Quote from Angela on April 26, 2022, 10:23 pm

The Maitland Arts Center and museum is one of five Art and History Museums in Maitland, and one of the last standing examples of Mayan revival architecture within Florida today.

The site was originally founded in 1937 and first named as The Research Studio under ownership of legendary artist Jules Andre Smith who, himself, died at this location during 1959.

The research studio accommodated an assortment of prominent artists including Milton Avery and Doris Lee.

In 1969 the City of Maitland acquired the premises and, in 2014 the centre was honoured as a national landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The chapel and courtyard are popular and significant areas popular for wedding ceremonies and the museum offers exhibition spaces and varied educational programs.

However, this deceptively serene location is known for more than just outstanding art and is rumored to harbour a whole array of restless spirits. 

Staff believe Smiths spirit residually haunts the museum today and have literally experienced face to face encounters with multiple apparitions believed to be former art students.

And, although actively supernatural, staff have explained that they never feel threatened or detect any malevolent intent here. 

Orlando Weekly newspaper did an article describing this location as ‘the most haunted location in Maitland with much unexplained activity taking place amidst the venues various departments'.

Several paranormal investigations have revealed extremely high EMF (electromagnetic field) levels and some truly chilling EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) recordings.

Smiths spirit has been known to present itself in a number of ways including full spectrum apparition, movement, and an intense aroma of cigar smoke which he was known to enjoy in life.

Faculty have described 'perceiving a puzzling sensation', like someone walked into the room although nobody is really there.  They feel as though eyes are watching them, invisible hands are touching them, there's a chill in the air.

So, are there individuals who are more spiritually perceptive than others?

Are some of us more connected, whether it be consciously or subconsciously, to the supernatural realm and spirit world?

Howcome some folks immediately detect a change in a rooms ambience?

Is the change real, or imagined?

What do you think? Let's discuss it right here and move forward deciphering to ascertain answers to ancient mysteries using innovative and scientific resources.

There are some phenomena we will never completely understand, yet the road of discovery, wisdom and enlightenment is a noble and worthy one.

Active discussion on these topics can only lead to one thing, and that is awareness.

Awareness dispels many fears about the unknown within communities.

And dispelling fear is everything.