How to Find a Ghost in the White House

The White House is the most well known residence in the United States, and it provides shelter for more than just the First family. The site of so many historical events, some of its past presidential residents and their families are said to still walk the hallowed halls. Take a tour, but keep your sixth sense on alert to meet up with some ghostly inhabitants.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Ticket to the White House tour
• Camera

1. Lincoln Memorial Abraham Lincoln is one of the very best known ghostly presences in the White House. Having been "felt" by Jackie Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt, his spirit is said to linger here, and even Harry Truman reported that his maids saw his apparition, and he himself felt that Abe was knocking on his office door!
2. Lincoln's son, Willie, died during his administration in the White House and his ghost was reportedly sighted during the Grant and Taft presidencies.
3. Jefferson Memorial Keep your eyes open when passing by the Yellow Room! The ghost of Thomas Jefferson has been seen playing the violin here!
4. The ghost of Andrew Jackson is said to fill the Queen's Bedroom with otherworldly laughter and knocks. Spooky!
5. Dolly Madison is the woman who planted the famous Rose Garden on the White House estate. Her interest in the garden hasn't faded, and her ghost has been reportedly seen looking down at the garden from the upper windows.
6. John Adam's wife, Abigail, has also been seen retracing her steps to and from the East Room. She used to hang laundry in this area, and visitors have seen her spirit entering the room with an armload of laundry.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out the official White House website and look for their videos of ghostly happenings on the estate (see Resources below).
• Check out tour rules and regulations before taking your cameras or EVP equipment.