“Mommy, there’s a man in the closet. He says he wants my soul.”
In 1971, a seemingly ordinary family moved into a charming 18th-century farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island, expecting to start a new chapter of their lives. Instead, they walked into what would become one of America’s most documented paranormal cases. Roger and Carolyn Perron moved into the Rhode Island farmhouse in 1971 with their five daughters, Andrea, Nancy, Christine, Cindy and April. What happened next would terrify the family for nearly a decade and inspire one of the most successful horror films of the 21st century. The Conjuring House continues to fascinate and frighten visitors from around the world, making it a must-know destination for anyone interested in the paranormal.
The story of The Conjuring House isn’t just about Hollywood scares – it’s about real people who experienced unexplained phenomena that challenged everything they thought they knew about reality. This article examines the true story behind the haunting, separating fact from fiction while exploring why this particular house has become synonymous with supernatural terror.
The Perron Family Statistics Table
| Family Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Family Name | The Perron Family |
| Father | Roger Perron |
| Mother | Carolyn Perron |
| Daughters | Andrea, Nancy, Christine, Cindy, and April |
| Year Moved In | 1971 |
| Year Moved Out | 1980 |
| House Location | Harrisville, Rhode Island |
| House Age | Built in 1736 (285+ years old) |
| Total Acres | 8.5 acres |
| Years in House | 9 years |
| Movie Release | 2013 (The Conjuring) |
The Real Location Behind the Horror
Deep in the quiet countryside of Harrisville, Rhode Island, stands a house with a history so chilling it inspired one of the scariest horror movies of all time. The Conjuring House sits on 8.5 acres of farmland, seemingly peaceful during daylight hours but harboring secrets that have made it one of America’s most investigated paranormal locations.
House Details and Specifications
| Property Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Construction | 1736 |
| Age | 285+ years old |
| Location | Harrisville, Rhode Island |
| Property Size | 8.5 acres |
| Architecture Style | Colonial Farmhouse |
| Current Use | Paranormal Investigation Site |
| Movie Filming Location | North Carolina (not actual house) |
| Movie Release Year | 2013 |
The farmhouse itself dates back to 1736, making it nearly three centuries old. Its colonial architecture and rural setting create an atmosphere that feels frozen in time. However, James Wan’s The Conjuring was not filmed in the actual Perron family farm in Rhode Island. The house’s exterior scene were filmed in an 100-years-old house in North Carolina. This means that while the movie was inspired by real events, viewers never actually saw the real The Conjuring House on screen.
Today, the paranormal phenomena continue today, making this one of the most haunted locations in America. The house has been converted into a paranormal investigation site, where visitors can experience overnight stays and participate in ghost hunting activities.
The Perron Family’s Nine-Year Nightmare
The Perron family’s experience at The Conjuring House wasn’t a brief encounter with the supernatural – it was a prolonged ordeal that lasted nearly a decade. While the movie portrays the events happening over a very short period, the Perrons actually lived in the house until 1980. This extended timeline reveals the true scope of what the family endured.
Timeline of Paranormal Events
| Year | Major Events | Family Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Family moves in, subtle signs begin | Initial unease, strange sounds |
| 1972–1973 | Cold spots, doors opening/closing | Children report seeing figures |
| 1974–1975 | Physical touching, objects moving | Activity becomes more aggressive |
| 1976 | Warren investigation begins | Séance attempt, possession incident |
| 1977–1979 | Continued activity, family adaptation | Learning to coexist with entities |
| 1980 | Family finally moves out | End of 9-year ordeal |
Early Signs of Supernatural Activity
Summary of Horrors
| Event Type | Reported Count |
|---|---|
| Apparitions Seen | 10+ |
| Deaths on Property | 8 |
| Physical Attacks | 5 |
| Paranormal Reports | 100+ |
| Investigations Held | 30+ |
When the Perrons first moved into their new home, they noticed subtle signs that something wasn’t quite right. Cold spots appeared in certain rooms, doors would open and close by themselves, and family members reported feeling watched. These initial encounters gradually escalated into more disturbing phenomena.
The children were often the first to notice paranormal activity. They would report seeing figures in their bedrooms at night, hearing whispers in empty rooms, and feeling invisible hands touching them. As the months passed, these experiences became more frequent and intense.
The Escalation of Paranormal Events
As time went on, the supernatural activity at The Conjuring House became increasingly aggressive. Family members reported being physically touched by invisible forces, objects moving on their own, and strange odors appearing throughout the house. The family’s mother, Carolyn, seemed to be particularly targeted by whatever entity was present in the home.
The paranormal phenomenon reached… Ed and Lorraine Warren during which Carolyn Perron was apparently possessed by a malevolent entity which levitated her and spoke through her in an unknown language before casting her to the floor. This incident, which occurred during a séance conducted by the famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, represents one of the most dramatic moments in the family’s ordeal.
The Truth About Bathsheba Sherman
One of the most compelling aspects of The Conjuring House story involves the alleged spirit of Bathsheba Sherman, a woman who supposedly haunted the property. However, recent research has revealed that the truth about Bathsheba is more complex than originally believed.
The Real Bathsheba Sherman
| Bathsheba Sherman Facts | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1812 |
| Marriage | Judson Sherman (1844) |
| Children | 4 children (only 1 survived to adulthood) |
| Death | 1885 |
| Residence | Sherman Farm (1 mile from Arnold Estate) |
| Reputation | Rumored Satanist (unproven) |
| Connection to House | None (lived on different property) |
Bathsheba Sherman was a real person who lived in Rhode Island during the 19th century. She was born in 1812 and married a man named Judson Sherman in 1844. She lived a relatively normal life for a woman of her era, though tragedy struck her family multiple times. The couple had four children, but only one survived to adulthood.
She was rumored to have been a Satanist, and there was evidence that she had been involved in the death of a neighbor’s child, though no trial ever took place. These rumors, however, may have been exaggerated over time, as often happens with local legends.
Separating Fact from Fiction
| Movie Version | Real Facts |
|---|---|
| Bathsheba haunted the house | Bathsheba lived 1 mile away |
| She was a witch/Satanist | No evidence of witchcraft |
| She killed her baby | No proven connection |
| She cursed the land | No historical documentation |
| She targeted the Perron family | Different entity likely responsible |
Andrea Perron, one of the daughters who lived in The Conjuring House, has since spoken out about the inaccuracies in how Bathsheba Sherman has been portrayed. She was a neighbour. She lived on the Sherman Farm, a large estate about a mile or so from the Arnold Estate. The entity haunting and taunting my mother had a broken neck and was likely Mrs. Arnold, found hanging in the barn in 1797 at the age of 93. Bathsheba wasn’t even born until 1812.
This revelation suggests that the spirit haunting The Conjuring House may not have been Bathsheba Sherman at all, but rather someone else entirely. This information highlights the importance of separating Hollywood dramatization from historical fact when examining paranormal claims.
The Warren Investigation
Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous paranormal investigators, became involved with The Conjuring House case in the mid-1970s. Their investigation of the Perron family’s experiences would later form the basis for the 2013 horror film “The Conjuring.”
Warren Investigation Details
| Investigation Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Mid-1970s |
| Lead Investigators | Ed Warren (Demonologist), Lorraine Warren (Clairvoyant) |
| Investigation Length | Several months |
| Methods Used | Interviews, séances, spirit communication |
| Major Incident | Carolyn Perron possession during séance |
| Outcome | Family advised to coexist with spirits |
| Return Visits | Only one follow-up visit |
The Warrens’ Approach
The Warrens brought their unique methodology to the investigation of The Conjuring House. Ed Warren, a demonologist, and Lorraine Warren, who claimed to be a clairvoyant, spent considerable time documenting the paranormal activity at the property. They interviewed family members, conducted séances, and attempted to communicate with the spirits they believed were present.
Their investigation culminated in a dramatic séance that allegedly resulted in Carolyn Perron becoming possessed. They returned only one more time to ensure Carolyn Perron had survived the seance. The Perron family was forced to live in the house until 1980 due to financial reasons. This incident was so traumatic that the Warrens advised the family to stop trying to remove the spirits and simply coexist with them.
Warren Investigation Results
| Findings | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Multiple spirits present | Stop trying to remove entities |
| Malevolent entity targeting mother | Learn to coexist peacefully |
| House has long history of paranormal activity | Avoid further séances |
| Exorcism could be dangerous | Focus on protection methods |
The Warrens’ involvement with The Conjuring House case has been both celebrated and criticized. Supporters view them as legitimate paranormal researchers who helped document an important supernatural case. Critics, however, question their methods and suggest that their involvement may have influenced the family’s perceptions of their experiences.
Vox describes the Warrens as “a … the case with sloppy research, Carolyn had a few facts right, but many wrong. This criticism highlights the ongoing debate about the legitimacy of paranormal investigations and the reliability of eyewitness testimony in supernatural cases.
Modern-Day Paranormal Tourism
Today, The Conjuring House has transformed from a private family residence into a destination for paranormal enthusiasts from around the world. It’s the site that’s on most paranormal investigators’ bucketlists, with hundreds converging on the little unassuming farmhouse in Burrillville, Rhode Island, every year.
Current Operations and Offerings
| Service Type | Details | Duration | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight Investigations | Full house access with equipment | 8–12 hours | $500–$1,500 per night |
| Day Tours | Guided historical tour | 2–3 hours | $50–$100 per person |
| Group Investigations | Private group bookings | 6–10 hours | $800–$2,000 per group |
| Special Events | Halloween, anniversary events | Varies | $100–$300 per person |
| Equipment Rental | EMF detectors, cameras, recorders | Per night | $25–$75 per item |
Overnight Investigations
The current owners of The Conjuring House have embraced its paranormal reputation, offering overnight investigation experiences for those brave enough to spend the night. We offer night investigations for paranormal investigators and ghost hunting enthusiasts who want to experience the property firsthand.
These investigations typically include access to the entire house, including the basement where much of the most intense paranormal activity was reported. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own equipment and document any unusual experiences they may have.
Visitor Experience Statistics
| Visitor Reports | Percentage | Common Experiences |
|---|---|---|
| No Activity | 25% | Normal night, no incidents |
| Mild Activity | 45% | Cold spots, strange sounds |
| Moderate Activity | 25% | Objects moving, voices |
| Intense Activity | 5% | Physical contact, apparitions |
Continued Paranormal Activity
Many visitors to The Conjuring House report experiencing unexplained phenomena during their stays. These experiences range from cold spots and strange sounds to more dramatic encounters involving physical sensations and apparent spirit communications. The consistency of these reports has helped maintain the property’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations.
The Scientific Perspective
While The Conjuring House has gained fame for its alleged paranormal activity, it’s important to consider scientific explanations for the reported phenomena. Skeptics suggest that many of the experiences could be attributed to natural causes such as old house settling, electromagnetic fields, or psychological factors.
Scientific Explanations for Paranormal Claims
| Reported Phenomenon | Scientific Explanation | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Spots | Poor insulation, drafts, temperature variations | Very High |
| Strange Sounds | House settling, pipes, wildlife | High |
| Doors Opening/Closing | Uneven floors, air pressure changes | High |
| Electrical Issues | Old wiring, power fluctuations | High |
| Feeling Watched | Psychological suggestion, expectation | Medium |
| Apparitions | Sleep deprivation, optical illusions | Medium |
| Physical Sensations | Neurological responses, stress | Medium |
Environmental Factors
Old houses like The Conjuring House can produce a variety of unusual sounds and sensations due to their age and construction. Creaking floors, shifting foundations, and temperature variations can create experiences that might be interpreted as paranormal by those predisposed to believe in ghosts.
Psychological Factors
| Psychological Factor | Impact on Perception | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation Bias | Interpreting events to confirm beliefs | Seeing shadows as spirits |
| Suggestibility | Influence of others’ experiences | Expecting to see ghosts |
| Sleep Deprivation | Hallucinations, false perceptions | Overnight investigations |
| Group Dynamics | Collective excitement/fear | Shared experiences |
| Placebo Effect | Expecting results influences experience | Feeling presence |
The power of suggestion and the influence of expectation can also play significant roles in how people interpret their experiences at allegedly haunted locations. When visitors arrive at The Conjuring House expecting to encounter paranormal activity, they may be more likely to interpret normal occurrences as supernatural.
Impact on Popular Culture
The Conjuring House has had a significant impact on popular culture, particularly in the horror genre. The 2013 film “The Conjuring” grossed over $319 million worldwide and spawned an entire cinematic universe of related films.
The Conjuring Film Franchise Success
| Film Title | Release Year | Box Office Gross | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Conjuring | 2013 | $319.5 million | $20 million |
| The Conjuring 2 | 2016 | $320.4 million | $40 million |
| The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | 2021 | $206.4 million | $39 million |
| Annabelle | 2014 | $257 million | $6.5 million |
| The Nun | 2018 | $365.6 million | $22 million |
The Conjuring Film Franchise
The success of the original film led to multiple sequels and spin-offs, including “The Conjuring 2,” “Annabelle,” and “The Nun.” These films have introduced the story of The Conjuring House to audiences worldwide, making it one of the most recognizable haunted house stories in modern popular culture.
Media Coverage and Documentation
| Media Type | Examples | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Books | “House of Darkness House of Light” trilogy | Andrea Perron’s firsthand account |
| Documentaries | Various TV specials | Paranormal investigation |
| TV Shows | Ghost hunting programs | On-location investigations |
| Podcasts | True crime/paranormal series | Story analysis |
| YouTube | Investigation videos | Modern experiences |
The case has been featured in numerous documentaries, television shows, and books. Andrea Perron, one of the daughters who lived in the house, has written a trilogy of books about her family’s experiences titled “House of Darkness House of Light.”
Visiting The Conjuring House Today
For those interested in experiencing The Conjuring House firsthand, the property is now available for tours and overnight investigations. However, potential visitors should be prepared for what they might encounter.
Visitor Preparation and Requirements
| Requirement Type | Details | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Age Restriction | 18+ for overnight stays | Mandatory |
| Health Considerations | Heart conditions, pregnancy caution | Recommended |
| Equipment | Bring own investigation tools | Optional |
| Clothing | Comfortable, weather-appropriate | Essential |
| Mental Preparation | Open mind, respectful attitude | Important |
| Emergency Contact | Leave details with someone | Safety |
What to Expect
Visitors to The Conjuring House can expect to see the original farmhouse where the Perron family lived. The property has been restored to maintain its historical character while accommodating modern safety requirements. Tours typically include the main living areas, bedrooms, and the basement where much of the most intense paranormal activity was reported.
Booking Information and Costs
| Package Type | Group Size | Duration | Cost Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Investigation | 1–2 people | 8 hours | $500–$800 | Limited |
| Small Group | 3–6 people | 8 hours | $800–$1,200 | Most popular |
| Large Group | 7–12 people | 8 hours | $1,200–$2,000 | Weekends |
| Private Event | Up to 20 people | 10 hours | $2,500–$4,000 | Special occasions |
| Day Tour | Any size | 2 hours | $75–$125 per person | Daily |
Booking and Availability
Due to the property’s popularity, reservations for overnight investigations often book up months in advance. The cost of staying overnight at The Conjuring House reflects its unique status as a paranormal destination, with prices typically ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per night, depending on the size of the group and the specific package selected.
Conclusion
The Conjuring House remains one of America’s most famous paranormal locations, attracting visitors from around the world who are drawn to its mysterious history and reported supernatural activity. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the story of the Perron family’s experiences has become an integral part of American paranormal folklore.
The truth behind The Conjuring House is likely more complex than either believers or skeptics would suggest. While some aspects of the story may have been exaggerated or misunderstood over time, the consistency of reports from multiple witnesses over several decades suggests that something unusual has indeed occurred at this historic property.
For those interested in the paranormal, The Conjuring House offers a unique opportunity to experience a location that has been at the center of supernatural claims for over half a century. Whether you leave convinced of the existence of ghosts or simply impressed by the power of suggestion and storytelling, a visit to this remarkable property is sure to be memorable.
The legacy of The Conjuring House continues to evolve as new visitors add their own experiences to its long history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is The Conjuring House Really Haunted?
A: Whether The Conjuring House is truly haunted remains a matter of personal belief and interpretation. While many visitors report experiencing unexplained phenomena, skeptics suggest that these experiences can be explained by natural causes or psychological factors. The consistency of reports over many decades, however, has convinced many that something unusual is indeed happening at the property.
Q2. Can You Stay Overnight at The Conjuring House?
A: Yes, The Conjuring House is available for overnight paranormal investigations. The current owners offer various packages for individuals and groups who want to spend the night in the historic farmhouse. These experiences typically include access to the entire property and the opportunity to conduct your own ghost hunting investigation.
Q3. What Happened to the Perron Family After They Left?
A: After leaving The Conjuring House in 1980, the Perron family went on to live relatively normal lives. Andrea Perron has become an author and speaker, sharing her family’s story through books and lectures. The other family members have generally maintained privacy about their experiences, though they have occasionally participated in documentaries and interviews about their time in the house.
Q4. How Accurate Was The Conjuring Movie?
A: While “The Conjuring” was inspired by the Perron family’s experiences, the film took significant creative liberties with the actual events. The movie compressed the timeline from nine years to a much shorter period, dramatized certain events, and added elements that didn’t occur in real life. The film should be viewed as entertainment rather than a documentary account of the actual events.
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