Travel News & Feature Stories
Maine's Kenniston Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast to be featured in episodes of "My Ghost Story" on A&E Biography Channel July 17, 2010
A&E's paranormal TV show called "My Ghost Story" will air its first-run of this season's episodes on Saturday July 17, 2010.
Boothbay, Maine -- William Kenniston was murdered by a former employee at the Kenniston homestead in 1888 at the age of 81 and perhaps still thinks he's the groundskeeper.
The Kenniston Hill Inn in Boothbay, Maine, is rumored to be haunted. Former owner William Kenniston was gruesomely murdered there in 1888 and perhaps still thinks he's the groundskeeper. 
A&E filming at Kenniston Hill Inn |
The inn’s claim to paranormal fame starts with a documented event: William Kenniston was murdered by a troubled youth, Llewellyn Quimby, who confessed to the crime. Quimby “had worked for Mr. Kenniston,” according to the Bath Independent of May 12, 1888, “and . . . bore a bad reputation,” including a stint in the State Reform School. Kenniston’s wife, Octavia, was also attacked but survived. The Independent’s account included this detail, presumably supplied by Octavia, that’s ready-made for an enduring ghost story: “The assassin lighted matches in the house to see his way, and in the light . . . his face was seen to be covered with a white cloth.” (Source: Down East Magazine)
The owner of Kenniston Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast, Dianne Ward, has had Maine Ghost Hunters do several investigations in to possibly "occurrences" at the Inn and when she was contacted by them in February to talk with a producer of films in Los Angeles in February, she agreed.
The film company invited Dianne, Maine Ghost Hunters lead team members, and 2 other property owners from Maine to go to California for an all expense paid trip to tell their ghost stories. A few weeks later, the film crew came to Maine to film the properties on site.
The story of the gruesome murder can be read on Kenniston Hill Inn website, along with updates on the airing of My Ghost Story on A&E Network.
Ward knew about the grizzly murder prior to purchasing the inn but loved the house so much, she didn’t care. Her guests feel it too, reporting strange sightings and sensations during their stays.
Owner of Kenniston Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast, Dianne Ward, discussing paranormal experiences with A&E. |
The visual evidence will be presented in the form of videos and photos.
What’s most compelling about the eight hour-long episodes that make up BIO’s My Ghost Story is that the paranormal experiences on display were actually captured on tape. The show features everything from haunted houses to haunted hotels to haunted historical landmarks and spotlights jaw-dropping poltergeists and apparitions, who become the breakout star of each episode in this very scary series.
Tony from Maine Ghost Hunters says, "we chose to work with A&E on this project because of the human aspect of the paranormal story telling. Having been approached by other producers and TV shows to appear on more traditional ghost hunting shows, the team felt this format was a better fit with our mission statement."
In an interview with BestRomanticInns.com Dianne Ward gave further insight about ghosts at her Inn.
Do you believe the inn is really haunted?
Diane: "I believe there are spirits of William Kenniston and have been here when ghost hunters did investigations and heard clear voices from the ghost box that they brought here on one occasion."
Have you personally experienced any paranormal activities?
Diane: "While the film crew was here, we did have something happen in the guest kitchen and coming from the Lauren Room, it was caught on film, and I understand that it will be used."
Have your guests experienced any paranormal activities?
Diane: "Some guests reported being touched in the night. Recently a guest couple stated that a woman was near their headboard the entire night. I was quite surprised that this couple even mentioned it, as they were an older couple and quite reserved."
Diane believes that the ghosts and spirits at her Inn "do not want to frighten me or anyone who stays here."
About Kenniston Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast
With five of the ten bedrooms offering working fireplaces, the handsome decor and four poster beds add to the romantic atmosphere. All ten rooms have private baths. Each of the rooms have there own unique character and charm. Several of them have their own outside entrances.
Web: www.kennistonhillinn.com
Email: innkeeper@kennistonhillinn.com
Phone: 207-633-2159
Address: 988 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay, Maine, 04537 United States
