Kent Historical Society

Stories & Folklore

Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.

Late at night on East Main Street in Kent, Ohio, the Clapp Woodward House stands in quiet dignity, its windows glowing faintly against the dark. Locals passing by sometimes say they feel a chill as they walk past the old Victorian mansion that now serves as the Kent Historical Society Museum. While the building is known for its preservation of Kent's past, there are whispers that not everything inside belongs to history alone. Some claim that the spirits of those who once called the house home have never truly left and that they still make their presence known in subtle, sometimes unsettling ways.

The most common tale centers on the ghost of a woman often seen in the upper hallway or standing near one of the tall front windows. Visitors and volunteers have described catching a glimpse of her reflection in the glass dressed in late 1800s clothing with her hair pinned neatly and a calm but sorrowful expression. She is believed to be Harriet Kent Clapp, the original matriarch of the home. According to the stories, she lingers to watch over her house, ensuring it remains cared for and respected. Some who work late have reported the faint scent of lilac perfume drifting through the air even when no one else is around.

One former volunteer told of locking up one evening when she heard soft footsteps upstairs, though she knew she was alone. When she climbed the staircase to check, she found the door to an exhibit room slightly ajar and a rocking chair inside moving slowly on its own. Others have claimed to hear muffled voices in the parlor as if a quiet conversation from another time were still taking place. The sounds often stop abruptly when someone enters the room, leaving only the creak of the old floorboards and the ticking of a clock.

Another story involves a small child's laugh that has been heard echoing through the museum's lower level. Staff members have said they sometimes hear what sounds like a ball bouncing or small footsteps crossing the hall only to find nothing when they look. Some believe the laughter belongs to the spirit of Charles Clapp's young relative, who may have died in the house during an illness long ago. The laughter is not frightening; they say it is playful, but it leaves behind a lingering sadness as if the child is still searching for someone to play with.

The Kent Historical Society has never promoted the house as haunted, but those who have spent enough time within its walls often speak differently in private. Lights flicker, doors open slightly on their own, and objects seem to move from one shelf to another without explanation. Whether it is Harriet keeping watch over the echoes of her family or something else entirely, the Clapp Woodward House holds more than memories; it holds the feeling that time in this place has refused to let go.

Added by: sdonley on 11/03/2025 DB#: 1769
Source(s): Various

Paranormal Claims

Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.

Additional Resources

This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.