The Amityville Horror Plank

Collected during renovations, this seemingly-innocent piece of wood comes from the house made famous in the book and film adaptation of The Amityville Horror.

In 1974, Ronald DeFeo murdered his parents and four siblings at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. Nearly two years later, the Lutz family fled the home just 28 days after moving in, claiming it was haunted by demonic forces. The tale of green slime dripping from walls, demonic creatures lurking in the night, and human levitation became stuff of supernatural legend.

It appears that the plank has picked up residual energy of the 1974 murders.

Also included in this exhibit are George Lutz’ wristwatch and funeral card.

Newkirk private collection