UFO’s, cryptids
and ghosts, oh my! Talking anything and everything strange with Milwaukee’s
Allison Jornlin.
On a chilly
December morning Jornlin chatted with aspiring journalist Jenna Buege to
discuss her experience in the paranormal research field. Jornlin’s fascination
with the unknown stems back to her grade school days. It was there that she
recalled spending hours in the school library looking for answers. “I was
always fascinated in ghosts,” said Jornlin, “I was always interested in the big
questions.” Growing up Jornlin hoped to have spooky experiences of her own but
nothing of note ever happened. Today, Jornlin still pursues this curiosity
working as the founder of Milwaukee Ghost Tours and Investigations as well as
co-hosting podcast “See you on the other side”. Her inquiries have earned her
respect in the paranormal research field. Jornlin was named the 2016 Wisconsin researcher of the
year at the Milwaukee Paranormal Conference this past October.
Milwaukee Ghost
Tours and Investigations was inspired by the odder historical happenings of
brew city. “There are so many great Milwaukee stories that should be shouted
from the rooftops” said Jornlin. One such story is that of John Lee from
England who became known as the man who couldn’t hang. “Three times the trap
door failed, after the third time they put him in prison,” said Jornlin, “50
years later he got out and guess where he moved, Milwaukee.” Jornlin told the
story of Lee and many others during her panel titled Milwaukee Forteana at the
Milwaukee Paranormal Conference. Forteana is a term used to characterize
various strange phenomena. The panel focused on all things strange such as
UFO’s, cryptids, and ghosts. One man who acted as an inspiration for Jornlin’s
research on Forteana was Richard Crow. Crow was the first person to bring ghost
tours to the United States in 1973. Crow was also the host of a radio talk show
featuring a Halloween special on haunted Chicagoland once a year. “I love the
idea that history is this living thing,” said Jornlin, “it is important to
remember those who have gone before you.”
For every believer
in the paranormal there is also a skeptic. Individuals may prefer to stand on
the side of science believing everything has an explanation. Surprisingly
enough, despite her many years in the paranormal research field Jornlin still
considers herself a skeptic. In a previous interview with Marc Nobleman she
said the following. “I am skeptical in the truest sense of the word,” said
Jornlin, “I don’t know what is out there. I just know there are anomalies that
have yet to be explained and I seek answers regardless of what they may be.”
Jornlin’s podcast “See you on the other side” provides her with the perfect
opportunity to explore these unknowns. The podcast is a family affair, Jornlin
works with her brother Mike Huberty and Wendy Lynn Staats. The podcast
discusses everything from the recent phantom clown phenomena to strange road
trip destinations. The “See you on the other side” crew was also in attendance
at this year’s Milwaukee Paranormal conference. Milwaukee local Jake Buege
attended the podcasters panel and had the following to say. “They brought a lot
of enthusiasm to the Para-Con,” said Buege, “you could tell they were really
passionate about the subjects that they talked about.”
For those looking
to become active in the paranormal investigation scene in Milwaukee Jornlin
recommends getting involved. “There are tons of groups and organizations for
people to join” said Jornlin. For those who are interested in learning more but
not looking to join an investigation group Jornlin runs a Facebook page called
paranormalMKE. Here she shares posts about stories throughout the city. People
with an interest in History might find they have a special knack for this field
of research. “History is for everyone, it’s not all dry dates” said Jornlin. If
one is interested in history there are many opportunities to investigate and
discover what has happened in your city.
Jornlin is a
fourth grade teacher by day and a paranormal investigator by night. A
well-known fact by many of her students who often try to tag along on ghost
hunts. However, one must maintain a balance between ghost hunting and teaching.
When asked during a previous interview with Marc Nobleman if she ghost-hunts on
school nights Jornlin valued sleep. “No, teachers need their sleep” said
Jornlin, “Ghost hunting usually requires staying up very late, so during the
school year I save it for Fridays and Saturdays.”
