But what makes a place truly haunted?
The Science Behind Hauntings
While many people believe that hauntings are the result of paranormal activity, the scientific community approaches the topic with a healthy dose of skepticism. According to Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist who has studied paranormal claims, there are several factors that contribute to the perception of hauntings. Confirmation bias: People tend to give more weight to information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, while ignoring contradictory evidence.
(Source: “10 Most Haunted Houses in America,” Travel + Leisure, March 2020) While the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, is most famously associated with the 1892 axe murder, the house has a history of paranormal activity that predates the infamous crime. (Source: Lizzie Borden House website) The house was built in 1846, and its original owner, Andrew Borden, was a wealthy businessman.
Here are some other haunted locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire that have been featured on ghost hunting TV shows.
