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ABOUT HARPER HOUSE
The History:
The Harper Family was the last of seven families to occupy the Harper House, as some locals still refer to it. Daniel Webster Shuler, originally from Michigan and who founded Hickory’s first bank, built the house in 1887. The Harper Family’s stay was by far the longest—from 1923, when Finley Gwyn Harper, Sr. (1880-1951), who operated Harper Motor Company, purchased it from Mrs. Minnie C. Taylor, to December 21, 2000, when Anne McPherson Harper Bernhardt, Lee Corinne Harper Vason, Mary Gwyn Harper Addison, and Betty Banks Harper Shelander—the daughters of Finley Gwyn Harper, Jr., and his wife Mary Banks McPherson Harper—generously arranged its acquisition by the HACC.
The Harpers’ long stay was also providential, for each of the three generations appreciated the house’s architectural significance, preserving the foyer’s carved, coffered ceiling and intricate stained-glass window; the parquet floors of the dining room and family parlor; the ornate brass-work of the heavy doorknobs, sashes, keyplates, and many sets of pocket doors; the piano-grade cherry of the staircase with two landings and the dining room’s carved wainscoting, as well as the numerous silhouettes of family friends on the walls of the attic, where Mr. and Mrs. Harper, Sr., entertained during Prohibition.
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The Investigation:
During this public investigation, you'll get to join our team for the night as we explore this historically haunted location. You will get to experience an opening vigil where we ground ourselves and then introduce ourselves to the spirits and invite them to interact with us for the night, several vigils that focus on using various ghost hunting tools and techniques, access to parts of the building that are normally off limits to the public and an period of self exploration where you can use your own equipment (or borrow Great State Paranormal's equipment) and partake in your own investigations.
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Note for those with mobility challenges: This location is NOT recommended for those who have difficulty with mobility. There are many stairs, some of them steep, and there is not a ramp or elevator present. The stairs have railing available, but the rails are low, consistent with the style of the house. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any special request, please get in contact with us and we will attempt to find a reasonable accommodation.
EVENT ITINERARY
Check in/ Introductions
Location Tour and Paranormal History
Refreshment Break
Opening Vigil, Calling Out to the Spirits
Guided Investigation and Introduction to Equipment
Refreshment Break
Free Roam with Team Equipment
Opportunity for Individual Vigils with Experienced Investigators
Regrouping and Closing Vigil
Upcoming Events
Sat, Oct 12Harper House & Hickory History CenterOct 12, 2024, 7:00 PM – Oct 13, 2024, 3:00 AM
Sat, Nov 09The Holliday HouseNov 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – Nov 10, 2024, 3:00 AM
Sat, Aug 31Trivette ClinicAug 31, 2024, 7:00 PM – Sep 01, 2024, 3:00 AM
Sat, Aug 17The Holliday HouseAug 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – Aug 18, 2024, 3:00 AM
Sat, Jul 13Harper House & Hickory History CenterJul 13, 2024, 7:00 PM – Jul 14, 2024, 3:00 AM
Sat, Apr 27USS North Carolina BattleshipApr 27, 2024, 7:00 PM – Apr 28, 2024, 3:00 AM
Sat, Nov 18Old Round UpNov 18, 2023, 7:00 PM – Nov 19, 2023, 4:00 AM
Fri, Oct 201924 CourthouseOct 20, 2023, 7:00 PM – Oct 21, 2023, 4:00 AM
Fri, Oct 201924 CourthouseOct 20, 2023, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sat, Oct 14Benton HallOct 14, 2023, 7:00 PM – Oct 15, 2023, 4:00 AM
Sat, Oct 07Harper HouseOct 07, 2023, 7:00 PM – Oct 08, 2023, 4:00 AM
Sat, Sep 16USS North Carolina BattleshipSep 16, 2023, 7:00 PM – Sep 17, 2023, 3:00 AM
Fri, Sep 15USS North Carolina BattleshipSep 15, 2023, 7:00 PM – Sep 16, 2023, 3:00 AM
Sat, Sep 02Old Round UpSep 02, 2023, 7:00 PM – Sep 03, 2023, 4:00 AM
Sat, Aug 12The Studio at Hometown CollaborativeAug 12, 2023, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sat, Jul 221924 CourthouseJul 22, 2023, 7:00 PM – Jul 23, 2023, 4:00 AM