TAPS Family Reunion 2025: TIP’s Unforgettable Weekend in Gettysburg

This June, The Illinois Paranormalists (TIP) had the incredible honor of attending the long-awaited TAPS Family Reunion in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which was the first reunion of its kind since before the pandemic. As a proud member of the TAPS Family, a professional network of paranormal investigation groups, this event wasn’t just a gathering, but a chance to connect with fellow investigators, bond as a team, and step into some of the most haunted locations in the country.

What is the TAPS Family?

The TAPS Family is an elite collective of trusted paranormal research groups selected by TAPS, or The Atlantic Paranormal Society (of the television show Ghost Hunters), for their integrity, professionalism, and skill. Originally founded to help manage the overwhelming volume of case requests received by TAPS, the TAPS Family serves as a national network. Member groups collaborate, share case knowledge, and assist each other with investigations.

You can learn more at the TAPS Family website.

Our Trip to Gettysburg

TIP members Paul, Brenda, Ron, Kris, Sebastian, Renee, and Andrew represented our group at the reunion, joining over 100 fellow paranormal investigators from across the country. Gettysburg, the second most haunted city in the U.S., was the perfect backdrop for our gathering. Known for the bloodshed of the Civil War’s deadliest battle, the town is full of spiritual energy, and the TAPS Family gave us access to explore some of its most active haunts.

In between networking events and shared meals, TIP members had the chance to investigate two of Gettysburg’s most notoriously haunted locations: the Children’s Orphanage and the Jennie Wade House.

Investigating the Gettysburg Children’s Orphanage

Also known as the National Homestead at Gettysburg, this orphanage was established in 1866 to care for children orphaned by the Civil War. While it began as a sanctuary, its story took a dark turn under the rule of Rosa Carmichael, a matron infamous for her brutal punishments and disturbing use of a basement “dungeon.”

TIP joined other investigators in exploring this location, where the residual pain and energy of the children are still believed to linger. Some of the paranormal claims include unexplained giggles and whispers, cold spots and drastic temperature changes, apparitions of a young girl in a tattered dress, rattling chains and cries in the dungeon, and sightings of Rosa Carmichael’s spirit, described as a tall, cold woman watching silently.

The energy in the basement was especially intense. It’s heavy, emotional, and at times overwhelming, even for seasoned investigators.

The Jennie Wade House: A Civilian Tragedy

Our second major investigation brought us to the Jennie Wade House, home of the only civilian casualty during the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 3, 1863, while baking bread for Union soldiers, 20-year-old Jennie was struck and killed by a stray bullet.

Now a museum, the home offers a haunting experience. Visitors report apparitions of a young woman walking silently through rooms, sudden cold breezes and unexplainable noises, the scent of fresh bread wafting through an unused kitchen, and phantom footsteps and disembodied whispers

Despite not catching a ton of direct evidence that night, we felt the sorrowful presence of the home’s history and the residual energy left behind by Jennie’s final moments.

Banquet with the TAPS Team

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was joining Jason Hawes, Steve Gonsalves, and Shari DeBenedetti from TAPS for a formal banquet. Held in a scenic countryside setting, the evening featured a delicious dinner, a Q&A session with the TAPS team, a raffle, and music with a DJ.

TIP members had a blast connecting not only with the TAPS crew but with fellow investigators from all over the country. There was a great sense of community, and we walked away with new connections, fresh inspiration, and a renewed love for what we do.

Exploring Gettysburg

Outside of investigations and events, our team had a wonderful time soaking in the history and charm of Gettysburg. We explored battlefields, wandered through local sights, and enjoyed tasty meals at historic taverns. And yes, Paul spotted the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!

Looking Ahead

The TAPS Family Reunion reminded us of the value of connection in this field. Being part of a larger network dedicated to helping others is what makes TIP proud to be in the TAPS Family. We’re already looking forward to the next reunion, wherever it may be.