Harrisville, Providence County, Rhode Island
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| Photo: Pinterest |
Few places have captured the modern imagination quite like the infamous Conjuring House in Harrisville, Rhode Island. Known today as the Arnold Estate, this 18th-century farmhouse became the centerpiece of one of the most chilling hauntings in American history — and the inspiration for the blockbuster film The Conjuring. But behind the Hollywood lights lies a tangled web of history, trauma, and deeply personal experiences that continue to haunt those who’ve stepped inside.
History of the Arnold Estate
Built around 1736, the farmhouse originally belonged to the Arnold family — a name tied to generations of Rhode Island settlers. The land itself is steeped in colonial history, with records suggesting the property once spanned over 200 acres. Over time, ownership changed hands, but eerie legends remained. Tragedies, deaths, and local lore would weave into the foundation of the estate long before the Perron family ever arrived.
The Perron Family Haunting
In 1971, Roger and Carolyn Perron moved into the house with their five daughters, unaware of the supernatural storm that awaited them. From their first days, the family experienced disturbing phenomena: beds shaking, objects moving, and disembodied voices echoing through empty rooms. One daughter reported seeing a spirit with a crooked neck watching her sleep. Carolyn was physically attacked on more than one occasion — slapped, bruised, and even pushed.
The family eventually came to believe the most malevolent presence in the home was a spirit known as Bathsheba Sherman — a woman rumored to have lived on the property in the 1800s. Local legends accused Bathsheba of witchcraft, even claiming she had sacrificed her own child to the Devil. While no historical records confirm this, the story stuck — and Bathsheba’s name became infamous in paranormal lore.
The Warrens Step In
As the activity escalated, the Perrons turned to famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens conducted a series of investigations, claiming the house was plagued by multiple spirits — not just Bathsheba. During a séance conducted by Lorraine, Carolyn Perron reportedly became possessed, speaking in tongues and being thrown across the room. Terrified, Roger Perron ended the session and forbade the Warrens from returning.
The Perrons continued to live in the house for several years, enduring the haunting until they could afford to move out in 1980.
After the Perrons: Ongoing Activity
Since the Perrons’ departure, the house has changed hands many times. Each new owner brought renewed stories of whispers, shadow figures, slamming doors, and mysterious footsteps. Paranormal investigators, ghost hunting teams, and curious visitors have all documented activity — some mild, others terrifying. The home has drawn international attention and inspired countless documentaries and books.
In recent years, the house was opened to the public for overnight investigations, becoming a destination for paranormal tourism. Still, many believe that some energies within the home remain hostile — and that the house itself chooses who it will affect.
The Conjuring Legacy
In 2013, the story of the Perron family’s ordeal was adapted into The Conjuring, launching one of the most successful horror franchises in modern cinema. Though the film took creative liberties, it brought global attention to the Arnold Estate and immortalized the Perron family’s experience. Today, the house is forever linked to America’s paranormal history — both real and imagined.
Would You Dare?
Whether you believe the stories or not, there's no denying the Conjuring House has a dark energy that draws people in. Some call it cursed. Others believe it’s a portal. But one thing’s certain — visitors rarely leave unchanged.
