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Ghosts Of Pittsburgh: Heinz History Center

With less than a to go until Halloween, we're looking into some of the ghosts that may inhabit Pittsburgh's landmarks.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Heinz History Center is home to relics from our region's rich history. But, many are convinced it's holding even more within its walls.

The Heinz History Center wasn't always a museum.

In the late 1800s it was the "chilling" home to the Chautauqua Lake Ice Company.

"It's always been a little bit cold. It's always been a little bit creepy," Heinz History Center President and CEO Andy Masich said.

Almost a dozen people were killed when the building exploded after a mishap involving the ammonia used to preserve the ice.

"People did tragically die here," Masich said. "During the fire in 1898, 11 people were killed, others were injured when the walls collapsed."

The company was rebuilt and since then, some historical figures who have met gruesome ends have moved in.

"You really do a double take when you see some of these," Masich said.

Some of the guards, well, they've seen the unbelievable.

"After hours, our guards especially, or people who are here for evening events, they have seen some of those figures come to life," Masich said.

That includes one particular soldier.

"As he was walking along, the pedestal was empty and he started looking around over here and then behind him he saw Martin Laquarney - one of Braddock's men," Masich said.

There are other rumors that a girl in raggedy clothes roams the floors of the history center and the sixth floor library.

"We hear creaks and groans, the occasional moan," Masich said. "It was reported to me that someone could come through that gate there without it being unlocked."

Paranormal experts who have visited the Heinz History Center rate the museum high on the paranormal scale--- even recording whispers.

"There's not supposed to be anyone here and yet it seems like there are voices," Masich said.

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