New York Ramblings - Warrenology.

What: Warrenology.
When: May 24, 2014.
Where: The Warren's Occult Museum.

While scrolling around Facebook one day, I noticed a post for an event to meet Elaine Warren and, as portrayed in the movie The Conjuring, tour their museum of haunted and cursed artifacts. This was right up my spooky alley so I messaged Kate from Midnight Book Girl because she was planning to come up that weekend in anticipation of BEA.  She was right on board with me and we anxiously looked forward to a night of creepy fun.

Lorraine Warren ironically lives on a dead end and her house in nestled among trees and shrubs.  Maybe it seems a bit more forlorn than the residences surrounding it, but I don't think kids hesitate to trick or treat at her house on Halloween. 

When we arrived we were escorted to the living room where we sat auditorium style and while we waited for the evening to start, I looked around trying to soak in every detail.  Lorraine housed a few cats and I could hear a rooster (or chicken) clucking in the next room.  The decor was crowded with mementos, pictures and decorative as well as some religious items.  I'm not sure what I was expecting, maybe something a bit more occult?  But it was no more frightening than an elderly aunt's or grandmother's home.  Her son-in-law, Tony Spera, introduced himself and told us what would be in store for the evening.  We would watch a video of an exorcism that Lorraine attended, then would be led into the basement for the museum tour, then we would travel to the cemetery where Ed Warren was bured and then onto a restaurant for dinner and a chance to chat with Ms. Warren and buy books. 

The iconic Lorraine Warren was introduced and appeared from the kitchen amidst jokes from her son-in-law that she was drinking.  Sweet and good natured, with her famous bun securely on her head, Lorraine welcomed her guests and talked to us about herself.  Tony took over and showed us "the" video (again as portrayed in The Conjuring).  I expected it to scare me, but not so much.  Tony then told us a few stories about Ed and Lorraine and then talked to us about the cursed doll Annabelle!  Eeek!  Several stories of scoffers and their demise, we were warned NOT to touch anything!  And if we were to let someone know right away so they could bless us and take the necessary precautions. 

The steep staircase and long basement hallway were lined with decorations, historical posters of the Warren's appearances and many spooky paintings by Ed Warren himself.  Then we were led into the coolest.  Room.  Ever.  Lined with cases and bookshelves holding displays and artifacts from their cases and from allegedly haunted places around the world, the room was an homage to the Warren's career.  Some items they collected themselves and some were given to them for safe keeping.  It was like an occult shop exploded and a true testament to their lives.

After much examination and picture taking we caravanned to the gravesite of Ed Warren.  Tony explained the symbols on his monument, basics of spirit photography in a graveyard and his personal experience of hope and assurance that his late father in law came through from the other side and made contact.

At the restaurant we were served a tasty dinner and was able to meet new people, relax, buy books and personally meet Lorraine.

People came from all over the country making a weekend trip out of the event.  Whether you are a believer, or just interested.  you may want to check out Warrenology for yourself.

The famous Annabelle.