I think we all agree that the media, especially movies, has an impact on our thought patterns and pocket books. The release of “Jaws” in 1973 significantly increased our fear of swimming in the ocean. Movies such as “101 Dalmatians”, and “Finding Nemo” sparked a surge in the sales of Dalmatian dogs and Clownfish, respectively.

Given the recent release of Ben Stiller’s, “Night at the Museum II,” it wasn’t a complete surprise when I received an e-mail from the Fort Langley Centennial Museum, inviting me to come down and interview staff about some eerie goings-on there.

So I gathered up my pen, pad and cynicism, and went off to hear their stories. Call it a touch of foreshadowing, but my encounter resulted in me consuming a generous portion of paranormal humble pie and a new membership in the Langley Ghost Trackers Club.

The first and most obvious question I had for Arts and Heritage Coordinator Nadean Vonk was, “Why are you coming out with these stories now?”

She responded, “Many of the staff and student interns had their experiences over the course of a few years, but no one ever spoke to anyone else because of fear of embarrassment. Once someone finally broke the silence, everyone began sharing and what became apparent was that there were definitely some strange goings-on here.”

Nadean pointed out that most of the experiences occurred during daytime operating hours. (So much for a parallel to the movie).

“For example, when I started working here about five years ago, I was very keen and attuned to the details of our displays. One day, I noticed that two dresses from the 1890s, mounted on mannequins, and in two different rooms, had seemed to change places. I approached another staff person at the front office who said nothing had been moved. I returned to the displays and noticed the dresses were back on their original mannequins.”

Nadean continued. “Another situation took place one quiet afternoon when I was working at the front desk. I was sure that no one was in the museum when I clearly heard the joyful voices of young children playing. I did a walk around the museum and found no one. There isn’t really anywhere to hide and our front door is noisy enough that I would have heard anyone leave.”

Next, I chatted with Gayle Pynn, 11-year museum employee, as she walked me over to the gallery area of the building. She pointed out the significant number of times the motion detector had unexplainably triggered the museum alarm over the years.

Gayle said, “Since I live the closest, I am always the first one to arrive at the building.” She continued, “The last time I attended, it was early one evening, about an hour after we had closed. As I entered the gallery, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and, I definitely sensed a presence that I had never experienced before. I even called out to see if anyone was there.”

I asked Gayle what she thought it was. “All I can think is that the gallery is located immediately above our artifact storage area. Personally, I think that since many of these very old artifacts have been handed down through generations of pioneer families, they may have a spirit attached to them.”

John Robertson, museum services manager, echoed this view as we sat down in his office. “You know, I have worked in many museums and heritage buildings across Canada during my career, and the incidents here at the Centennial Museum are surprisingly similar to those at my other worksites. Most people perceive a building to be haunted, while I really think it is the artifacts that carry the transference of a spirit — nothing bad or scary, just a spirit.

“So, when my staff came forward, I shared my stories to help put them at ease. For example, it was quite common to find items that had been moved, hearing voices, and the sounds of opening and closing of doors.”

Leaving the museum, I felt both disappointed and amazed. Disappointed in myself because I actually went into this story with a fairly closed mind; amazed at getting a very credible ‘spiritual scoop’ from some pretty informative and personable people.

My parting advice would be to pack up the kids, lunch, and open mind and head on down to the Fort Langley Centennial Museum this summer.

At worst, your family will get a very unique and entertaining education about the birth of our province, while meeting some great staff. At best, I’ll see you at the next Ghost Hunt sponsored by The Langley Ghost Trackers.

Dave Stark is a Langley freelance writer.