The Old State House in Hartford is widely considered one of the city's most haunted locations, with paranormal activity reported by visitors, staff, and paranormal investigators. The historic building, completed in 1796, is a common stop on Hartford ghost tours. The most well-known spirit is believed to be Joseph Steward, a painter, museum curator, and entrepreneur who once displayed his natural history collection on the third floor of the building. His apparition has been reportedly seen throughout the museum. Unexplained sounds are a frequent occurrence, including a doorknob audibly turning in the empty Senate Room and the sighing of a woman in the Steward Museum. During an investigation featured on the TV show Ghost Hunters, investigators reportedly captured electronic voice phenomena (EVP) and other evidence of paranormal activity. The grounds of the Old State House were the site of America's first execution for witchcraft, which is often included in Hartford ghost tours. Some ghost tour operators and paranormal enthusiasts believe the building acts as a portal or gateway for spirits.