Alaska Paranormal Research is an organization based in Whittier, Alaska, USA that researches and investigates paranormal phenomena. It was founded in 2006 by Deana Beard and co-founded with Doug Aaron and Janet Andrews.
History edit
Beard began Alaska Paranormal Research (APR) in June 2006; originally it was named Alaska Paranormal Research Group (APRG) and based in Anchorage, Alaska. According to APR member Janet Andrews, the team initially began meeting "every Thursday evening in a someone's living room." Aaron joined the effort about two months later followed by Andrews the following month. The APRG name was shortened and renamed "Alaska Paranormal Research". It was discovered that Whittier, Alaska was called "The Strangest Town in Alaska" and eventually APR decided to move it's main base of operations to Whittier. APR operates throughout all of Alaska with satellite operations in Anchorage, Palmer/Wasilla, and Fairbanks.
Objectives and Activities edit
The group attempts to help people (individuals or groups) who feel they have paranormal activity occurring to them by collecting evidence, which they also use for their own research purposes. They also share information through their website.
The APR website features some of the evidence they have collected in image and audio formats.
In early 2007, APR ceased describing itself as a "non-profit organization" and instead adopted the term "not for profit" due to potential liability issues stemming from the inaccuracy of the first description. APR has filed for IRS 501(c)(3)exemption status but as of present time has not obtained it.
Methods edit
APR Conducts Investigations Using Spiritual/Scientific methods. APR sends a group of 3 to 6 members to perform an 2-6 hour investigation employing a number of infrared and digital video cameras, EMF (electromagnetic field) Detectors, digital thermometers and other equipment throughout the site in question. While at a site, the members of the team often find common explanations for the claims of the occupants. After multiple investigations, the team will report on its findings, and express their opinion whether or not a site is "experiencing paranormal activity". They distinguish themselves from other Paranormal groups by going into a case claiming "research is an ongoing process that cannot be completed in a single or a few investigations". APR does not charge their clients for the investigations or consulting.
Known Members (past & present) edit
Present Members edit
Deana Beard - Founder/Investigator Doug Aaron - Co-Founder/Webmaster/Researcher Janet Andrews - Co-Founder/Investigator Mike Michell - Technical Manager/Investigator Rick Thayer - Investigator/Researcher Kim Hall - Historical Researcher/Investigator Daybreak Mitchellson - Investigator in Training
The current membership list for APR is available on their website.
APR Networking edit
Many Paranormal Investigation Groups network and assist similar member-groups across the nation and around the world. APR invites paranormal research organizations into its own networks, and may refer cases to them. Member-organizations put a "CASPR" (Canadian & American Society of Paranormal Reserachers) and/or "Alaska Paranormal Societies" graphic on their websites, which link to Alaska Paranormal Research's web page. A list of member organizations is available at the APR [4]
See also edit
Ghost Ghost hunters Ghost hunting Haunting Paranormal Investigation
References edit
^ Alaska Paranormal Research website ^ KAPS Radio interview ^ KIMO TV interview ^ KTUU TV interview ^ KTVA TV interview (unaired)
External links edit
Official APR Web-site
Category: Paranormal investigators