Kris Williams Blog

Getting to Know: Canberra, Australia

2014-12-09T22:58:00.001-05:00

My first impressions of Canberra were hardly love at first sight. When my boyfriend told me he was moving to Australia’s capital city I built up an image of an Australian version of Washington, D.C. in my head. When I landed, I was a bit thrown off by the fact Canberra is anything but the expectations I had for it.

Based off my own ideas of what I thought Canberra would be, I expected heavy traffic, an overly built up city consisting of government office buildings, memorials, museums, etc. I expected a fast paced lifestyle that revolved around politicians, government, military and business employees-a place people might visit on vacation, commute in to work but didn’t stay. I expected the need to be aware of my surroundings to avoid any trouble, scams, street peddlers, etc. like you are encouraged to do in D.C.

Funny enough, I found every expectation I had for Canberra was way off. To the point the city (which is more like a large town) made me feel a bit off and uncomfortable at first because I just couldn't wrap my head around what it was. After many trips here and giving Canberra a look through a fresh pair of eyes… I have to say I have grown to really love what Canberra is.

Being a capital city, of course it has it’s share of government, military, defense and business offices. It also has many great museums, monuments and memorials. However, what makes Canberra different from D.C. is it’s country feel. One of the things I love about Canberra is that it is not congested or over built. Sure it does have its busy shopping centers, business areas, etc. but much of the city is spread out. It really is a great mix of business, recreational and a feel of “small” town living.

Known as the “bush capital”, Canberra was designed around its natural vegetation, which takes center stage over the man made buildings in many ways. Visitors to the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) can enjoy hikes up one of Canberra’s mountains (my boyfriend likes to torment me with hiking up Mt. Ainslie), bike, run or walk one of the many trails around Lake Burley Griffin or spend the day in any of the beautifully landscaped parks (some of which are regularly setup for outdoor shows/entertainment). You could even get out on Lake Burley Griffin for a lake cruise, rowing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and paddle boating.

When you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors there’s still a ton to do and see. Canberra offers a ton of great restaurants, shopping, museums (my favorite is the Australian War Memorial), entertainment venues and nightlife to choose from. Some of which I plan to introduce you to in future blogs!

Through my blogging I would like to share with you all my love for Canberra (and Australia as a whole), from past experiences to new. For those of you who have never been to Australia, I would like to give you a look around what has become a second home to me and for those planning to visit Australia-I would love to give you reasons to make Canberra a stop on your trip!

Get ready for a little fun and adventure from down under!

Kris :)

2014 Holiday Season Fun!

2014-11-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

Winners have been picked at random and announced!! They are....

Steven Hoeker-winner of the tickets to investigate Waverly Hills

Jerrold Edwards-winner of a print of my painting, The Abandoned Washroom

Kevin JMcLaughlin-winner of one Genealogy 101 Workshop

Keith Daniel-winner of the Aussie Care Package

Mark Friedman- winner of the "Ghost Dont Scare Me..." Hoodie

Vicky Kolodziej-winner of the Original Artwork, soon to be created by me

I will be contacting you all shortly!! Congrats to everyone who won and thank you to everyone who got involved! I wish you a happy and healthy 2015!!

Kris

Hello Guys & Gals!

Since my October Etsy give away was such a hit, I figured I would continue the fun through the holiday season! Get ready for more chances to win and even more amazing prizes up for grabs...

Every Wednesday, starting today (November 19, 2014) through December 24, 2014, I will be announcing new prizes which will be up for grabs! The winners of these prizes will be picked at random and announced here on this blog on December 31, 2014 (New Years Eve) at 10 pm. There will be a total of 6 prizes up for grabs-so that will be 6 chances to win some great prizes!

Ready for the first prize up for grabs?

Thanks to Ideal Event Management, the first name picked at random (On Dec. 31, 2014 at 10pm) will win a pair of (2) tickets to Ideal's Waverly Hills Sanatorium event in May 2015. The winner (and a friend of their choice) will get to investigate Waverly Hills with myself, Steve and Tango along with other event attendees. These tickets will cover free entry to the event (does not cover travel, hotel, food, etc.)

Of all the locations I have ever been to, Waverly Hills is my top pick for locations in the United States. While I was there I witnessed a fast, rolling, ball of light (which Dustin and I named, "the ghost skunk") in the body chute, along with hearing footsteps, whispering and seeing flashes of light.

Throughout the building we experienced unexplainable shadowy figures and the sound of footsteps that followed us from the 4th floor down to the 2nd floor. It is hands down, one of the strangest places I have ever investigated and I look forward to meeting the winner of this prize in May 2015!

Again-BIG thank you to Ideal Event Management for offering up two tickets to give away!

The second prize up for grabs?

One (1) limited, signed 8X10 paper print of my painting, "The Abandoned Washroom".

The original painting was inspired by a photo I took at Fort Wayne in Detroit. In one of the buildings, there was an old footed bathtub that was missing one foot. The sun was setting, which left the window looking like it was glowing and I really liked the reflection of the light that played off the surfaces of the room. The painting was done with only blue, red, white and black. Between the angle of the composition, angle of the broken tub, the reflecting light and colors-the painting has a real moody feel.

The third prize up for grabs...

Interested in your family history but overwhelmed by the process? Have no idea how to begin?

The third person picked will win 1 Genelaogy 101 workshop... taught by me! I run my workshops over Skype and they run about an hour and a half long.

Genealogy 101 is a class for those interested in genealogy who would like to get started but have no prior experience. I will cover the importance of researching your family's roots, how to gather the information needed to get started and cover some useful tools genealogists use to organize the information they have gathered.

If you are picked for this prize, we will work together to schedule a date and time that works best. You can learn more about my workshops and genealogy services here: Key to Your Tree

The fourth prize up for grabs...

Ready for a lil Aussie care package? The fourth person picked will receive a package full of some of my favorite Australian sweets! Along with my favorites will be some that are common Australian staples, a signed postcard and Australian souvenir... If you have a sweet tooth and you're up for a little mystery prize-this will be a fun one!

The fifth prize up for grabs?

The fifth person to be picked at random will win one (1) "Ghost's don't Scare Me... People Do..." hoodie! If your name gets selected for this prize I will contact you for your desired size.

The 6th and final prize up for grabs?

The 6th person picked at random will win an original piece of artwork (not yet created) made by yours truly! This piece will not be a print-it will be a signed, original piece done in either pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor or pastel and will consist of a still life. If you are the winner of this prize, the piece will be created and mailed to you as soon as it is finished (will be mailed out in February from either Australia or the U.S.A.).

So, how do you qualify for a chance to win?

Buy at least one item from my Ebay shop between November 19, 2014 and December 31, 2014 (before the 10pm deadline) and your name will be entered for chances to win on all 6 prizes up for grabs. Along with every purchase I will include a free signed postcard which will look like the photo below-signed, "Happy Holidays! All The Best, Kris Williams".

***ATTENTION*** Any orders placed between Dec 22^nd and Dec. 30^th will not be mailed until January 2^nd. These purchased items will not arrive before Christmas. Thank you for your patience and understanding while I am out of town.***

Check out my Ebay shop, do a little holiday shopping, get a free signed postcard and be entered for a chance to win some great prizes!

Be sure to check back next Wednesday for the 2nd prize available to be announced! Happy shopping & good luck!!

Wishing you all happy holidays,

Kris Williams :)

Ebay Shop: http://www.ebay.com/sch/kwil5961/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=http://www.ebay.com/sch/kwil5961/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

**Due to trouble with my Etsy account I have moved all my items over to my Ebay shop. Everyone who has made a purchase through my Etsy store between Nov 19, 2014-Nov 20, 2014 will obviously still be included in all of the above. Thank you for your purchases and patience!**

October 2014 and Halloween Fun!

2014-10-01T10:20:00.003-04:00

NEW ITEM ADDED-a second chance to win! Please see details below...

Only for the month of October 2014...

Buy any item in my Etsy shop (shirt, sweatshirt, scarf, headshot, painting or print) and with it get a free signed postcard (postcard features image below)!

Once making a purchase in my shop not only do you get the signed postcard, you will also be entered for a chance to win either a paper print of my painting, "The Abandoned Washroom" (see photo below of painting) OR a GHI hoodie that was worn on the show (please see photos below).

The (one) winner of the print will be chosen at random on Halloween night, October 31, 2014 at 10pm and will be announced here in a blog update as well as on Twitter and Facebook.

ADDED ITEM: in addition to the print winner, a second person will be chosen at random on Halloween night, October 31, 2014 at 10pm as the winner of a (1) GHI hoodie! This is a unisex, size small GHI hoodie that I wore on a couple of overseas investigations (see photos below)-it can be signed before shipped!

(Photo in hoodie taken in Holland)

(Large logo on back of hoodie)

To check out my Etsy shop, please follow this link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KrisArtwork?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Thank you for shopping and I wish you a happy Halloween!!

All the best & best of luck!

Kris

Here are some of the items available in my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KrisArtwork?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Skull Scarves available in burnt orange, black and gray...

Ghosts Don't Scare Me T-Shirts (Men and Woman's Cuts) and Unisex Sweatshirts...

Personalized Autographed Headshots...

Original Signed Painting "The Abandoned Washroom"...

And Paper or Canvas Prints of my Painting "The Abandoned Washroom"...

More items coming soon!

"Professional" Hunter? “Certified” Haunted?

2013-10-22T18:42:00.001-04:00

I have seen some crazy things in the past 6 years since I have been involved in paranormal investigation, however some of the craziest things I have seen or experienced have nothing to do with the paranormal itself.

The paranormal has now gotten to a point where most people I have met blindly believe in it without questioning. I, or any investigator for that matter, could put anything in front of them, say that it’s undeniably a ghost and they would believe me.

What’s wrong with that you ask?

Well, it is dangerous to the field as a whole. Blindly believing opens the door to fame chasers looking to make a name for themselves with bogus evidence-which is a disservice to those trusting us to look for answers and for those who look to paranormal investigation for comfort following the loss of a loved one.

In order to keep the field on the right track, we must continue to question it. Staying skeptical, asking questions and investigating claims with a rational head is the only way to keep the field honest… and to make sure it doesn’t suffer the same fate as the spiritualist movement.

This morning I posted on Twitter, “There’s no such thing as a location being "certified haunted" & if they claim to be "most haunted location" they are just looking for your $” and I stand by that statement 100%.

It is not my job to lie to you. I didn’t get into this field to fool people. With that said, I felt the need to point out what I have been seeing more and more locations boast lately.

I recently took part in a paranormal event in St. Augustine and I was approached by a paranormal investigator who handed me a business card for, what the card claimed was, a “Certified Haunted” location. Right away, I thought, “Bullshit” and I wanted nothing to do with the location-or the paranormal team.

This morning, I was followed by a location (which I will not name but I am sure you will figure it out) that claimed in their bio that they were the “Most haunted location” in their area. Funny enough, I just checked their page again… and they changed their wording following my Twitter post. It was at their location that I experienced what I believed was my first shadow figure.

Here’s the deal. I have been to hundreds of locations in the 6 years that I have been involved in this field. I would like to believe the following I have gained is due to my continued fight to be honest and call BS when I see it...

And this is a BS moment.

No experienced, trusted, honest investigator would claim a location is “Certified Haunted” and no location can honestly claim that. Have I had experiences over the years? Yes. If I hadn’t I wouldn’t have bothered to stick with the field as long as I have. Are there locations that I believe have some sort of activity-Yes.

The difference is that, those experiences were mine. There is no way for me to prove 100% with out a doubt they were cause by a ghost (or what we call a ghost). There is also no way for me to prove 100% without a doubt that the paranormal even exists.

Now-before all your paranormal loving heads explode and decide I’m a hater-hear me out. There is no certification process to be a ghost hunter. Why? Because there is no way to prove what we are experiencing is a ghost (what we commonly believe is a person who has passed). With that said, ANYONE can be a ghost hunter and many claim to be a professional in a field that is (at the moment) impossible to prove beyond a doubt and impossible to regulate.

Unfortunately, with the popularity of the paranormal you have many not so honest people coming out of the woodwork looking for fame and fortune. They claim to be “professionals” or “experts”, which is easy to claim in a field where you don’t have to prove your skill set, accomplishments or hard evidence.

Then there are the locations that have had a paranormal group come in, or they form their own team and run ghost tours because they see the tourism other locations are getting off the popularity of believed paranormal activity… the next thing you know there’s a sign hanging outside their location or a business card made up boasting, “Certified Haunted” or “Most Haunted” hoping the tourism will go up and dollar signs will start rolling in.

Here are some truths.

I am not a professional. I am not an expert. No honest hunter will claim to be either of those things. I am a girl from New Hampshire who got into the field looking for answers after I had FIVE friends and family members pass away in 11 months.

I have 6 years of experience behind me in the paranormal-that does not make me an expert. People who have been at this for 30+ years are still in this field because they have had strange, unexplainable experiences they STILL can’t explain. They are STILL looking for answers.They are STILL learning.

For people getting into the field looking for a TV show, fame and fortune… one thing you will never see is fortune in this field-if anything be prepared to SPEND more than you make. A TV show and fame will come to a very small circle of people and neither is a reason to get started in the field-unless you are looking to destroy it.

NO location can honestly boast “Certified” or “Most Haunted” location.

Anyone or team can have shirt made with a team name printed on it. Anyone can have a business card printed. Look into teams before you let strangers rummage around your house/location.

Why is staying honest so important…

Honesty in this field is needed to keep it grounded and to keep it alive-without it, we will eventually find ourselves back in a place where no one talks about it. You can say I am being too hard on evidence or accuse me of being a non-believer… however, as I learned from an investigator who I look up to greatly (Steve Gonsalves) …the harder you are on evidence and it still holds up-the better the evidence and the harder it is to dismiss. Again, it’s about looking for answers-not fooling or misleading people. Being tough on something doesn’t make you a hater or non-believer and jumping to the conclusion of paranormal before going through every other possible explanation doesn’t strengthen the field-it weakens it.

It’s just a TV show…

I have had many people ask me why I am so hard on things. For one, thats just how I am. I have always been a skeptic. Not because I don’t want something to be true… but because I WANT to believe it. However, I need it to check all the boxes before I jump to believer.

Another reason, I was trained to be hard on evidence. The harder Steve was on me as an investigator and the harder he was on my evidence… the more faith I had in the field.

Finally… it goes back to how I was raised and what got me in to the paranormal.

I was raised by my parents to be as honest as possible, not to deceive and use people’s weaknesses against them. I was taught to stand up for myself, to be a strong female and work hard to be a successful, good person.

And when it comes to it just being a TV show…

As I have said in the past-if I was on a typical reality show where it was my job to party and act like a dumbass, I’m sure I could pull it off. However, paranormal shows are very different. Many people don’t know what they believe in anymore or what to believe in. They look to paranormal shows and investigators for answers, comfort and confirmation. What we do screws with their belief systems… and I am not ok with lying or misleading people with this subject matter. It was only 6 years ago I was the broken person having lost 5 people. I was looking for answers and the last thing I wanted was lies.

I got into the paranormal to find answers for myself and help others out there who have found themselves in a similar situation of loss.

Love me or hate me-I am who I am and refuse to be anything but.

Stay Skeptical,

Kris

Painting from Fort Wayne in Detroit.

2013-10-02T17:42:00.000-04:00

Most of you know me as a ghost hunter, however everyone back home (family, friends and classmates) knew me as an artist.

I have had a few people ask me about the story behind the painting I will be selling next week through ebay, so I figured I would take some time out to tell you a little about it.

The painting is done in oil on an 8x10 canvas board, it took me a total of 4 days to complete. I painted it from a photo I had taken during a paranormal event at Fort Wayne in Detroit.

Why a washroom? I chose this photo for a few reasons, I loved the reflections in the tile, I loved the off balance angle the photo was taken in, I liked its dark and creepy feel with the glowing window and I thought it would be the perfect challenge for my first real attempt at jumping back into art... since high school.

The color is so much more impressive in person, I used blue, black, white and red. This photograph has dulled down the color in the painting but I hope to have a scanned version soon to post that will hopefully do the painting more justice.

I am looking to do more paintings in the future from photos I have taken on the road and from locations I investigated. So keep an eye out for paintings of some of your favorite locations and possibly prints of those paintings!

Any locations you would like to suggest?! Send them to kris@kriswilliams.com

Thanks guys!
Kris

Genealogy Services & Workshop Testimonials

2013-06-27T17:30:00.000-04:00

Here are what some of my genealogy clients and workshop attendees are saying about my services!

Genealogy Services:

"I spent years trying to trace the different branches of my family tree. I ran into unconfirmed rumors, lots of speculation, and too many dead ends to count. In just two sessions, Kris found more info than I had in all of the previous years I spent searching. She was able to uncover documents and photos that even my own family members didn't have anymore. She was both personable and professional while providing top notch customer service at more than reasonable fees. She will continue to be my family's go to source for all of our genealogical research needs." - Chris, Tennessee

Genealogy Workshops:

"Kris, I took your Genealogy 101 class last night and I thought it was great. I wasn't aware of the DNA testing & how you can incorporate that into your family tree. I'm also glad that somebody brought up how to look up old military records. Since my dad spent 2 years in the Navy and 21+ in the Army, it's very good info to go after. Thanks again, you did a great job!" - Jim, Pennsylvania

Thank you Chris and Jim!! :)

For more information about my services and workshops check out my blog: Interested in Genealogy but Dont Know How to Get Started or Have the Time? or email me at kris@kriswilliams.com

Hope to work with you in the future!

Kris Williams

The Mystery of Alice McCurdy

2013-06-20T21:30:00.001-04:00

Anyone who has spent years researching their family history will tell you to be prepared for hidden surprises. The lives of our ancestors were just as complicated back then as our lives are today. I think most of us tend to forget they were living breathing people until we start uncovering their lives through the paper trail they left behind. Even after 20 years of research, uncovering my family’s secrets, I must admit that one of my ancestors left me speechless and feeling a little lost last night.

My 2^nd great grandmother Alice McCurdy had been a bit of a mystery to me for many years. I knew she existed, she appeared on my great grandfather’s death certificate and I was able to find a marriage certificate for her and my 2^nd great grandfather, Melville Williams. However, it wasn’t until the last couple of weeks that some new documents emerged, which helped fill in some missing pieces to her story.

About a week ago I had stumbled upon her death certificate online. I felt like I had hit the jackpot with that discovery since she had been a difficult one to track. From the death certificate I learned she was only 34 when she passed away… only two years older than I am now. To make matters worse, she left behind a husband and three young children, one of which was my great grandfather Robert Henry Williams.

I had figured she had died young over the years since she didn’t appear in the 1900 census living with her husband, children and parents, Henry Martin McCrudy and Frances Abby Hinds. Given the situation, I figured her parents must have moved in to help Melville with the children. It wasn’t until I got this missing puzzle piece (Alice’s death record) that I was able to learn she died of “Phthisis”, commonly known as Tuberculosis or “consumption”.

As most of us know today tuberculosis was a horrible infectious disease. Many people died from it since it was easily spread by air through the coughs and sneezes of an affected person. Tuberculosis victims would end up weak and gaunt, coughing up blood while suffering from night sweats and extreme weight loss. In many cases, those who were kind enough to care for infected victims ended up coming down with the disease themselves. This was the case for my great grandfather, Percy Leslie’s 16-year-old sister who came down with it after caring for an elderly neighbor who suffered from it.

Learning that this was how my 2^nd great grandmother died, I felt horrible. What a terrible thing for the family to witness and for Alice, what a horrible end. At the same time, I felt so fortunate that the disease did not spread to the rest of the family. Had it spread, I would not be here today. Learning her cause of death also made me think back on the many TB hospitals I have visited over the years and the awful stories that came out of them. Did Alice end up in one of these hospitals? That is now on my list of things to research next.

Just as I was finally getting over this new bit of news surrounding Alice’s death, researching her father Henry Martin McCurdy let me in on another family secret.

A few weeks ago I decided to go back through my family tree as an attempt to fill in missing information and just to clean it up. I began writing outlines for each family member, double checking all the details and making more of a story out of the information I had gathered. After finishing up on Alice, I moved on to her father last night. Going through Henry’s information I saw that he married Frances Abby Hinds on January 6, 1864 in Boston, Massachusetts. Skipping ahead to the 1870 U.S. Federal Census I found Henry (age 31) and Frances (age 30) living in Pittston, Maine. Recording all the information I could gather on Henry, I then moved on to the 1880 U.S. Federal Census where I noticed… something just doesn’t add up.

In the 1880 census my 2^nd great grandmother Alice makes her first appearance, however I realized that it said she was 13 years old. “Well, this can’t be right…” I thought. If she was 13 in the 1880 census, she should have appeared in the 1870 census with her parents. Knowing that an age being off on a census isn’t that uncommon, I figured I would take a closer look… and there it was…

Alice was adopted. Just like that, in a matter of seconds everything I thought I knew about my McCurdy branch was wrong. Two little letters left me with a million questions and a sick feeling in my stomach.

Who is Alice? Where did she come from and who were her birth parents? Why did they give her up? The only time I have dealt with adoption in my family the child was adopted by another family member… could this be the case with Alice? Then at least part of the tree I had for her would still be correct. However this all made me wonder, how many ancestors do we have hiding in our trees that were adopted and we have no idea? Entire sections of our tree would be wrong when it comes to tracing bloodlines. If it weren’t for me deciding to clean up my tree and this one document pointing out the adoption, I would have never known.

While I am now left feeling blindsided and facing a new roadblock with Alice, I can’t help but also feel very appreciative towards Henry Martin McCrudy and Francis Abby Hinds. They not only took in my second great grandmother, they took in her children after she passed away. As I said, the 1900 census showed Henry and Frances living in the house of Alice’s husband but the 1910 census showed the kids still living with Frances (who was then widowed) with their father no where to be found.

Last night I learned that it doesn’t matter how long you have been into genealogy or how much you think you know about your family, there is always room to be surprised.

Written By: Kris Williams

Twitter: @KrisWilliams81

Now Offering Online Workshops!

2013-05-30T18:31:00.000-04:00

Hello Guys & Gals!

I am getting a lot of questions about the online workshops I am offering, so I thought I would put a blog together explaining them a bit more.

How the Workshops Will Work:

For now, the workshops will be conducted over Skype Video Conference and there is room for a total of 10 people to a workshop. I may eventually change to a different setup, however for right now I am using Skype because I feel that it will allow the workshops to be more interactive.

Here's the deal with Skype-it's easy and free to sign up. All you do is create an account, log in and I can add you to the conference call.

Workshops Available:

Genealogy 101 with Kris Williams: Getting Started
Experience Level: Beginners

This is a workshop for those interested in genealogy who would like to get started but have no prior experience. I will cover the importance of researching your family's roots, how to gather the information needed to get started and cover some useful tools genealogists use to organize the information they have gathered. Each session will end with a Q&A session which will give attendees a chance to ask questions about the material covered.

The whole idea of the workshop is to give you a starting point and hopefully build your confidence on tackling your family history. Most people see it as overwhelming, although it takes some work it really just comes down to knowing how to start and where to look. Before you go diving into records, there is a bit of legwork that needs to be done. That is what this workshop will cover. I will also provide you with some worksheets which will help you record and organize the information as you collect it.

Eventually I will add more workshops covering other topics which will help you bring your research to the next step or level.

If this workshop interests you, there are two scheduled dates available. For more information and tickets go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/4081436455?s=15135155

Ethics In The Paranormal
Experience Level: All Levels

"Where do you think the paranormal will be 5 years from now?"

This is a question that was asked by a fan back when I first started and I was quick to answer that I had no idea. At that time I was trying to figure out where the paranormal was currently, I couldn’t possibly make a prediction based off no experience-and I wasn’t afraid to be honest about it.
After five years on the road getting on the job experience and seeing how much the field has changed in that short amount of time, I now have an answer.

Join me for a lecture on Ethics in the Paranormal where I will tackle the common problems investigators (as well as the field) face while covering the many parallels between today's fascination with the paranormal and the Spiritualist Movement of the mid 1800's-1920's.

If this workshop interests you, there is one scheduled date available (more dates will be posted soon). For more information and tickets go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/4081436455?s=15135155

Why Have Workshops?

To be honest, I love the interaction, I love helping people and I know not everyone can afford to jump on a plane and attend an event. This will be a fun, face to face way of passing on what I have learned over the years on topics I love.

I hope this has answered some of your questions! Obviously this is a new format but my experience is not. I look forward to working with you guys, whether it's teaching you to dig up your ancestors (not literally-that's just creepy) or sharing my experience as a paranormal investigator.

All the Best!

Kris Williams

Interested in Genealogy but Dont Know How to Get Started or Have the Time?

2013-05-15T01:30:00.000-04:00

Interested in Genealogy but Don’t Know How to Get Started or Have the Time?

With over 20 years of experience in family research, Kris Williams specializes in working with genealogy newbies and those who just don’t have the time to research on their own.

Her Experience

Kris Williams became a genealogy addict at the age of eleven thanks to her 4^th grade teacher who had taken up the hobby and passed it on to her class. Since then Kris has spent over 20 years tracing her own family while helping friends, family and co-workers do the same.

In 2007, due to her experience in family research and love of history, she landed the job as Historical Researcher for the paranormal team featured on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters. For over three years, as the team’s Historical Researcher, she was responsible for researching the history behind each location as well as the people who were believed to be haunting it.

To add to her experience, Kris worked as an Ancestry.com contributor for over a year. Kris submitted written & video blogs that covered a variety of topics such as, how to get started, breaking through dead ends, historical locations she explored on her travels, odd historical facts and shared her own personal experiences with genealogy.

Two Options Available:

Option 1: If you want to learn how to do the research yourself but you have no idea how to get started, Kris can help! She now provides online workshops that can be attended from anywhere using Skype Conference Call. Each workshop will have an attendance of no more than 10 people to make things as interactive as possible and the workshops will cover a variety of different topics concerning genealogy with regards to how to get started. It is only $40 to attend a workshop-for more information on the workshops currently available & to purchase tickets visit her Eventbrite page: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/4081436455

Option 2: If you are interested in learning more about your family but you don’t have the time or patience to do the research yourself-Kris can help! As Kris does the research for you, you can learn about your family without the hassle and confusion. If you are interested in working with Kris to discover your family’s past, please email her at kris@kriswilliams.com for more information on how to get started and rates.

**Kris’ experience mainly covers research within the United States, however she does have some experience within Canada, Australia and Europe.

**Does not specialize in adoption and Native roots, however Kris would be happy to give you advice on where you might get started.

New England Gal in Los Angeles...

2012-09-12T19:57:00.000-04:00

Los Angeles... the land of palm trees, sunshine, beaches... and HORRIBLE drivers...

I have been in LA since July and I am still trying to get used to my new surroundings. Even though I haven't been on the road for work since last Oct-I have still managed to keep just as busy traveling. This has made things a bit of a challenge with getting settled.

It still hasn't completely hit me that I'm not just here for a visit, that any day I won't be on a plane back home-my real home-New England.

Since, like I said, I haven't really had a chance to experience LA yet-the one thing that has stood out so far is the above mentioned driving. Do they not have drivers ed out here?

I do find it funny that they say New England drivers are crazy-we are. However, the difference between the New England "crazy" and the LA "crazy" is that... New Englanders know HOW to drive. We like to use these little things called blink-ahs, we know how to merge, we can drive in show-ahs, blizz-ahds and if you drive with LA skills you will get the one finger salute.

I can handle the traffic-bring it. It's the jackasses who do 90 mph knowing there could be a pile up at any second. Or how about the morons who jump 4 lines while rehearsing lines for their "big" audition. Then there's the bikers. Freaking everyone and there brother is on a bike and they just fly up the middle of the lanes-I swear they have a death wish.

Another thing Los Angeles missed is a lesson on merging. It's really not that difficult. However, out here they need stop lights on their on ramps, letting one or two drivers merge onto the highway at a time... And when it is your turn to go people ON the highway don't get the concept.

"Like OMG! Where did this car come from?! It like TOTALLY came outta no where?! Like, why is it trying to get in front of me?!?! ...I should totally speed up..."

What the fuck is that all about? I can't even imagine these people on a roterey...

I heard all of this only gets worse with rain. It's like some foreign thing out here that just causes complete frantic, brain dead drivers...

I have yet to experience this-I'm not sure if it'll be frightening or entertaining...

Kris

Frequently Asked Questions...

2012-09-10T22:26:00.000-04:00

Due to the fact I keep getting asked certain questions a million times over, I was given the idea to have a blog answering them. So, here they are...

Has GHI been cancelled?

I honestly have no idea what is going on with GHI. I personally am still turned off by it due to the bloodletting that took place on it. As a skeptic, GHI spun off a skeptic team (TAPS)-I don't feel that bloodletting belongs as a rational investigative tool on a team of skeptics. For this reason, I don't feel that I fit on GHI.

I have not worked with the team for over a year and all though I am grateful for the experiences I had overseas, after living out of a suitcase for over 5 years, I am enjoying my time at home. I am also very grateful to both Syfy and Pilgrim for being so good to me over the years.

Why did you leave GH to go to GHI?

After 3.5 years on the road with GH as a historical researcher I was ready for a change and a bit of a challenge. I have always loved traveling and history and the idea of working internationally really appealed to me. So, when I was asked if I wanted to make the jump from GH investigator to GHI team co-lead I wasn't about to say no. I took it as a huge compliment to be the first female co-lead and had looked forward to seeing the world.

Are you coming back to GH?

I am not going back to GH. I will not be filling in for Grant, I will not be filling in for Amy.

Why wouldn't you go back to GH?

Not going back to GH was my choice. There is no bad will, no drama. I love everyone over on GH and I love Syfy. I am very grateful for the time I spent on GH and everything I have experienced. I am personally just ready for something new-life is about moving forward, it's about taking on new challenges.

Are you having a baby?

Last I checked... I'm not having a baby. Amy had a baby. I am very, VERY happy for her and I can't wait to meet her little girl.

Are you dating Barry? Tango? Steve? Jay? Grant? Josh? Zak?

No, no, no, no, no, no and no. I don't get why men and women can't work together without people thinking something must be going on. Friends with all of them but that is it.

Are you single?

No. I have a boyfriend who lives in Australia. I met him while I was on the road shooting with GHI in Samoa. I am very happy with my Aussie. He is the best thing that came out of my time on GHI.

What are you up to now?

I am currently blogging for Ancestry.com. I have been into genealogy since I was 11 years old-it is a love of mine. It is a dream to have the opportunity to blog for them-sharing my experiences and helping others research their family history.

I am also working on a book. This book will share a bit of my life before GH & GHI, explain why and how I got into the paranormal and what I have learned over the 5 years I spent on the road.

I have also started lecturing on Ethics in the Paranormal. As this field is getting bigger, more teams are popping up, new shows are appearing, etc. the paranormal is finding itself in a dangerous place due to the overall lack of ethics. The whole bloodletting fiasco and my disgust in it inspired me to start speaking on the topic. If you're local, I hope you'll give it a listen.

I have other things I am working on as well, but it's too early to share the details just yet. Soon as I can I will let you guys know!

If given the chance would you do your own show?

Sure, why not. Like I said, ready for a new experience, new challenge.
We'll see where life takes me. ;)

This list could be added to if other questions start to pop up!
Thank you guys and gals! Hope this clears things up!

Kris ;)

Join Me on an Interactive Roadtrip & Scavenger Hunt!

2012-07-16T20:54:00.000-04:00

After nearly five years of traveling the globe seeking adventure, researching historical documents and pursuing evidence of the paranormal, I'm putting fans on a History & Mystery Hunt!

Though I've tackled challenges in more than 22 countries, I'll begin my biggest journey yet on July 21 when I move from my home in New England to Los Angeles in a cross-country roadtrip. Because I want to bring fans along with me on the road, the Kris Williams History & Mystery Hunt is an interactive scavenger hunt and giveaway where I'll personally be dropping off gift boxes in 10 cities along my route at pre-arranged locations. It is the closest thing to riding along with me in the car.

By interacting with fans over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I'll leave tips and hints for fans in Boston, Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Cedar City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Each box on the Kris Williams History & Mystery Hunt will contain a collection of items that reflect my personality and interests, along with some goodies I've picked up from my journeys on Syfy’s “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Hunters International,” along with my work as a contributor on Ancestry.com - such as a one-year membership to Ancestry.com and an Ancestry.com AncestryDNA kit, albums from some of my favorite bands such as The Sheepdogs, a signed headshot and handwritten letter from me. I will even leave behind a few smaller items for fans who didn’t get to the drop off location first.

Fans who can’t make it to drop off cities on the Kris Williams History & Mystery Hunt can still take part in my journey as I will be posting video and photos from the road, along with conducting interviews and shooting live content. All of the fans that are on the hunt are encouraged to do the same thing. Every item posted through social media on the Kris Williams History & Mystery Hunt will be accompanied by the #KWHistoryMystery hashtag so fans can receive tips or follow along. The locations of the drop offs will remain secret until the first fan discovers the gift and announces it.

The Kris Williams History & Mystery Hunt will begin Saturday, July 21, with drop offs in Boston, Mass., and Albany, N.Y. On Sunday, July 22, I’ll drop off in Buffalo, N.Y., and Cleveland, Ohio. On Monday, July 23, a drop off will take place in Chicago, Ill. A gift package will be dropped in Omaha, Neb., on Tuesday, July 24, and in Denver, Colo., on Wednesday, July 25. Cedar City, Utah and Las Vegas, Nev., will have a drop on Thursday, July 26, and the final gift package drop off will take place in Los Angeles, Calif., on Friday, July 27.

I am available to talk with the press about the Kris Williams History & Mystery Hunt. To set up interviews, and get exclusive tips about the drop off, contact Publicity@KrisWilliams.com and and Marc@IdealEventManage.com, and follow hashtag #KWHistoryMystery for updates.

-Kris

www.KrisWilliams.com
Twitter: @KrisWilliams81
Instagram: KrisWilliams81

My Top 10 Favorite Doors Songs

2012-04-25T17:19:00.002-04:00

Anyone who knows me - or has spent more than three minute reading my website or Twitter feed - knows I have always loved The Doors. And when I say “love,” I suppose I mean “obsessively dedicated.”

Why The Doors? Well, we all have our own reasons for loving the music we do - maybe because it speaks to us, or that we like how it makes us feel - or maybe we love the music we do simply because it makes us feel something.

For me, my connection to The Doors goes way back. I was introduced to them by my dad when I was very young. I grew up listening to them, along with Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Beatles. However, the older I've become, and the stranger my life gets, the more new reasons I find to love The Doors and their music. They are the only group I listen to every day, and I find the more I listen to - and read about - the band, the more I admire their work.

With that said, here is a list of my Top 10 favorite songs from The Doors. Depending on the day, or my mood, the order may change but the list stays the same.

1. When The Music’s Over
Besides the fact that I love Ray Manzarek’s keyboards at the opening, and Jim Morrison’s scream at the beginning which just grabs your attention, the lyrics alone are enough to make this a favorite. Among the best lines: “before I sink into the big sleep I want to hear I want to hear the scream of the butterfly” and “cancel my subscription to the Resurrection.” But the lyric that really hits me most at this point in my life is “music is your only friend.” Music may not be my only friend, but at the end of the day it doesn't judge; it’s there whenever I need it. When I can’t be home it makes me feel like I am. I can start my iPod, relax and forget where I am for a few hours, or wind down before bed. Music is my safe place.

2. Peace Frog
There are some songs I like to blare while hauling ass around town, and boththis and “Roadhouse Blues”are two from The Doors perfect for just such an activity. I can never play either of these loud enough. The thing I find funny about “Peace Frog” is how funky and upbeat it comes off as - until you listen to the words. Besides, how could a ghost hunter not love the line “ghosts crowd the young child's fragile eggshell mind”? Jim had an obvious obsession with death and, at times, it seems like he lived as though he was testing it or even chasing it. I have read many books about him and watched interviews with his friends, it often comes up that he had experiences as a young child with “Indians scattered on dawn's highway bleeding” while driving through New Mexico with his parents. Although I’ve read that his father remembers it a bit different than Morrison would retell it throughout his life, I do wonder if Jim used the experience to build the mystery around the character he created - the musical shaman - or if it was a turning point. Either way, this strikes me as Jim’s attempt to talk about that moment of realization we have as children when we comprehend we won’t live forever.

3. Soul Kitchen
I dare you to play this song and try to stand still. This one gets me moving every time and puts me in a good mood. For once it’s a song where Ray’s keyboards don’t sound straight-up creepy or sinister. I have often danced like a fool alone in my hotel room to this (and maybe while writing this).

4. The Soft Parade
“When I was back there in seminary school…” Besides the fact that this song starts off sounding like an old music box from hell before breaking off into several layers of typical Doors weirdness, there is a line in the song that holds a lot of meaning for me: “All our lives we sweat and save, building for a shallow grave.” In general, I think our priorities in society have become a bit backwards. We make life way more complicated than it needs to be. Morrison saw that. In fact, going strictly from what I have read, I think it’s in part what drove him mad. Life is about the experience, and even though it cost him in the end, he chased those experiences. Life isn’t about the physical sh*t we collect, or the things we can’t take with us when we pass; in a lot of ways, those things just tie us down and hold us back while we are here. Clearly I have some opinions about this … maybe I’ll write my own book about that sometime soon.

5. Moonlight Drive
How could anyone not love the song that started the madness on Venice beach with Jim and Ray? It amazes me that the band was only “known” and together for four short years, yet here I am - a gal born a decade after Morrison’s death – who loves their music, plays their albums daily, reads all the books about them and is even taking a pilgrimage to see Morrison’s grave on the 40th anniversary of his death. I wonder if, in their early days, they had any idea just how big they would become and that it would be the beginning of the end for Jim. I wonder if they had inkling that decades after their band came to an end, people would still be listening and they’d be gaining fans from each new generation. I don’t ever see The Doors going quietly…

6. People Are Strange
This is a favorite for most, I think, but for me, I just appreciate how true the title is. Along with that, I do like Jim’s vulnerability revealed in the lyrics. It is kind of nice to see this side of a “hero” who was usually a leather-clad guy, fighting against authority and taking joy in getting a crowd riled up. This song shows how human he was, and maybe even offers a glimpse at some of the demons he was struggling with.

7. Strange Days
This eerie, unsettling song is a favorite because, at the end of the day, “This is the strangest life I've ever known.” Now, before fellow Doors fans scream at me that the lyric actually comes from “Waiting for the Sun,” hear a girl out. “Strange Days have found us, and through their strange hours we linger alone.” For me, these are strange days. I have spent the last four years bouncing from state to state – and now country to country – and often get to know my coworkers better than family, and at the end of the day, I am often “lingering alone” in another hotel room. Sometimes the feeling in that empty hotel room is the same this song leaves me with. But I’m not complaining about my job on TV here. I’m incredibly fortunate and express thanks every day, but there are many “casual joys” I’ve sacrificed because of my career. In this always busy world of being connected to 24/7 careers, I have a feeling I’m not alone in wondering what I’ve missed by pursuing a rewarding, demanding job

8. Maggie McGill
“Maggie M’Gill” is one that works its way through my body and makes me move! I dig the different sounds Morrison’s voice could make. He was a crooner in his own right, a rocker with animalistic screams who fought against the norm, and a wise “Old Blues Man” (which is really on display in this song). Not bad for a guy never professionally trained in music.

9. Riders On The Storm
“There’s a killer on the road, his brain is squirming like a toad.” Wow. “Riders” is full of effective imagery and sound effects. I have read how the four of The Doors worked together in the beginning before all the drama, and before producer Paul A. Rothchild. Jim would write the words and Ray, John Densmore and Robbie Krieger would write the music to support them. I love this song because Rothchild quit over it - he called it “cocktail jazz” – and that allowed the band to re-assume the creative control they lost to him. Today, when people mention The Doors, this song is usually right up at the top of the list of fan favorites and is one of mine, too.

10. The End
If you don’t love it, you’re not a f*cking Doors fan. The end.

Written to appear on The Doors Examiner, by request of Jim Cherry
Continue reading on Examiner.com Ghost Hunter Kris Williams top 10 favorite Doors songs - National the Doors | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/ghost-hunter-kris-williams-top-10-favorite-doors-songs#ixzz1t5apSFyx

Season 3 & 1st Female Co-lead on Ghost Hunters Series...

2011-06-18T14:44:00.001-04:00

Hello out there! :)

I am currently home on break after running circles for the last few months with my team over on GHI! All of us are having a blast working together and can not wait for you all to see the new season!

We start off in Trinidad at an old coco plantation and over the past few months have also hit Argentina, England, Isle of Man, Ireland, New Zealand and American Samoa! There are a few locations that will definitely change my list of "favorite cases" whether it be for the adventure, debunking or insane paranormal activity...

On top of all of this, I have been finding my way as the first female co-lead on a Ghost Hunters series... I take it as a huge honor and hope to make you guys proud. I have even been getting a little louder with my skeptic ways...

Over all, I have loved the move-one of the best experiences I have ever had. For someone who has always been a lover of history and travel GHI has been a natural and welcome move. Everyday I find myself learning new things whether it be different cultures, belief systems, history or getting a chance to actually investigate in places I had only read about in history books-never thinking Id be fortunate enough to visit them.

I sincerely thank you all for following along with me and your support. There is no way in hell I would have made it so far with out you all. I have a few more things that I am working on and hope to have some news for you all soon!!

Let the count down to season 3 of Ghost Hunters International begin!!

THANK YOU!!! :)
Kris

Hamlet's Castle in Denmark

2011-01-07T18:13:00.003-05:00

Finally!

After all those months I had to keep quiet with the "KrisBigSecret" and the announcement on the Halloween Live show that I was heading over seas, the first episode of Ghost Hunters International aired with the new team!!

We absolutely loved Hamlet's Castle, for its looks, its history, the experiences we had there and the interesting evidence that came out of the investigation. We are all happy you all seemed to enjoy the investigation as much as we did!

We all really enjoy working together and look forward to the next 6 episodes airing to see what you guys and gals think!

Hope your new year is off to a great start!
Kris

What do I think of Other Paranormal Shows?

2010-12-14T20:05:00.002-05:00

For those of you who insist on asking me my opinion of other ghost shows, you will NOT get a negative response from me. All of us are out busting our butts trying to find answers to the questions we all share & we are giving up most of our personal life to find those answers. We just all have different approaches.

P.S. if every problem/Question was tackled the same way-nothing new would come out of the research.

What a wild few months

2010-11-15T14:32:00.002-05:00

What a wild last few months! I've been with GHI now since August 25th and I have been having an absolute blast! I had spent the last 3 years on Ghost Hunters seeing the states, now I'm seeing the world. In that short time we have hit the Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Serbia, Holland and Belgium.

The last few years have been a crazy ride. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity I have been given here on Ghost Hunters International and I know you all are a big part of why I am here. Thank you so much for supporting me and for watching GH every week, as I grew from an investigator in training to a co-lead on GHI. You guys are awesome.

Seriously, I have never been happier and I hope that I make you all proud on GHI.