If you liked NextVR’s “Paranormal Evidence” episode of Pennhurst Asylum, they’ve made it possible for you to gear up again. This time to investigate Rolling Hills Asylum.
In case you have no idea what I’m talking about, but investigating a haunted place on your time from just about anywhere –be it home, work, or school– has piqued your interest, keep reading. All will be explained.
Let’s start with what Paranormal Evidence is and progress from there.
Paranormal Evidence, A New Kind of Reality TV Show
At it’s essence, Paranormal Evidence is a reality TV show of the Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures variety. But it brings a fresh new twist to the genre: virtual reality, a.k.a. VR. Which lets you be there in a whole new way.
NextVR produces the show. (Is “produces” the right word? Maybe creates is better? Not sure. Either way, hopefully you get the point. They’re the ones who make it.)
But you don’t just watch this show. You get to experience it. How?
- You’ll need a VR compatible headset. (Listed below.)
- You’ll need to download the NextVR app on your phone.
- Then you’re set to strap on your VR headset and join Jack, the lead investigator, and his crew as they investigate haunted places. In this case, Rolling Hills Asylum. (The first one was Pennhurst. Missouri State Penitentiary is coming soon.)
Rolling Hills Asylum’s History & Hauntings
About: Rolling Hills Asylum is located in Bethany, New York. It was founded in 1872 as a poor farm. In 1964 it became a nursing home for a brief time before closing in 1974. These days it’s owned and operated by Sharon Coyle.
Activity: It has been featured on all the hit paranormal TV shows because it has a reputation for being a creepy and active place. It is believed that a former patient, Roy Crouse, is now the seven-foot-tall shadow figure many have claimed to see. He may be the most sensational shadow figure at Rolling Hills but there are others. According to WeirdNJ.com, the East Wing of the second floor is known as the “Shadow Hallway,” because many shadow figures are often seen there. EVPs are common throughout the building. Objects moving on their own and people being shoved have also been reported throughout, but particularly in the morgue.
The teaser in the Paranormal Evidence trailer states that investigating could “anger the building’s unseen residents” and that “one investigator paid the price.”
Not sure what price he paid, but if that doesn’t sound ominous I don’t know what does.
NextVR Compatible Devices
As I stated above, you need special gear to watch experience Paranormal Evidence. You can find the following compatible headsets on Amazon.
Another one that’s compatible but isn’t on Amazon is the Windows Mixed Reality.
Happy VR investigating!
Samsung Gear VR w/Controller (2017) – Latest Edition – Note 8, GS8s, GS7s, Note 5, GS6s (US Version w/ Warranty) – $118 | Google Daydream View – VR Headset (Snow) – $79 | PlayStation VR – $257 |
Do you have a VR headset? Would you like to experience a haunted place in this way?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.