Rolling Hills Asylum is a historic facility in Upstate New York that currently operates as a paranormal tourism destination. Originally established as the Genesee County Poor Farm, the institution functioned for nearly 150 years as a multifaceted social welfare center before closing its doors in 1974. Today, it is known for reports of supernatural occurrences, including sightings of “Shadow People” and auditory anomalies.
The Origins of the Genesee County Poor Farm
The institution began its operations on January 1, 1827, in East Bethany, New York. According to the Genesee County government, the facility was designed to house individuals unable to support themselves, including paupers, vagrants, and those struggling with mental health issues or alcoholism.
By the 1860s, the facility’s population had grown significantly, exceeding 1,000 residents. Data from the period indicates that approximately 700 of these individuals were admitted due to excessive alcohol consumption. Other residents included orphans, the elderly, and patients suffering from tuberculosis.
Operational Structure and Self-Sufficiency
To maintain its operations, the institution functioned as a self-sustaining working farm. Able-bodied residents were assigned labor-intensive tasks to ensure the facility’s survival, including:
- Cultivating, harvesting, and canning food.
- Managing livestock.
- Cutting timber for heating purposes.
- Operating an on-site bakery.
- Manufacturing coffins in a dedicated wood workshop.
Transition to a Paranormal Attraction
After closing in 1974, the building remained abandoned for several decades. In 2009, Sharon Coyle purchased the 60,000-square-foot property with the intent of preserving its architectural and social history. Under her ownership, the site transitioned into a destination for paranormal investigators and tourists.
As detailed by the Genesee Valley Penny Saver, the facility now offers guided tours, ghost hunts, and specialized seminars. These programs teach visitors how to use professional equipment, such as recording devices and meters, to document potential paranormal activity.
Documented Paranormal Reports
Visitors and staff have reported a wide array of supernatural phenomena throughout the facility. These reports are categorized by specific locations and recurring figures within the building.
The Shadow People and Notable Figures
The most frequently reported sightings are the “Shadow People”—dark, humanoid figures that appear in the corridors. Some witnesses describe these figures as distant, while others claim they move aggressively toward observers. One of the most recognized figures is Roy Crouse, a former resident with gigantism who reached seven feet in height. His presence is often associated with the larger shadow figures seen in the hallways.
Other reported entities include:
- Hattie: A blind former resident in the East Wing, often heard calling out “Hello!” to get attention.
- Nurse Emmie: A former staff member reported to have been cruel to patients; visitors often report hearing her laughter in the infirmary.
- Jacque: A child spirit reported to interact with visitors and staff in the laundry room.
Evidence and Witness Accounts
The asylum’s official website documents an encounter by psychic medium Chris Fleming in 2008. Fleming reported seeing a solid male figure standing in a window during moonlight, which then vanished into a black mist. Additionally, owner Sharon Coyle has reported experiencing physical sensations, such as feeling hair fall on her face while sitting in the barber’s chair, and witnessing wheelchairs move independently.
Current Status of the Facility
Rolling Hills Asylum remains a significant historical landmark in Upstate New York. It serves as a point of intersection between local history—documenting the treatment of the impoverished and sick in the 19th and 20th centuries—and the modern paranormal tourism industry. The site continues to attract thousands of international visitors annually, providing a glimpse into the operational reality of early American poorhouses.
