Meet Erin Egnatz | Ghost Hunter, Author, & Historian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Egnatz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Thanks to television shows, many people have a view of my industry that may not be completely accurate. Ghost hunting is often times looked at as this non-stop thrill-seeking adventure where only the brave venture, but in reality, there is a lot more to the hobby than that. We all get into the field of paranormal for various reasons, but for many of us, we truly want to prove that there is something more going on. Further more, we want to help the spirits that are stuck behind, tell their stories, not just antagonize them until they throw something at us…although that does make good evidence and even better television.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I first started Hauntings Around America a few years back although I have been involved in ghost hunting for almost twenty years. I wanted to create something that would reach all kinds of people, so I began a blog spotlighting various locations across the country said to be haunted. When I write these posts I start with the history of the location and follow it up with the paranormal activity said to occur. I first started posting my blog posts to a Facebook page where it began taking off almost immediately. I then created an Instagram so that I could reach a broader audience. I was a bit overwhelmed to begin with by how fast it grew, but soon began to realize that I had created my own little paranormal society where everyone could partake in their experiences with the paranormal. I met paranormal investigators from all over the world and learned new techniques along the way.

After my social media took off a bit, I decided to get a bit more creative and began a YouTube channel where I would bring my audience with me on investigations from the comfort of their homes. Recently I began a series of mini-documentaries and walkthroughs of these locations so that the audience can get a better idea of the locations from my writings.

If there is one thing that I want the world to know about my story, it is that it does not matter if you believe in the paranormal or not. You may just like scary stories, you may like travel, you may like history…there is something for everyone here. And if you don’t believe in the paranormal, that’s okay, I don’t judge 🙂

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It seems like I have a favorite spot in every state. I have investigated in 42 of the 50 states, but one of my absolute favorite places to go is Tombstone, Arizona. Many people know Tombstone because of the movie, but in reality, it is so much more. The last time I was there, I started with a tour of the Birdcage Theatre. I then walked the dusty streets exploring the famed spot where the shootout at the OK Corral occurred. All along the strip, there are saloons, gift shops, and even a paranormal museum, it is a fun town to explore with countless things to do. I finished my trip to Tombstone at the Boothill Graveyard where many of the cowboys of Tombstone are laid to rest including the men killed in the shootout with Wyatt Earp. The really interesting thing about Boothill is the handout they give you one the way in with all of the graves listed. Each name has an explanation for how the departed died, many of whom died violently being as though this was of course the Wild West.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My high school history teacher was my inspiration for joining the paranormal field. He was a member of the local ghost hunting group in our area and had an interesting way of tying history and the paranormal together in his lessons. I would never have known where to begin in this industry if it were not for his guidance and I am eternally grateful for it.

Website: www.hauntingsaroundamerica.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hauntingsaroundamerica/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-egnatz-94012a1a5/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hauntingsaroundamerica

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuSnDvmbsjHOGorz98RpfOQ

Image Credits
Kelsey Tillema for professional photo of me. All other photos are taken and owned by me.