The Hobart Art Theater! 

The Haunted History of the Hobart Art Theater

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The Hobart Art Theater stands on one of the most historically charged—and paranormally active—pieces of land in Hobart. Built in August 1941, the theater recently celebrated its 80th anniversary, continuing a legacy that stretches far deeper than its Art Deco walls. Before the theater existed, this very spot was home to the Hobart House, a grand hotel built around 1870–71 by Edward Roper. For nearly half a century, the Hobart House served travelers, hosted banquets and ballroom dances, and even operated a livery stable for guests’ horses.

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The Hobart House was more than a hotel. During outbreaks and emergencies, it became Hobart’s unofficial hospital. With no dedicated medical facility in town, the hotel took in the sick, the injured, and those suffering from tuberculosis. As with any place that served as a hospital, it saw its share of tragedy—and likely, its share of lingering spirits.

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I have a personal connection to this land. My great‑great‑grandfather, Charles Kietzman, owned the Hobart House in 1918. When the Great Depression hit, he refused to throw struggling families out onto the street. His kindness cost him everything. He lost the hotel, but his compassion became part of the building’s legacy. Every time I walk into the Art Theater, I feel that connection. This isn’t just a haunted location to me—it’s family history.

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The Hobart House was demolished around 1938–39, and the Art Theater rose in its place in 1941. Over the decades, the theater became a beloved community landmark. In the 1970s and 80s, the owners worked tirelessly every weekend, showing movies and serving popcorn. After the owner’s wife passed away, patrons began reporting a strange shadow sitting in the back row—her favorite seat. When they looked again, the figure vanished. Many dismissed it as imagination, but those who knew her believed she was still keeping an eye on the teens, just as she always had.

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As a teenager, I remember seats being cut up by pocket knives and kids causing trouble. Maybe she’s still there, watching over the theater and keeping mischief in check.

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The basement is another story entirely. Built from thick cement blocks, it appears to be part of the original hotel foundation—and it feels like it. Many people have reported strange sensations, cold spots, and the unmistakable feeling of being watched. During an Indiana Ghost Trackers investigation, our team experienced sudden temperature drops and that heavy sense of a presence nearby. One member felt a gentle touch on her arm, enough to send her upstairs in a hurry. We captured EMF spikes, though some were dismissed due to wiring.

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The most compelling evidence came from our quad‑camera system. A glowing orb moved up the aisle with purpose—slow, steady, and bright. We tried to debunk it as dust, but the tests proved otherwise. It looked almost like a lantern or flashlight carried by an unseen hand, moving up the aisle and past the camera with no person behind it.

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Anthony, who managed the theater for years and was absolutely terrific, shared one of the most unforgettable experiences: a large ball of light drifting across the entire length of the theater before disappearing into the mural on the opposite wall. Multiple witnesses saw it at the same time. Even though Anthony has since moved on to other work, his stories remain part of the theater’s history. During one investigation, while Anthony was present, we even captured the name of a previous owner on EVP—clear as day.

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Another presence often reported is Joe, the film man. Joe is not a staff member—he’s a ghost. Over the years, people have seen him appear now and then, especially during quiet moments in the theater. His figure has been spotted near the projection booth and occasionally in the aisles, as if still tending to the films he once loved.

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Investigators have also reported footsteps on the stage when no one was up there, orbs seen with the naked eye, and numerous EVP captures throughout the building. Every year we return, the activity seems to grow more interesting.

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During our investigation, we’ll explore most areas of the theater, including the projection booth, which has its own eerie reputation. The Art Theater is full of charm, history, and character—but in the dark, especially in that basement, it can be downright spooky.

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As with all our ghost‑hunting tours, guests will have access to a full range of equipment: full‑spectrum cameras, night‑vision cams, EMF meters, IR thermometers, real‑time EVP recorders, the SB11 ghost box, the SB7‑Pro, and several new tools added for this season. We’ll also perform the Estes Method inside the theater, using the spirit box to attempt real‑time spirit communication. At this time, we limit the group to 20 people and split into smaller teams to investigate the theater thoroughly.

Please note: Friday and Saturday nights are unavailable due to late‑running shows and live bands. Be sure to visit the theater for their performances—they put on fantastic events.