The Atlantic Paranormal Society
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The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) is an organization based in Warwick, Rhode Island, USA that investigates paranormal activity. It was founded in the mid-1990s by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson. In 2004 the organization itself became the subject of a weekly reality television series for the Sci-Fi Channel titled Ghost Hunters.
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[edit] Objectives and Methods
The group claims to attempt to help individuals or groups who feel they have paranormal activity by collecting evidence, which they also use for their own research purposes. They also share information through their website.
TAPS sends a group of 3 to 6 members to perform an 8-12 hour investigation employing a number of infrared and digital video cameras, thermal camera devices, EMF Detectors, digital thermometers and other equipment throughout the site in question. While at a site, the members of the team often find common explanations for the claims of the occupants. In conclusion the team will report on its findings, and express their opinion that a site is 'haunted' or 'not haunted.'
[edit] History & activities
Hawes began TAPS in 1990; originally it was called Rhode Island Paranormal. According to former TAPS member Donna LaCroix, the team initially began meeting 'every Sunday in a coffee shop." [1]. RIP soon began investigating cases within the New England area outside of Rhode Island and ended up changing its name to The Atlantic Paranormal Society.[2] Wilson joined the effort about two years later.
The TAPS website, featuring some of the evidence they have collected in video and audio form has a significant fan base and readership.
TAPS publishes a monthly publication called TAPS Paramagazine, which features articles written by group members and information pertaining to the paranormal. Hawes stated in an interview on the skeptical podcast 'Audiomartini' that the magazine is marketed primarily in an attempt to "fund the TAPS operation." [3] The magazine itself states that "TAPS Para Magazine is a financial sponsor of The Atlantic Paranormal Society". The average issue is approximately 39 pages in length and was recently marketed by offering a 'behind the scenes DVD' of the show to new subscribers.
Beginning in July 2006 TAPS began releasing podcasts, TAPS Para-Radio, featuring Hawes and Wilson, on a sporadic basis.
In early 2007, TAPS ceased describing itself as a "non-profit organization" and instead adopted the term "free volunteer organization".[4]
[edit] Criticism
- See also: Ghost Hunters
[edit] Known members (past & present)
TAPS current membership list is available on the group's website[5] as well as in web archives recording membership changes since 2001[6]
[edit] Present
- Jason Hawes - Ghost Hunters Show Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Founder
- Grant Wilson - Ghost Hunters Show Producer, Lead Investigator/TAPS Co-founder/Webmaster
- Steve Gonsalves - Technical Manager/Evidence Analyst
- Brian Harnois - Investigator/Evidence Analyst
- Dustin Pari - Investigator/Evidence Analyst
- Keith Johnson - Demonologist
- Carl Johnson - Demonologist
- Heather Drolet - Investigator/Organizational Manager
- Al Tyas - TAPS Family Co-Manager
- Brent Fair - TAPS Family Co-Manager
- Brian Golas -Investigator
- Dave Tango - Investigator
- Andy Andrews - Investigator
- Mike Dion - Director
- Jen Rossi - Investigator
- Bill Lonero - EVP Specialist
- Kristyn Gartland - Case Manager
- Ron Milone - R&D Advisor
- Mike King - In Training
- Louie Medeiros - In Training
- Cliff Williams - In Training
- Kris Williams - In Training
- Joe Chin - In Training
[edit] Past members
- Chris Angelo - Investigator, deceased (Aug. 7 1981 - Nov. 2 2003)
- Brian Bell - Systems Manager
- Renee Smith - Organizational Advisor
- Krystin Allen - Field Researcher
- Renee Laverdiere - Field Researcher
- Shannon Edwards - Research Agent
- Andrew Graham- Research Agent
- Tony Blackmon - IT manager
- Paula Donovan - R&D Manager
- Donna LaCroix - Interviewer/Case Manager
- Lisa Dowaliby – Director
[edit] TAPS Family Networking
Many Paranormal Investigation Groups network and assist similar member-groups across the nation and around the world. TAPS invites paranormal research organizations into its own network, and may refer cases to them. Member-organizations put a "TAPS Family Member" link on their websites which link to The Atlantic Paranormal Society's web page. A list of member organizations is available at the TAPS Family website, TAPS Family
[edit] Notes
- ^ http://the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/donna.html
- ^ http://basinpark.com/photogallery/basindisplay/pic_details.php?pid=295&size=1
- ^ http://audiomartini.podshowcreator.com/
- ^ http://www.theatlanticparanormalsociety.com
- ^ http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/members.html
- ^ http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/members.html
