History Presents: Haunted Histories

Watch History Presents: Haunted Histories

  • 2008
  • 1 Season

History Presents: Haunted Histories is a spine-tingling historical documentary series that explores the dark and haunted aspects of significant moments, places, and people in history. Each episode takes viewers on a journey through the paranormal realm of some well-known events, buildings, and sometimes bizarre unsolved mysteries, which have been told with a haunted twist.

The show expands on typical supernatural genre approaches, by delving into the history and origins behind the events or the place in question, adding an additional layer of context to the ghosts, restless spirits, and otherworldly apparitions that allegedly still haunt these places. With breathtaking recreations, expert interviews, and alluring archival footage, the show aims to transport viewers to the creepy and eerie settings of these stories.

One of the most impressive aspects of the show is its methodical and meticulous approach to researching the topics. From exploring unconventional scientific approaches to paranormal activity to paying careful attention to historical details, the show brings a fresh perspective to the sometimes-stale discussions of the paranormal.

Each episode of History Presents: Haunted Histories dives deep into the spooky and mysterious facets of a different historical event. Some episodes focus on locations that are famous for paranormal activity, such as the Tower of London, a decaying prison that has seen centuries of death, imprisonment, and torture. Other episodes explore lesser-known haunted places, such as the Franklin Castle in Cleveland, Ohio, or the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.

The storytelling is enthralling and recreations accurately match the era in which the event occurred. The suspense is palpable, and viewers can't help but find themselves getting caught up in the gameplay. The expert interviews are a highlight; people who have had personal experiences with the paranormal, such as ghost hunters and psychic experts, add a human touch to the story.

While some episodes focus solely on the spooky aspects of history, others explore the emotional and psychological toll that the events in history have had on the living. For example, an episode about the RMS Queen Mary, a former luxury ocean liner, explores the experiences of the passengers who lost their lives aboard the ship during World War II. The eerie location is grounded in historical events which make the show feel grounded.

History Presents: Haunted Histories also does an excellent job of mixing in more light-hearted moments. The show heavily relies on a great sense of humour, acknowledging the absurdity of some paranormal claims. This levity is needed to help balance the creepy atmosphere of the haunted locations being discussed.

Overall, History Presents: Haunted Histories is an excellent documentary series for those interested in both history and the paranormal. The show blends both of these worlds seamlessly, creating a unique viewing experience that leaves one feeling spooked yet enlightened. With expertly researched historical context and eerie recreations, the show offers a fresh perspective on familiar ghost stories and introduces lesser-known haunted locations to viewers. Above all, History Presents: Haunted Histories stands out for its commitment to storytelling and attention to detail, making it a must-see for anyone fascinated by the intersection of history, the paranormal, and personal experience.

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Seasons
In Search of the Real Frankenstein
4. In Search of the Real Frankenstein
September 18, 2008
The fascinating story of Johann Konrad Dipple, a brilliant scientist caught up in the dark world of alchemy and body snatching. This is the true tale of the original mad scientist, born in 1673, in the famous gothic Frankenstein Castle that overlooked Germany's Rhine Valley. His pioneering work would lead to electric shock therapy used in modern medicine. It was at Frankenstein Castle that Dipple would carry out his search to brew a secret elixir of life. He began to dig up fresh corpses from the nearby Nieder-Beerbach cemetery and dragged them to his laboratory in Castle Frankenstein to test out his formulas. Ironically, it was his potions that finally killed him.
Salem Witch Trials
3. Salem Witch Trials
September 18, 2008
This one hour documentary to air on The History Channel will present an in depth examination of the facts and the mysteries surrounding the court room trials of suspected witches in Salem Village, Massachusetts in 1692.
Vampire Secrets
2. Vampire Secrets
September 18, 2008
Vampires: Folktale or truth? Since Bram Stoker first published his novel "Dracula" in 1897, the world's most popular vampire has made his appearance in 44 languages. When the word 'vampire' is spoken, most people immediately think of the mythical Count Dracula. But our experts remind us that the vampire myth is much older, popping up from Athens to Beijing almost 1000 years before the Transylvanian legend most of us know. This History Channel special will explore this history of the vampire legend around the world and in different cultures.
Hauntings
1. Hauntings
September 18, 2008
This show introduces three families who are convinced their houses are haunted. Some report eerie instances of doors opening and closing by themselves and strange lights dancing around the yard. Others are traumatized by butcher knives flying through the air and forbidding messages scrawled on their walls. One Midwestern family turned to a ghost-buster to rid the house of its unwanted guest. Bizarre phenomena at house in Colorado was caught on film. And a Pennsylvania family has learned to live with the spirits that have followed them to 11 homes. Skeptics, including psychologists, historians, photography experts and a Nobel-prize winning physicist, insist ghosts do not exist and offer scientific, medical and cultural explanations for the occurrences in these homes
Description
  • Premiere Date
    September 18, 2008