Overview: Is Wyckoff House Haunted?
A Closer Look at the Alleged Haunting in Brooklyn, New York
Introduction to Wyckoff House
“Is Wyckoff House Haunted?” is a frequent question for the Brooklyn Paranormal Society (BKPS).
Located in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York, the Wyckoff House is a historic Dutch farmhouse with a haunting reputation, that dates back to the mid-17th century.
It is now a museum that is open to the public, and many visitors and staff members have reported strange and unexplained occurrences within its walls. These reports have led to speculation that the Wyckoff House may be haunted, with tips pouring in to local paranormal detective agency the Brooklyn Paranormal Society.
There are several documented accounts of paranormal activity at the Wyckoff House. One of the most famous is the story of the “Ghostly Lady in White,” who is said to roam the halls of the house at night. According to legend, the lady in white is the ghost of a young woman who was killed in a tragic accident on the property. Many people claim to have seen her ghostly figure walking through the house or standing at the windows, looking out at the gardens.
One of the most common reports of paranormal activity at the Wyckoff House is the feeling of being watched or followed. Visitors and staff members have reported feeling a presence in the room with them, even when they are alone. Some have even claimed to see shadowy figures in the corners of their eyes, or to feel a sudden chill in certain parts of the house.
“While on a tour of Wyckoff House in 2019, I, a member of the Brooklyn Paranormal Society, felt a presence with me. The sensation of being watched was palpable as we moved through the halls and, upon entering the dining room, I distinctly felt a hand touch my shoulder. This encounter left a lasting impression and I am grateful for the opportunity to delve into the unknown with the Brooklyn Paranormal Society.”
Alex S, member of the Brooklyn Paranormal Society.
Other reports include strange noises, such as footsteps or knocking on doors and windows, when there is no one else in the house. Some people have even claimed to hear voices or whisperings coming from empty rooms.
“As soon as I stepped into the doorway of the Wyckoff House, I could feel the presence of multiple distinct spiritual entities. My copper dowsing rods were reacting strongly, practically pulling me towards the foyer. It was clear that there were at least three spirits present in the home. I could sense a strong male energy, a maternal energy, and a younger, more mischievous energy. The dowsing rods were practically dancing in my hands as I moved throughout the house, leading me to believe that these spirits are still very much active and present in the home.”
James Coleman, psychic for the Brooklyn Paranormal Society.
There are a few theories as to who or what may be haunting the Wyckoff House. One theory is that the house is haunted by the spirits of former slaves who lived and worked on the property. Another theory is that the house is haunted by the Wyckoff family members who once lived there.
Pieter Claesen Wyckoff was a successful farmer and magistrate who arrived in the New Netherlands (modern day Brooklyn and Queens) in 1637. Along with his wife, Grietje van Nes, they settled in the village of Nieuw Amersfoort and had eleven children, who have since gone on to have over 50,000 descendants.
The Wyckoff Farmhouse, which typifies the vernacular architecture of Dutch-American farms in the area, was the home of the Wyckoff family for generations. It was altered and enlarged over time, and the land was farmed until 1901. In 1937, Wyckoff descendants established the Wyckoff House & Association, and in 1961 they re-purchased the house from its private owner. In 1965, it became the first structure to be designated a New York City Landmark. The Association donated the house to the city in 1969, and after extensive restoration, it opened to the public in 1982.
Today, the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum & Education Center is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and operated by the Wyckoff House & Association. It is a member of the Historic House Trust, and its mission is to educate visitors about the diverse peoples of Brooklyn’s colonial farms. The museum is also home to the Brooklyn Paranormal Society, which invites the public to join them on investigations of the house using ghost hunting equipment to determine if there are any echoes of the past present. In addition to these paranormal activities, preservation efforts at the museum also include the reconstruction of gardens, orchards, and the 200-year-old Wyckoff Durling barn.
Pieter Claesen Wyckoff was a remarkable individual who, despite being illiterate, was able to make a successful life for himself and his family in the New Netherlands. His hard work and determination paid off, as he became a successful farmer and a respected member of his community.
The Wyckoff Farmhouse, which was the home of the Wyckoff family for generations, is a testament to Pieter’s legacy. The house, which has been altered and enlarged over time, is a unique and valuable piece of history that tells the story of the Wyckoff family and the Dutch-American farm families of Brooklyn and Queens.
