By Kieran Cunningham
The city of Philadelphia, PA boasts an expansive, rich atmosphere that residents of the city cherish throughout their lives. Cultural powerhouses, such as “Rocky” and John Coltrane create a unique, identifying culture that resonates with the public. With its expansive history and iconic landmarks, it is no wonder that supernatural associations permeate into the perceptions of The City of Brotherly Love. By effect, a major controversy comes to light. Avid believers find it essential to describe the city’s haunted landscape in tandem with its history and skeptics miss the correlation between the two. One thing, however, is for certain. Through social interactions and perceptions, Philadelphians foster the haunted perceptions of the city, which strengthen the connection they have to their home.
Dark Events of the Past
Tragic events of the past are able to change the way people perceive an abundance of areas around the city. When dreadful affairs happen in a specific area, the public’s perception regarding the image of that location can shift towards ghostly assumptions. The Eastern State Penitentiary, for instance, encapsulates the haunted Philadelphia scene. Stories of the prisoners associated with the world’s first penitentiary are enough to cause a chill down anyone’s spine.
An NPR news article discusses the dismal past of the former prisoners by discussing the harsh punishment inflicted on them by the institution. Individuals can learn about stories of ice forming on the skin of prisoners and gruesome solitary confinement, which allow them to empathetically connect to the prisoners. Through learning about Eastern State’s past, like the events of previous article, city residents actively seek out information which broadens their scope of Philadelphian history. By effect, these people are able to create an emotional bond to a Philadelphian location and witness the impact those landmarks have on the city.
Philadelphia’s Influential Characters
Another method Philadelphia residents express their belief of paranormal activity revolve around the notable figures that have shaped the foundation of the city’s history. Through the passing down of folklore, individuals echo the great accomplishments of these people and their ability to affect the social landscape of today. By seeing apparitions of well-known people, the public is able to push the otherworldly mindset of one of the nation’s oldest cities.
Philly Ghosts, one of Philadelphia’s best known ghost tour companies, discusses this ability of historical ghosts leaving an impact on individuals. An account of a frantic Ben Franklin ghost pushing past someone to get to a bookshelf and Betsy Ross spotted at the foot of her bed intrigue believers everywhere. These ghost sightings allow witnesses to connect to notable places and appreciate the major contributions of these figures on their mutual living space. This, in essence, strengthens Philadelphia’s position as a “haunted” city, while simultaneously peeking the historical interest/connection of individuals.
Personal Paranormal Parables
One of the most effective avenues that allows Philadelphians to push the occult narrative of the city involves the personal anecdotes of residents. To rationalize strange occurrences with no visible explanation, people can point towards the supernatural for an answer. Believers can connect to their unique experience, evoking strong emotions, which builds up the perception of the city.
A New York Times article demonstrates the strong feelings a young sociologist, Margee Kerr, feels while trekking through the halls of Eastern State Penitentiary with a group of professional ghost hunters. Specific sensations and uncanny emotions allow the author to build the foundation of an eerie presence within the city. This encapsulates the image she associates with the building and the overall Philadelphian experience. Her personal encounter with a very active paranormal site creates an exclusive appreciation for The City of Brotherly Love that many people do not experience.
An Overview of Philadelphia’s Haunted Atmosphere
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania boasts a dynamic history and substantial culture that residents can perceive as a perfect mixture for a paranormal landscape. Speculations surrounding site locations, instances of notable apparitions, and personal accounts of ghostly images prompt a growing appreciation, among residents, of the city and its important history. The controversial opinions of ghosts prompts an internal connection to their home, which keeps the Philadelphian spirit alive.
Source Material:
Dalrymple, L. (2013, October 24). Is Eastern State Penitentiary really haunted? NPR. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from https://www.npr.org/2013/10/24/232234570/is-eastern-statepenitentiary-really-haunted
“Eastern State Penitentiary.” Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.easternstate.org/.
Kerr, M. (2015, October 31). My Philadelphia ghost story. The New York Times. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/31/opinion/my-philadelphiaghost-story.html
“The American Philosophical Library.” The American Philosophical Library – Philly Ghosts, 6 Nov. 2021, https://phillyghosts.com/the-american-philosophical-library/.
“The Betsy Ross House.” The Betsy Ross House – Philly Ghosts, 15 Dec. 2021, https:// phillyghosts.com/the-betsy-ross-house/.