Pennhurst State School

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Pennhurst State School, originally known as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Insitution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic was an institution for mentally and physically disabled adults and children in Southeastern Pennsylvania and is located in Spring City, PA. Construction began in 1903 and the first building was complete in 1908. Shortly after, Pennhurst’s very first patient, nicknamed “Patient Number One” was admitted. 4 short years later the facility would face extreme overcrowding, with constant pressure to admit immigrants, orphans and criminals who often had no disabilities that would require them to be there in the first place.

The property consists of 13 buildings spread over 1,400 acres of land. By the 1920’s the property became so overpopulated that all of these buildings would end up being used as housing to some extent, because there wasn’t enough room to properly house all the patients. Violence, rampant sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and even murder had occurred inside the walls of Pennhurst for decades before national attention was brought on the facility thanks to a 5 part news series by Bill Baldini exposing the inner workings of a hellish place only meant to store the “less desirables” somewhere away from society. This controversial series would detail the horrible conditions the patients faced, resulting in it’s eventual shutdown on December 9, 1987.

For decades, state and local officials debated over what to do with the now defunct facility. Eventually the property would be sold to a private investor to preserve the historical site and in 2010 the main administration building would open as a haunted house attraction. It would spark controversy among locals who were once affiliated with Pennhurst in a negative aspect, but the funds helped preserve the property and complete renovations to eventually allow it to open up in 2017 and allow daytime tours, photography events, and overnight paranormal investigations.

Those who have investigated this property report a myriad of paranormal activity. From giant shadow figures and screaming children, to all sorts of equipment malfunctions, cold spots, and physical attacks. This place is recommended for experienced investigators. The 3rd floor of the Mayflower hall is the most active place on site that is accessible by the public. There is an entity up there that does not like Males, and makes itself well known.

The property is privately owned and offers private and public paranormal investigations. It is monitored 24/7, with security systems and cameras in place. It is not recommended to go strolling up to this property without permission, you will be arrested. You can book an overnight investigation on their website or by calling them.

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