteriously locked due to “room temperature fluctuations.” Paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, have visited the University hall in the past to investigate and have reportedly felt the spirit.
PepsiCo Theater
The PepsiCo theater is also rumored to have shown signs of a paranormal presence. What theater wouldn’t be complete without its own friendly ghost?! Students have reported being completely alone and hearing voices coming from inside the theater. PepsiCo is said to be haunted by the ghost of a previous costume designer, Minerva Farrell.
Off Campus:
Penfield Reef Lighthouse, Fairfield
This old lighthouse was built in 1874 and has been haunted since the early 1900s. The story goes that the old caretaker, Fred Jordan, attempted to row to shore on Christmas when his boat capsized. His body was found three months later but his spirit continues to haunt the lighthouse today. Visitors of the lighthouse have reported seeing Jordan’s ghost and hearing his voice and footsteps. This ghost appears to be friendly, as those in trouble near the lighthouse have reported being helped by a man who mysteriously disappeared after they were safe.
Lindley Street, Bridgeport
A home on Lindley Street reported poltergeist activity in the early 1970s. Some of this activity includes levitating tables, pictures falling from walls, and shattered windows. Large crowds used to gather in and around the house in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the paranormal and many believed to have witnessed said paranormal activity. However, debate about the reality of the hauntings centers around the family’s adopted daughter, Marcia. Marcia apparently admitted to causing the unusual activity, but eye-witnesses claim she was not present when they witnessed the activity.
Union Cemetery, Easton
What better place for a haunting than a cemetery? This cemetery, which dates back to the early 1700s, is famous for its ghost, the ‘White Lady,’ and inspiring the Warren’s book Graveyard. The ‘White Lady’ is an apparition dressed in a long white dress that reportedly floats over gravestones. She has also been known to get her laughs by convincing nearby drivers they have hit her with their car and then disappearing, leaving behind a frazzled and confused driver.