The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) has built a reputation for approaching unexplained phenomena with a mix of skepticism and scientific inquiry. Known for investigating some of the most puzzling cases of alleged hauntings, TAPS uses specialized equipment and careful analysis to document their findings and share them with the public. Their most unforgettable investigations highlight both the challenges and discoveries that come with exploring the unknown aspects of the paranormal.

From abandoned hospitals to historic homes, TAPS has revisited sites that left a lasting impression due to their activity and the evidence gathered. Each case offers a unique glimpse into the world of paranormal research, showing how the team’s methodical approach sets them apart within the field. Their work continues to attract those interested in what might lie beyond everyday experience.

Background of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS)

The Atlantic Paranormal Society, often abbreviated as TAPS, is a well-known organization in the paranormal investigation field. Founded in the United States, TAPS gained recognition for its methodical approach and its influence on both public perception and the media landscape surrounding ghost hunting.

Founding and Mission

TAPS was established in 1990 by Jason Hawes in Warwick, Rhode Island. The initial motivation was to offer help to individuals troubled by unexplained events, aiming to provide logical explanations or validation for their experiences.

From the beginning, TAPS stood out for its emphasis on skepticism and scientific methodology. Unlike many paranormal groups, they focused on collecting data and evidence to either confirm or debunk claims. Their mission centered on helping communities, educating the public, and maintaining integrity in their investigations.

Today, TAPS is recognized for blending technical investigation techniques with compassion for those affected by the unexplained. The group remains committed to these founding principles, consistently prioritizing client well-being and objective analysis.

Team Members and Leadership

Jason Hawes has remained the leader and public face of TAPS since its inception. Grant Wilson, another key figure, co-founded the organization and played a crucial role in shaping its direction and reputation.

Other notable team members include:

Steve Gonsalves (lead investigator and technical specialist)
Dave Tango (evidence analyst and investigator)
Shari DeBenedetti (investigator and researcher)

The team operates with a clear hierarchy and strong focus on collaboration. Each member contributes unique skills, from technical expertise to interpersonal sensitivity. They combine tools such as EMF meters and audio recorders with traditional interviewing techniques.

Over the years, changes in membership have occurred, but the core leadership has remained consistent. This stability has allowed TAPS to build trust with both clients and the wider paranormal community.

TAPS in Popular Culture

TAPS became a household name through the success of the television show Ghost Hunters, which premiered in 2004 on the Syfy Channel. The series followed their real-life investigations and brought paranormal research into mainstream media.

The show featured key members including Hawes, Wilson, Gonsalves, and Tango, attracting millions of viewers and raising the profile of paranormal investigations. It depicted investigations at homes, businesses, and historical sites, providing a behind-the-scenes look at TAPS’s methods.

Beyond television, TAPS has influenced books, documentaries, and online discussions focused on the paranormal. Their evidence and methods have become a standard for investigative teams worldwide, shaping how both the public and other investigators approach the field.

Methodology: How TAPS Conducts Paranormal Investigations

TAPS relies on a systematic approach combining technical tools, thorough investigation steps, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking. Their methods are designed to separate unexplained occurrences from events with logical, mundane causes.

Equipment and Techniques

TAPS uses a variety of specialized devices during paranormal investigations. Common equipment includes EMF meters to detect changes in electromagnetic fields, digital audio recorders for capturing EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), and infrared cameras for thermal imaging. These tools help document possible paranormal activity with measurable data.

The team also uses motion detectors, temperature sensors, and night vision cameras. They carefully position equipment in reported hotspots for ghost sightings or unusual phenomena. All tools are set up systematically to maximize coverage and data accuracy during investigations.

For spirit communication, TAPS sometimes uses spirit boxes or real-time audio monitoring, allowing members to respond directly to unexplained noises or voices. All sessions are recorded to allow later review and comparison with participant experiences.

Investigation Process

Investigations often begin with interviews and walkthroughs of the property. TAPS speaks with witnesses to gather detailed reports on paranormal activity, such as apparitions, unexplained sounds, or object movement. They document times, locations, and environmental conditions.

Next, the team sets up equipment in key areas based on interview information. Investigations are typically conducted in low light to improve equipment effectiveness and reduce distractions. Members split into small groups and rotate locations to observe any changes in activity.

During active investigation, TAPS systematically attempts spirit communication using controlled questions and recording devices. Data is collected from all instruments and reviewed to identify anomalies. The team often conducts multiple sessions over several hours to compare results and rule out coincidences.

Debunking and Skeptical Approach

One of TAPS's core principles is to seek natural explanations before labeling phenomena as paranormal. They attempt to debunk every sighting or sound by examining wiring, plumbing, and environmental factors such as drafts or settling noises.

Investigators document all normal causes found, relying on both experience and technical knowledge. If equipment detects a spike, TAPS will search for nearby electronics, magnetic sources, or explainable heat patterns. Only after exhausting rational explanations will evidence be considered potentially paranormal.

Their skeptical approach is key in building credibility and ensuring claims of ghost hunters are based on evidence, not speculation. This allows them to filter out false positives and focus on genuinely unexplainable occurrences.

Iconic Investigations: The Most Unforgettable TAPS Cases

Certain haunted locations have stood out for the volume of unexplained activity encountered by TAPS and the depth of their haunted history. These site investigations have featured some of the clearest recorded evidence from the team's ghost hunts and remain significant within the paranormal community.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse

The St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida has long been known for its haunted past, with its history stretching back to the 1800s. TAPS conducted several ghost hunts here, documenting unexplained phenomena in both the lighthouse and the adjacent keeper’s house.

During their investigation, the team recorded a shadowy figure peering over the spiral staircase, captured on thermal imaging and night-vision cameras. Unexplained footsteps and disembodied voices were also heard, aligning with reports from visitors and staff who witnessed similar ghostly activity.

Notably, the lighthouse is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former lighthouse keepers and young children who drowned nearby. The combination of visual evidence, onsite experiences, and consistent witness reports made this case one of TAPS’ most memorable haunted locations.

Summary Table of Key Evidence

Evidence Type Description Video Footage Shadow figure on staircase Audio Recordings Disembodied voices, mysterious footsteps Witness Reports Apparitions, sensations, and ghost encounters

The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is widely regarded for its connection to hauntings and the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining.” TAPS explored the hotel’s haunted history during a detailed investigation into the claims of resident ghosts.

Their equipment picked up unexplained EVPs and temperature drops in rooms with a reputation for ghostly activity, particularly Room 217 and the concert hall. The team also documented objects moving without explanation and personal experiences of seeing fleeting apparitions.

According to both staff and TAPS members, the most persistent ghosts include a former housekeeper and the hotel’s founder. With multiple unexplained occurrences captured on camera and audio, the Stanley Hotel investigation reinforced the site’s reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

Other Noteworthy TAPS Investigations

TAPS has conducted investigations at some of the most iconic and reportedly haunted locations in the world. Their findings have included unexplained sounds, documented apparitions, and environmental changes using specialized equipment.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is well-known for its history of harsh conditions and alleged hauntings. TAPS visited this abandoned prison, which operated from 1829 to 1971, to investigate claims of disembodied voices, footsteps, and physical apparitions.

Team members reported hearing strange noises in cell blocks and recorded unusual audio evidence using EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recorders. Thermal imaging cameras also detected unexplained cold spots where witnesses previously reported ghostly encounters.

The vast, crumbling halls and small isolation cells provided unique challenges for the investigation. TAPS emphasized systematic sweeps to isolate environmental causes from true paranormal activity.

The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach, California. It is famous for its luxurious history and numerous hauntings, including reports from former crew members and hotel guests.

During their investigation, TAPS documented temperature fluctuations and shadowy figures around the ship’s swimming pool and engine room. Night vision cameras captured movement in restricted areas after hours, and EMF meters showed unusual spikes near sites with numerous reported sightings.

Key findings from this haunted ship included audio recordings of unexplainable voices and an intense “cold spot” phenomenon in the ship's bow. TAPS often referenced guest accounts and collaborated with ship staff to validate reported paranormal events.

The Lisheen Ruins

The Lisheen Ruins in Ireland are the remnants of a historic estate with a reputation for persistent hauntings. Local legends and recurring eyewitness reports describe apparitions, strange lights, and sudden drops in temperature.

TAPS' approach included using digital thermometers and EMF recorders throughout the ruins’ stone corridors. The team recorded unexplained cold drafts and captured video evidence of faint lights moving outside the range of natural sources.

Ongoing interviews with caretakers and historians provided valuable context for the investigation. This haunted house’s isolated setting and turbulent past contributed to a series of credible and intriguing paranormal findings.

TAPS on Television: The Impact of ‘Ghost Hunters’

The debut of Ghost Hunters brought The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) into the national spotlight, showing viewers behind-the-scenes techniques and first-hand paranormal investigations. Its success sparked new series that took the TAPS team’s methods and knowledge worldwide and gave aspiring investigators a platform to learn.

Rise of Ghost Hunters International

Ghost Hunters International (GHI) launched as a direct extension of the original series, sending TAPS investigators abroad to examine legendary haunted locations. Key team members explored sites across Europe, South America, and Asia, using the same scientific equipment and investigative protocols developed on the main show.

The series featured both established TAPS members and new faces, enabling in-depth collaboration across cultures. Locations covered included castles, abandoned prisons, and historic landmarks thought to be connected with the spirit world. Each episode maintained a focused, evidence-based approach, documenting phenomena with thermal cameras, EVP recorders, and rigorous skepticism.

Viewer interest remained strong thanks to the variety of new stories and locales. GHI not only highlighted paranormal claims worldwide but also emphasized the adaptability and consistency of the TAPS investigation style in unfamiliar environments.

Ghost Hunters Academy and Spin-Offs

Ghost Hunters Academy served as a training ground for future paranormal investigators, offering a unique, competition-style format. Prospective TAPS members underwent practical assessments, learning key skills in field investigations, use of scientific tools, and interpersonal communication.

Mentors from the main Ghost Hunters cast provided guidance, sharing their approach to debunking myths and gathering credible evidence. This show became a stepping stone for some contestants, who later joined TAPS or its related series.

Additional spin-offs, including holiday specials and regional investigations, kept the franchise fresh and allowed the core concepts of evidence-based paranormal research to reach broader audiences. These series contributed to the public’s understanding of TAPS methodology and its ongoing work within the spirit world community.

Key Figures Behind TAPS

Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson, Steve Gonsalves, and Dave Tango have each shaped the direction, reputation, and success of The Atlantic Paranormal Society. Their varied roles range from founding the organization to leading investigations and mentoring new team members.

Jason Hawes’ Leadership and Legacy

Jason Hawes co-founded TAPS and has been its central figure since the organization’s inception. His expertise in plumbing led to unique investigative approaches, often helping to debunk alleged paranormal occurrences by finding logical explanations.

As the lead investigator, Hawes emphasized professionalism and scientific methods. He has managed both the team’s day-to-day work and the broader public representation of TAPS, shaping their image on television and beyond.

Hawes is recognized for balancing skepticism with open-minded investigation. Under his leadership, TAPS prioritized evidence-backed findings over sensationalism, earning respect from both skeptics and believers.

Grant Wilson’s Lasting Influence

Grant Wilson co-founded TAPS alongside Jason Hawes, bringing a complementary approach rooted in technical skills and a steady demeanor. His background in plumbing and interest in the unexplained set the foundation for many TAPS protocols.

Wilson focused on evidence collection and analysis, stressing meticulous documentation. He was instrumental in setting ethical standards for investigations and maintaining the team’s integrity on and off camera.

In addition to his investigative contributions, Wilson played a critical role in training team members such as Steve Gonsalves and Shari DeBenedetti. His reputation for calm leadership enhanced team dynamics and viewer trust during TAPS’s television heyday.

Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango’s Contributions

Steve Gonsalves joined TAPS as a technical specialist, later rising to a senior investigator role. He brought advanced knowledge of surveillance equipment, vital for documenting paranormal activity. Gonsalves also mentored newer members and was frequently trusted to lead difficult cases.

Dave Tango started with TAPS as a tech manager and rapidly became one of its most visible investigators. His systematic approach, sense of caution, and reliability were clear assets in high-pressure situations.

Together, Gonsalves and Tango established themselves as trusted experts. Their teamwork, often highlighted on television, helped TAPS maintain a consistent, disciplined, and credible approach throughout numerous investigations.

The Lasting Legacy and Influence of TAPS

TAPS has played a central role in legitimizing paranormal investigation and elevating public interest in ghost hunting. Their documented approach and public presence have shaped new standards for paranormal fieldwork and inspired a broader community of investigators.

Inspiring New Paranormal Investigators

TAPS, founded by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson in 1990, became widely recognized due to their work on Ghost Hunters. Their team demonstrated a systematic approach to investigating claims of paranormal activity. This method included the use of technology, witness interviews, and detailed review of evidence.

Many viewers, inspired by TAPS's methodology, started their own investigative groups. Today, countless local teams model themselves after TAPS, emphasizing professionalism and skepticism. The society’s commitment to helping those experiencing unexplained activity set a template for empathetic, client-focused investigations.

By sharing both successes and inconclusive findings, TAPS encouraged transparency. This attitude distinguished them from earlier, more sensationalized portrayals of ghostbusters, bridging the gap between entertainment and real investigation.

Shaping the Modern Paranormal Field

TAPS influenced not just individuals, but also the wider paranormal field. Their blend of practical, skeptical review and open-minded inquiry helped develop best practices now common in contemporary investigations.

The use of evidence logs, structured forms, and standardized equipment became norms after TAPS popularized them on television and online. Teams often model case documentation and client communication on the TAPS approach, including thorough interviews and follow-up reviews.

Unlike earlier paranormal groups, TAPS avoided dramatic claims, focusing instead on careful analysis and living clients’ well-being. Their impact on television also increased visibility for the field, leading to more public interest and collaboration between different investigative organizations.

TAPS: The Atlantic Paranormal Society’s Most Unforgettable Investigations and Their Lasting Impact