Origins of the “Devils on the Run” Tour
The tour "Devils on the Run" started in May 2025 and was initiated by the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). The society was founded in 1952 by Ed and Lorraine Warren, who were one of the world's most famous paranormal investigators. Throughout the years, the Warrens collected hundreds of items associated with supernatural cases, some of which if not all were believed to be cursed or possessed, and they were displayed in the private Occult Museum of Ed and Lorraine Warren in Monroe, Connecticut.
Unfortunately, the museum was closed to the public after local officials raised concerns of zoning regulations. With the collection no longer open to access, NESPR began searching for a way to re-introduce the artifacts to the public, safely and respectfully. Hence, the "Devils on the Run" tour was created, which would take some of the most recognizable pieces that were a part of the collection, including the famous Annabelle doll, to various different locations.
The tour kicked off at the West Virginia State Penitentiary, a location already infamous for its paranormal history. After West Virginia, the exhibit traveled to other haunted places including New Orleans, San Antonio and Gettysburg. Each stop features speaker presentations, historical information and exhibit displays of haunted items. The events are designed to provide a closer look into not only the history of the artifacts but also the works of Ed and Lorraine Warren and their team.
Public attention on the tour garnered quite a bit of traction in July of 2025 when long time NESPR investigator Dan Rivera suddenly passed away, during their stop in Gettysburg. While there was no suspicious circumstances found by authorities, Rivera's demise shined a huge spotlight on the tour's already creepy essence.
Purpose of the Tour and What Visitors Experience
The "Devils on the Run" tour primarily aims to serve as an educational opportunity. In order to not only showcase the collection of haunted items created by NESPR but rather to educate people on paranormal research and the authentic stories behind them. The tour intends to continue the legacy of the Warrens while also bringing in some funding for the future museum for NESPR, where we would aim to collect and properly care for each item.
Attendees will experience the following at each tour stop:
- A display of familiar haunted artifacts, to include the real Annabelle doll
- A historical perspective of the artifacts and the historical cases they are related to
- Live demonstrations and ghost investigations at nearby sites of hauntings.
- Safety and spiritual protection briefings, and all events will be done with the utmost respect.
All items are stored in secure sealed containers, and the team practices safety in the form of prayers, protocols, special protective rituals, and they pride themselves on how they handled the collection. NESPR is clear that the tour is not an attempt to frighten, it is meant to educate. NESPR does not want to sensationalize the paranormal world and to move further away from the horror movie depictions that one often sees on the big screen or the paranormal shows that flood cable television.
Paranormal Investigator Dan Rivera Dies During Annabelle Tour
Real Annabelle Doll to Be Displayed in Gettysburg This Weekend
Plans are already underway to schedule the tour across many other cities. As excitement continues to grow, NESPR hopes that the tour will further make respectful and educational opportunities to explore one of the most diminutive parts of the human experience.
