Ghost Hunter University returns to Hotel Maison de Ville

UPDATE: Due to scheduling issues, Ghost Hunter University has been postponed until the spring. Check back for dates and details.

The famed Christopher Moon of Haunted Times Magazine will be on site for sessions of Ghost Hunter University including both lectures and hands on ghost hunting demonstrations. The Hotel Maison de Ville has several ghosts in residence, so you'll have the opportunity to hone your skills, learn to properly use ghost hunting equipment (it's not necessary to bring your own), and explore the hotel before venturing out to tackle some hotspots in what is widely considered the most haunted city in North America.

Know before you go

As we've discussed before, safety first - always go ghost hunting with a buddy, take salt or another method for creating a barrier with you, and respect private property.

If you're looking for additional tips, equipment lists, etc. here are a few resources we've found helpful:

• Ghosthunting101.com
• What to Bring on a Ghost Hunt
• Ghost Hunting Secrets

Ghost Stories

Bob Dylan wrote in his autobiography, "The first thing you notice about New Orleans are the burying grounds - the cemeteries - and they're a cold proposition, one of the best things there are here. Going by, you try to be as quiet as possible, better to let them sleep..The ghosts race towards the light, you can almost hear the heavy breathing spirits, all determined to get somewhere."

Don't let them pass you by - they have stories to tell.

NPR reporter Katie Mingle visited Holt Cemetery in New Orleans in an attempt to spend more time with ghosts and find her own ghost story - where unlike most cemeteries in New Orleans, graves are in the ground rather than above ground.

From Madame LaLaurie, who mistreated her servants at 1140 Royal Avenue, and the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau that continues to walk the streets, to Pere Antoine who still keeps vigil at St. Louis Cathedral, the streets and buildings of New Orleans are full of ghosts and the not-quite departed.

At the very least you'll come back from Ghost Hunter University with a few great ghost stories of your own.