SALEM — The request from Spirit Finders Paranormal Investigators of North Smithfield, R.I., was way down on the agenda at last night's monthly meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission.
It had to wait for a discussion of a proposed Little League field at Salem Willows, a progress report on activities at the Pioneer Village tourist site and an update on plans for a children's playground at Forest River Park.
When the paranormal investigators finally got a chance to speak, they didn't appear to stand a ghost of a chance. After all, they had come with an unusual request. They want to lead a nighttime search party inside the city's historic Witch House looking for signs of the living dead.
The park board responded with mainly warm vibrations.
"I'll be honest," Chairman James Shea said. "I think it's a good idea. I think it could help sell tickets next year."
In addition to being historic, the Witch House is a city-run tourist attraction, which charges admission and counts on visitors to pay the bills.
The investigators said they expect to use something called electromagnetic force readers, infrared thermometers and cameras, and digital and analog recorders in their search for signs of Witch Trials Judge Jonathan Corwin and his family.
In addition to being Judge Corwin's home during the infamous trials of 1692, this house on the corner of Essex and North streets is where some of those falsely accused of witchcraft were examined, according to several local histories.
The paranormal investigators said they are a nonprofit organization who are not out to make money and who discuss their findings on their own radio show.
"We actually believe in this," Robert Grillo said. "We're not out for the glory. ... We believe in this."
He said they are excited by the possibility of checking out a historic house in the Witch City. "This is like the epicenter of paranormal," Grillo said.
The group conducted a similar ghost hunt last year inside the 1696 Smith-Appleby House in Smithfield, R.I., to check out reports of unusual activity. News of their investigation, they said, sparked a 25 percent jump in visitors and revenues.
The board didn't vote last night. That most likely will take place at the December meeting. First, the city wants to do a little investigating of its own.
"We do have to check you guys out a little bit before we give an OK," Shea said.
After the meeting, the two representatives from the ghost-hunting group said they were pleased with how the meeting went and look forward to spending part of a night inside the Witch House.
"Old houses like that tend to keep energies for a long time," said Christopher Andrews of Spirit Finders Paranormal Investigators.
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