21st September 2007

General: For for the second of our three September events we travelled across to Hitchin to visit and investigate the Hitchin Museum.

The investigation started with an Ouija experiment in the Chemists gallery. Two groups tried with this but the glass did not move, but during the second group’s experiment two members heard a noise, which was described as a single sweeping noise or someone rubbing their palms together. Whispering was also heard in one corner of the room. A séance was conducted in the same gallery in which lights and shadows were seen, cold drafts were felt, a member was touched and an unfortunate event for one member who had shooting pains down their arm and had to leave the room.

The vigils that followed proved just as interesting. White and shadowy figures were seen, including one of a feline nature in the form of a cat seen walking towards the Yeomanry gallery entrance. Lights were seen and impressions were picked up; a small boy and the murder of a lady. Thoughts of songs and music were picked up in the small art gallery downstairs and one member reported hearing noises of people moving about on the ground floor. They stood at the top of the stairs and listened to the noise for a few minutes then distinctly heard three loud breaths as if someone was sleeping. Members investigating the ground floor confirmed that they were not the source of the noise and neither heard/captured this on any recordings or fell asleep during the vigil. Many names were picked up including ‘Albert’ who was felt to have a serious injury to the right side of his head. The names have been left with the museum to check with their history records.

We would like to thank David Hodges and Hitchin Museum for the opportunity to investigate Hitchin Museum.

History: Hitchin Museum was founded in 1939 and opened to the public in 1941. It occupied the top floor of the building in Paynes Park with the ground floor being used as the local library. The library is now next door and the museum covers two floors with local history and exhibits.

The most impressive of these is undoubtedly the Perks and Llewellyn Chemists Gallery. John Perks started his chemists business in 1790. In 1878 a Samuel Perks (relative to John Perks) went in to partnership with Charles Llewellyn. In 1961 the last owner of the shop sold the site to developers but kept the contents, which are now in a truly unique display at the museum. It is highly recommended for its presence of history; giving you the feeling that you really have stepped back in time.

The museum displays six galleries in total; two art galleries, social history, Hertfordshire Yeomanry, costume and the chemist’s galleries. Each display has an impressive collection such as old artefacts, clothing and some imaginative artwork from the local sixth form college.