Haunted by History: Flashlight Investigation Plus Haunted Sleepover at the San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery

Interested in participating in a flashlight paranormal investigation and a campout at a long-defunct, haunted historic cemetery in the San Fernando Valley? One that has a little over 500 estimated graves, most of them unmarked and is thought to be haunted by a mysterious woman in a black dress?

Come join Haunted by History author, historian, and moderator of Bizarre Los Angeles Craig Owens for the chance to investigate and spend the night in one of the oddest...and oldest cemeteries in the San Fernando Valley.

The San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Sylmar, California, was originally established in 1874 and ceased operation around 1939. While it was active, it operated as the San Fernando Cemetery as well as the Morningside Cemetery. After vandals had desecrated the long-abandoned cemetery to the point where there were only 13 grave markers left, it was rescued in 1959 and is now owned by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society. In 1993, it was designated a California landmark. 

But that's not all! 

In addition to it being haunted, the cemetery also had an odd horror/science fiction movie connection as well. In the 1950s, infamous director Ed Wood chose the abandoned cemetery as a location to film Bela Lugosi wearing his Dracula cowl for the last time. Wood then inserted Bela's last film footage into his famous camp classic, "Plan 9 from Outer Space" (1957).

Note: A sizable portion of ticket sales for this event goes toward preserving, maintaining, and beautifying the cemetery. Tickets are limited and are for those "children of the night" who have "sleeping overnight in a haunted cemetery" on their bucket lists!

Cost per person: $50 (camping not included)

Camping plots:

For one person: $125. Includes investigation and breakfast.

For two people: $175. Includes ticket to investigate for two people and breakfast.

For three people: $225. Includes tickets to investigate and breakfast.

For four people: $275: Includes tickets to investigate and breakfast.

Date: April 30, 2022

Time: 8:00 p.m. for the start of the walking tour/paranormal investigation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Campers will be allowed to set up their tents at 6:00 pm on the day of the event. Tents must be removed from the property by 9:30 am the following day
• No refunds or exchanges.
• Flashlights are required as there are gopher holes and uneven ground.
• 18+ only. No pets allowed. 
• No loud music or excessive noise during camping hours (12 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.)

• The cemetery is not ADA compliant but we can make a few allowances for those with a handicap. Please ask for specifics before purchasing tickets.

• Dress comfortably. The cemetery can get chilly at night.
• Andy Gump toilet provided.
• No fires or open flames are allowed. Obviously no firearms. 
• The cemetery will be locked during the sleepover. Craig Owens of Haunted by History Tours will be there to let you out at any time during the night.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited during the investigation.
• In the event of rain or dangerously strong winds, we will reschedule. In events such as these, we can refund if participants can't make the new date.
• Maximum tent size 10x12, out of respect for the residents, no tent stakes over 12 inches in length.