“Instead of bedtime stories, my grandpa would tell me ghost stories. He’d drive me around and say, ‘That’s where so-and-so was murdered.’ I was under 10 years old.” — Theresa Racer

Theresa Racer’s lifelong fascination with the paranormal was sparked by her Appalachian upbringing steeped in ghost stories, family legends, and unexplained phenomena. What began as a childhood surrounded by tales of the Mad Butcher and haunted backroads evolved into a full-fledged career in research and investigation. Today, she’s the mind behind Theresa’s Haunted History of the Tri-State, a popular blog that blends historical accuracy with supernatural storytelling to chronicle West Virginia’s haunted heritage.

The Shadow That Tried to Kill My Husband

“It almost became like one of those scary movies—you grab the kids, leave everything behind, and never go back.” — Jess Madden

Jess Madden’s story isn’t just spooky—it’s terrifying. After witnessing a shadowy entity physically choke her husband in their home, she fled in the middle of the night and never returned. The experience, which included unexplained handprints and mirrored visions, launched her into a life of paranormal investigation. As co-founder of Appalachian Ghost Tours and member of West Virginia Unseen, Jess now helps others confront the kinds of supernatural forces that turned her life upside down.

Paranormal Tourism & Preservation

“We open these historic sites to the public—not just to share the stories, but to help preserve them.” — Jess Madden

More than just ghost hunting, Theresa and Jess are part of a growing movement that uses paranormal tourism to sustain Appalachian history. By partnering with locations like the Graham House, they turn haunted folklore into living heritage, with proceeds going toward restoration and education. Their collaborations, including public events, school programs, and historical tours, are helping demystify the paranormal while celebrating the region’s deep cultural roots.

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Curious about shadow people, spirit boxes, and the wildest Appalachian ghost stories you’ve never heard? Watch the full interview with Theresa and Jess below—and decide for yourself what haunts the hills of West Virginia.