Growing up in Montana, I had my share of ghost stories, ghost towns, and the occasional paranormal experience;
 but even as a kid, I always wondered what the facts were behind the tales.    
Researching in the hallowed halls of documents (libraries, historical associations, and other record-keeping
 institutions) is an important part of paranormal research.  
It can explain phenomena, confirm stories (written and verbal) 
and even open previously unknown theories.