The Iron Island Museum has had a long and notable history. Built in 1885, the Buffalo building was originally a church. Starting in the 1950s, it then served nearly five decades as a funeral home. It was eventually donated to the Iron Island Preservation Society for use as a museum. The museum displays artifacts from Buffalo, with a particular focus on military and railroad history. With all of the deceased who have passed through such a building, is it any wonder that it is now said to be haunted?
Lovejoy is a neighborhood along the eastern edge of Buffalo. It is said that the nickname “Iron Island” came about because it’s surrounded by railroad tracks on all sides.
Bryan McGowan/Google Maps
Even without taking the haunted aspect into account, this is a neat little museum! It has tons of information on local residents who served in the military, particularly World War II.
John Wong/Google Maps
Paranormal enthusiasts believe that the building is haunted by several spirits, including Edgar Zernicke. Zernicke was a war veteran whose cremains were found unclaimed in the basement of the museum, along with several other veterans.
Bryan McGowan/Google Maps The museum’s owner believes that Zernicke’s spirit haunted the building in hopes that someone would find the veterans’ remains. In 2010, Zernicke was buried in Bath National Cemetery with full military honors. It is said that his spirit still resides within the museum.
The museum hosts self-guided ghost tours and encourages visitors to bring along cameras and recorders. Visitors report hearing strange voices in their videos and feeling an odd chill in the air as they walk through the building.
Justine Mitrowski/Google Maps
For the truly brave, there’s even an option for an overnight paranormal investigation tour! The popular television series Ghosthunters featured an episode about the museum in 2008.
Marlo C/Tripadvisor
This museum has enough memorabilia to entertain even the skeptical visitors who don’t believe in the paranormal.
Justine Mitrowski/Google Maps
Have you been to the Iron Island Museum or any other supposedly haunted sites in New York? What’s your verdict: haunted or not?
The Iron Island Museum has had a long and notable history. Built in 1885, the Buffalo building was originally a church. Starting in the 1950s, it then served nearly five decades as a funeral home. It was eventually donated to the Iron Island Preservation Society for use as a museum. The museum displays artifacts from Buffalo, with a particular focus on military and railroad history. With all of the deceased who have passed through such a building, is it any wonder that it is now said to be haunted?
Bryan McGowan/Google Maps
John Wong/Google Maps
The museum’s owner believes that Zernicke’s spirit haunted the building in hopes that someone would find the veterans’ remains. In 2010, Zernicke was buried in Bath National Cemetery with full military honors. It is said that his spirit still resides within the museum.
Justine Mitrowski/Google Maps
Marlo C/Tripadvisor
For more information about the Iron Island Museum or to book a tour, visit their website.
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Address: Iron Island Museum, 998 E Lovejoy St, Buffalo, NY 14206, USA
