Haunted America: The Ghosts of Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay, New York

If you enjoy being transported back in time while visiting friendly 200-year old ghosts, then you will most definitely want to visit the 20-room museum that was once the Townsend home that served host to Benedict Arnold, a British Commander, a British Major and a whole cast of other characters that submerged themselves in and around the Revolutionary War. The affluent town of Oyster Bay, New York is no stranger to greeting famous people throughout time, but its heyday took place during the 100 year stretch dating from the American Revolution of the late 1700’s to the Victorian era that took place during the 1800’s. British troops were no stranger to Oyster Bay during the war as the American colonies by law were required to quarter the men.

During this time, the troops would become familiar with the families that gave them temporary shelter and meals for long periods of time, and it stood to reason that the men would discuss war strategies and other pertinent facts concerning ways to end a way of life that consisted of long days at battle with the enemy. During one of these discussions, vital information was overheard coming out of the mouth of British Major John Andre concerning the plot against Benedict Arnold and how they would convince him to surrender. The news alarmed Townsend’s daughter who stood nearby, hidden from sight with her ear to the door, who then ran with her newly gained information straight to the General George Washington who immediately obscured the plot.

The Raynham Hall Museum was originally purchased by the prosperous merchant Samuel Townsend for the purpose of giving safe and beautiful living quarters to his family. The large home was more than adequate for supplying plenty of room for the well to do Townsends. The stately home had an ideal location that was both surrounded by acres of land and a full orchard. Samuel’s wife Sarah adored her husband and her new home and promptly set out to fill the eight room home with eight healthy children. The family literally prospered both personally and financially, and their happy bustling home was an obvious choice for troops with the family having the convenience of a thriving mercantile business at their fingertips.

The general public is now openly invited to experience the life that the Townsends would have once endured during the Revolutionary War by learning of the family’s background through information gathered and that is now readily available at the Raynham Hall Museum. It is obvious to most that the family still resides at the home that they loved so much, but it is no longer in the earthly form, but in the manner of ghostly visits to the guests that seek them out. It is no hidden fact that paranormal activity can be expected when visiting the museum, but visitors do not appear alarmed by this known fact.

On any given day, you can witness a beautiful young apparition donning a pristine white wedding gown and walking in a slow but pointed manner, as if she is headed somewhere of utter importance. The heavy footed steps coming from upstairs have started many conversations filled with speculation by guests about who may be causing such a ruckus. The only problem is that there is nobody in that area, and the only known cause is that the place is totally haunted by British troops still heavily talking out their many war strategies. Candlelight has been spotted through the empty upstairs through windows from outdoor passerby’s, and hushed tones has been overheard from more than one museum curator on duty at the time.

John Andre is one of the more prominent entities at the museum, perhaps due to the nature of his demise. After the leaked information regarding Benedict Arnold was discovered, John was captured and hanged. Another famous ghost who resides at the Townsend home is thought to be none other then John Simcoe, the secret lover of Sally Townsend. His strong presence can be felt in Sally’s bedroom by the freezing cold temperatures that appear to escalate during the summer months. Sally has also been spotted in this area, and when she cannot be seen by the human eye, you are still reminded by her presence due to the heavy smell of roses that permeate the area.

Visitors are often reminded of the ghosts that reside in the museum simply by seeing them cascading in succession down the main stairwell as well as witnessing them throughout many other areas around the property. A ghost horse and rider has been both seen and heard galloping late at night outside of Sally Townsend’s bedroom window. Major John Andre’s ghost has remained steady and solid, and during the 1930’s Julia Weeks Cole, the homeowner at the time reported that a house guest had been startled by ghostly noises that prevented him from sleeping. On a separate visit by Julia’s sister Susan, an elderly male apparition was spotted descending the stairs and then he simply vanished into thin air.

The swishing sound of thick petticoats has been heard by several visitors to the museum, and it is not abnormal to witness many a female spirit donning Victorian finery as they stroll through the hallway or descend the main steps. Irish immigrant Michael Conlin worked as a servant for the Townsend family, and has been seen carrying out his duties still today. Sadly it is in the form of a ghost, and the male apparition appears to have no clue that he is in fact deceased. Pipe tobacco has been noted as being a main source of irritating odors, and cinnamon has openly flowed through the air taunting and tempting guests to come savor the baked goods in the kitchen, that are nowhere to be found once a deeper investigation as to where the heavenly scents are emanating from are nowhere to be found.

Speculation as to why the museum is frequented by so many ghosts has been linked to various sources that include the original Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England, where a ghost appears as a harbinger of an impending death in the family. Other theories on the active entities that refuse to leave include the deep love that the Townsend family shared for each other and for those who were closely knit to the family, and the tight bonds that were made during a time of war and the sudden loss of life that at times came unexpectedly.

Paranormal Investigation Results: The EMF had high fluctuations throughout the museum as did the dowsing rods. The Paranormal Investigation of NYC report taken during the investigation concluded that apparitions, voices, strange smells and feelings of being watched were all present.

Behind the Name: Oyster Bay was aptly named by those who savored the abundant mass of fine oysters from the local bay. The first mention of this historical notation comes from the ledger of Dutch navigator Captain David Peterson de Vries who anchored his ship on June 4, 1639 at Oyster Bay, New York.

Location: 20 West Main Street, Oyster bay, New York, 11771

Phone: 516-922-6808 Web Site: http://raynhamhallmuseum.org/

Price: $5.00 per Adult $3.00 per Child or Senior Citizen Free for military and children under 6

Hours of Operation: Tuesday thru Sunday 1-5

Sources:

http://www.raynhamhallmuseum.org/History.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raynham_Hall_Museum

http://www.paranormal-nyc.com/

http://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/1155199

http://www.liparanormalinvestigators.com/raynham.shtml

http://www.theshadowlands.net/places/newyork.htm


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