The Archive recognizes that there exists a broad range of views, outlooks and theories concerning topics that would fall under the category of “anomalies”.  These range from a skeptical stance on the existence of a true anomaly, to a decision that a true unknown does exist, and further efforts should be made to learn the nature of the anomaly.  It is the hope of the Archive that the manner in which the accounts and subsequent data are collected will lend itself to analysis from any viewpoint or hypothesis concerning the reported experiences.  Because of this philosophy, the Archive starts with somewhat of a blank slate, putting aside as much as possible the beliefs and opinions of the people compiling the Archive’s materials.  We hope the final products of the Archive will be of equal value to those interested in the possibility of an unknown physical phenomenon as it is to those interested in examining the body of accounts in a folkloric context.

    In short the Archive would be interested in anything and everything dealing with anomalous experiences in the Orange/Ulster area of upstate New York.  This would include first, second and third-person accounts, folklore and urban myths about the area.  Corresponding photographs, video and/or audio to the accounts are of great interest to the Archive.  Although the body of reports is dominated by sightings of unusual objects and lights in the sky and on the ground, there are a small collection of reports of a cryptozoological nature featuring sightings of unusual or out-of-place animals or reports of animal vocalizations.  Similarly there are reports that could be categorized as “haunting” experiences, both interior and exterior.  Still other reports can be described as consciousness anomalies, such as missing time or periods of unusual perceptions.  The Archive is interested in all these types of reports.

 

    In addition the Archive is looking for any newspaper articles, locally-published books, television or radio shows, or public displays dealing with the alleged anomalous events in Pine Bush or the people who have taken an interest in them.  This would include anything from regional or community newspapers from years past, local cable news or talk shows, and nationally-broadcast shows.

 

    Of interest are also the opinions of local residents on the subject of the alleged anomalies in the Pine Bush area, in particular the idea that Pine Bush is host to the UFO phenomenon.  Opinions of any leaning that can be corresponded with information about the area’s natural, social and industrial aspects would be considered valuable.

 

    The Archive feels it is a privilege to have the opportunity to hear the accounts of people who feel they have experienced something unconventional, and thus wants to assure participants a forum free of ridicule.  The Archive also wants to assure the anonymity of participants if desired, and the report form includes a section where the participant can state their choice of anonymity in both the database and any subsequent report.  If anonymity is desired, the person reported will simply be represented by a “witness number”.  Any questions or concerns about anonymity can be directed anytime through this website.