Ask most Horsham residents about Graeme Park, and they'll tell you it's haunted! The stories of Elizabeth's ghost have been circulating since her death in 1801 and unexplained sights, sounds and smells continue to be experienced by our staff, visitors and volunteers today. Betsy Stedman, one of Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson's closest friends, lived with Elizabeth at Graeme Park after the Revolutionary War. Shortly after Elizabeth's death in 1801 Betsy was visiting Graeme Park and reported “passing Elizabeth on the stairs.” Mrs. Strawbridge and her husband Welsh purchased Graeme Park in 1920. They lived in what is now known as the Penrose-Strawbridge house, elsewhere on the property, and used the Keith House for entertaining. Mrs. Strawbridge had a real love of history and delighted in taking visitors down to show off “the old house.” On one such occasion, Mrs. Strawbridge reported “hearing the rustle of [Elizabeth’s] skirt” as she was coming down the stairway. The staff, volunteers, and visitors at Graeme Park today have reported smelling pipe tobacco and perfume in the house, hearing children laughing when there were no children about, Christmas decorations pushed off the windowsill of the locked house, unexplained chills, and problems with the alarm system due to “motion in Elizabeth’s room”.
Join Graeme Park and a local paranormal group on February 19 from 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight on a hunt to learn the truth about the mysterious happenings that have been reported at Graeme Park over the centuries and just who else may be here. The cost for the five hour program is $40/person which will include a tour of the house, paranormal investigation of the house and grounds using various high-tech equipment, a discussion of the findings of previous investigations and light refreshments. Reservations are required and must be held with a credit card. There is a $20 cancellation fee and no-shows will be billed for the full cost.
