August Episode of Beyond The Human
Investigating the Sallie House
Welcome to Field Notes from the Beyond!
In this month’s episode of Beyond the Human, we explore one of America's most infamous haunted houses: the Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas. From its 19th-century origins to modern-day ghost hunts and paranormal media fame, this house has become a hotspot for supernatural speculation.
We dive into the Pickman family’s chilling encounters that started it all and examine the strange reports that followed: shadow figures, moving objects, unexplained scratches, and disembodied voices. Drawing on over 250 hours of personal investigation experience at the house, we separate fact from fiction, challenge the popular demonic narrative, and offer a grounded, research-based perspective on what might really be going on inside 508 N 2nd Street.
Along the way, we reflect on why places like the Sallie House captivate public imagination, what kinds of people come to investigate, and whether belief in the paranormal really changes after firsthand experience.
Whether you're a skeptic, believer, or somewhere in between, this episode unpacks the mystery behind one of the most talked-about haunted houses in America.
This day in paranormal history…
So many birthdays this week!
August 4, 1892: Andrew and Abby Borden are murdered in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts; daughter Lizzie is tried for the crime and found not guilty
August 5, 2024: A UFO is sighted near Harmelen in the Netherlands
August 6, 1973: Vera Farmiga, best known for her portrayal of Lorraine Warren in the Conjuring movies, is born
August 7, 1960: David Duchovny, best known for his portrayal of Agent Fox Mulder in The X Files, is born
August 8, 1931: Nobel laureate in physics Sir Roger Penrose is born; his writings on fundamental physics and human consciousness are a must-read if you are interested in consciousness!
August 9, 1968: Gillian Anderson, best known for her portrayal of Agent Dana Scully in The X Files, is born
August 10, 1977: Josh Gates of Destination Truth, Expedition Unknown, Expedition X, and more is born
Defining the Paranormal
General Studies
Mythology - Traditional stories that explain things like the origin of a group of people or the world or other phenomena that can be difficult to explain
Ghosts & Hauntings
Poltergeist - Translates as "noisy ghost" from the German; a type of ghost or spirit that is responsible for physical disturbances like loud noises, moving things around. There is some contention about whether or not this is actually a haunting; there are many theories. Also, a great movie!
Cryptids
Humanoid - Similar to humans in their anatomy; can be used to describe a type of cryptid that resembles humans
Aliens & UFOs
Super-terrestrial - Above the earth or not of this earth, often used to describe non-living things such as planets, can be used to describe super-terrestrial beings as well
Non-Human Entities
Succubus - a female demon who is believed to seduce or have sexual intercourse with sleeping men
Psychic Abilities
Clairaudience - The ability to hear things that are not present physically, but are regarded as having objective reality, or sounds that are outside the normal range of hearing
Magic
Spells - The ritualistic act of bringing about a desired result through speaking
Coming Up Next
Next Week in Field Notes from the Beyond: Learn about the elusive Chupacabra in our next installment of Cryptid Compendium!
Next Month on Beyond the Human: The Medical Mystery known as Morgellons Disease
Upcoming Events:
Weekly Livestream for the 2025 Paranormal Research Symposium of the Association of Paranormal Study
Date: Monday, August 11
Time: 8:00pm
We will be discussing our presentation for the upcoming conference on Indigenous Paranormal and Supernatural Phenomena in Pennsylvania
Date: Saturday, August 17
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Place: Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, PA
We will be vending as Mangy Black Cat Creations
Paranormal and supernatural themed clothing and accessories
Specializing in “Baby Cryptids”
2025 Paranormal Research Symposium of the Association of Paranormal Study
Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Place: Gettysburg, PA
What we will be presenting: Indigenous Paranormal and Supernatural Phenomena in Pennsylvania - Sean M. Daley, Ryan T. Goeckner, Christine M. Daley
Who are we?
We are a group of scholars interested in understanding paranormal, supernatural, and anomalous phenomena from an academic perspective. We want to document and validate experiences people have and study them in a rigorous way to bring credibility to these phenomena. Join us for our monthly podcast Beyond the Human and follow us on Spotify, Instagram, and Patreon to learn more about who we are, our methods, and what we want to learn!