Overnight investigation of the Shanley hotel for BLH 8/8/2026

Known for its paranormal occurrences, Shanley is no stranger to the strange. , people of heard whistling, footsteps, piano music, children’s laughter, mysterious clock chimes, apparitions, and other haunts that pervade the hotel each evening. Many have seen shadows and apparitions at the Shanley and report the feeling of being watched.

The current Shanley Hotel was built in 1895 after a fire destroyed the original building. A summer vacation destination for NYC girls, it was a popular and bustling establishment. James Shanley bought the hotel in October 1906. Friends with Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt, to drop a few names, Mr. and Mrs. Shanley were esteemed in the community and brought elegance to the hotel.

James Shanley died in 1937, and his wife sold the hotel to Allen Hazen in 1944. After Mr. Hazen passed away, the hotel changed owners multiple times before being abandoned from 1991 until 2005, when Sal Nicosia bought it and began restoring the hotel to its original glory.

(An interesting note is that Mr. Shanley and Mr. Hazen were born {October 31–Halloween!} AND died on the same days, different years.)

The Shanley has seen its share of tragedy. Mr. Shanley’s sister-in-law died there, leaving her children to him and his wife, who gave birth to three children, all of whom died before nine months. The hotel barber’s daughter drowned in the well on the property; rumors of murder, suicide, and other deaths were reported throughout the years, so it is no wonder so many spirits still linger here.

This is a fundraising event for the charity. Because life happens, 501(c) 3

Their mission statement

All members of BLH are in recovery and have had personal experiences along the way while having some time in recovery. We didn't know what we were going to do while working and paying bills, trying to fix the wreckage of our past, maintaining a life of sobriety, and continuing to grow to better ourselves in our journey. We know the feeling of being overwhelmed and feeling like you just can't catch a break even though you are doing all the right things.

Our mission is to help people in the recovery community who have just hit a bump in the road.

The evening will start with an introduction to the team and a brief history tour.

We will then go over how to use the equipment.

During the course of the investigation, you have the choice to work with one of our team members doing various experiments or investigate on your own.

We will have a dinner break serving pizza. and a complementary breakfast in the morning