Meet Ann Khiel Fern – your guide on the Charles Town Ghost Tours.
Ann Khiel Fern – “The Ghost Lady”
Guide and Proprietor of Charles Town Ghost Tours
Portrait courtesy of Johanna Isaacs, of Jo Marie Portraits.
Ann is an historian, public speaker, and educator – and earned the title of Certified Tourism Ambassador in 2014. She specializes in the history, local culture, and unique aspects of Jefferson County, West Virginia.
She is a huge Civil War buff who has published two books on haunted Jefferson County, West Virginia – Charles Town, WV – A Haunted History (now out of print) and Jefferson County, WV – Sometimes the Dead Speak: Haunted Tales of an Historic County, which is available on her tours or by mail. More information on these books can be found on the Books page.
She is also a philanthropist, raising thousands of dollars through the Ghost Tours for non-profits to make her community a better place.
Ann has been guiding her Charles Town Ghost Tours since 2009, and she enjoys most the look of enlightenment when a patron learns something new – and the look of amazement when a participant captures a “one of a kind” picture on the tour.
She loves the interaction between herself and the patrons. “I don’t believe a tour should be a monologue. I also love the end of the tour when people who previously didn’t know each other leave as friends!”
Her favorite moment on one of her tours involves the spirit of a child. “I had researched and become quite passionate about a young girl who died without family. While I was standing at her grave and telling her story, several patrons got photos of a child-size pink mist surrounding my body. An older woman spoke up and said, ‘She’s not without family. She has you.’ It was a very emotional moment.”
Ann’s favorite stop is Edge Hill Cemetery. “There is so much history (and hauntings) and the cemetery art is incredible.”
What can participants expect on her tour? Expect the unexpected!
“No two tours of mine are ever the same! I don’t speak to spirits, (and I prefer they not speak to me) but whenever I lead a tour, the ghosts come out to play.”
The Many Faces of the Ghost Lady ~
Click on a thumbnail for a larger image or to launch the slideshow.
Charles Town Ghost Tours 