Hauntings

Antoinette Hall: A Glimpse into the Past and a Touch of the Paranormal

Antoinette Hall, an historic opera house located in Giles County, Tennessee, was built in 1868 on the courthouse square. As the oldest standing opera house in Tennessee, it offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the past. Although the building has not been used as a theater since the 1930s, it remains remarkably preserved, with its sloping stage, footlight remnants, and delicate balconies all frozen in time.

The Southern Tennessee Area Arts Repertory (STAAR), a nonprofit organization, now owns the opera house. STAAR is committed to restoring Antoinette Hall as a regional arts center, but the building’s rich history has attracted interest from another, perhaps unexpected, group: paranormal explorers. The atmosphere in the unrestored opera house, while undeniably eerie at times, remains one of intrigue rather than fear.

While the STAAR Board does not officially endorse the existence of ghosts or spirits, we cannot dismiss the experiences of those who have visited. Paranormal explorers, as well as some of our own staff and volunteers, have reported unusual occurrences within the opera house. As a result, STAAR makes the building available for respectful and organized paranormal investigations. Those interested should contact Executive Director Tammy Pierchoski.

Over the years, we have hosted groups from various places, including a visit from singer Kesha, who filmed an episode for her show, “Conjuring Kesha,” here. Those who have come to make contact with Antoinette Hall’s spirits have encountered some distinctive entities. Through genealogical research and historical newspapers, we have been able to identify a few of these spirits and learn more about their lives.

We invite you to check our calendar regularly for any upcoming paranormal activities or events. Who knows? You might just get the chance to meet one of Antoinette Hall’s resident spirits.