Sarah Wilson Estep

The Mother of Electronic Voice Phenomena

Sarah Wilson Estep (1926-2008) was a pioneering American researcher in the field of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). In 1982, she founded the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP), now known as the Association TransCommunication (ATransC), to support and promote the study of EVP and Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC). Sarah’s notable works include the books Voices of Eternity and Road to Eternity.

This updated resource guide aims to put all relevant information about Sarah Wilson Estep’s contributions to fields of paranormal study in one place.

What did Sarah Wilson Estep do that was so influential?

Sarah Wilson Estep founded the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP).
Sarah Wilson Estep popularized the widely recognized A, B, C classification system for EVPs.
Sarah Wilson Estep authored influential books on Electronic Voice Phenomena.

1. Sarah Wilson Estep founded the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP).

In 1982, Sarah Wilson Estep established the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP), an organization dedicated to advancing EVP research and educating the public about this intriguing phenomenon. The AA-EVP quickly grew from a small group of twenty members to several hundred people across twenty-seven states and twelve countries. Through this organization, Sarah provided a platform for researchers to share knowledge, compare experiences, and collaborate on EVP investigations.

The AA-EVP published a quarterly newsletter, allowing members to stay informed about the latest developments in the field. Sarah’s leadership of the association for eighteen years fostered a sense of community among EVP enthusiasts and professionals alike, creating a supportive environment for those interested in exploring the possibilities of afterlife communication.

2. Sarah Wilson Estep popularized the widely recognized A, B, C classification system for EVPs.

One of Sarah’s most significant contributions to the field was her adaptation and popularization of the EVP classification system from the Raudive Scale created by Latvian writer and parapsychologist Konstantīns Raudive (1909-1974). This system, which categorizes EVP recordings based on their clarity and quality, has become a standard tool for researchers worldwide.

The classification system consists of three categories:

Class A: The highest quality examples, characterized by clear and distinct voices or sounds

Class B: Good quality examples that are less clear but still discernible

Class C: The poorest and most typical recorded samples, often requiring careful listening to interpret.

This standardized approach to evaluating EVP recordings has provided researchers with a common language and framework for discussing and analyzing their findings. The system’s widespread adoption has helped to bring a level of consistency and professionalism to the field of EVP research.

3. Sarah Wilson Estep authored influential books on Electronic Voice Phenomena.

Sarah’s dedication to EVP research extended beyond her organizational efforts. She authored two influential books that have become essential reading for anyone interested in the field of electronic voice phenomena.

Her first book, Voices of Eternity, published in 1988, explored her extensive research and personal experiences with EVP. This work not only shared Sarah’s findings but also provided guidance and inspiration for others looking to explore the phenomenon themselves.

Sarah’s second book, Roads to Eternity, further expanded on her research and insights into EVP and afterlife communication. These publications have played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about EVP and encouraging others to engage in their own investigations.

Throughout her career, Sarah recorded thousands of voices and published seventy-two newsletters, cementing her status as one of the foremost experts in the field of EVP research. Her work has inspired countless individuals to explore the possibilities of communication beyond the veil of death, and her legacy continues to influence paranormal research today.

In 2006, the Association for TransCommunication (ATransC), presented Sarah with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at their conference in Atlanta, Georgia, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the field.

Sarah Wilson Estep’s pioneering work in EVP research, her establishment of the AA-EVP, and her publications made her a very influential figure in the paranormal field, although she is seldom credited for her efforts today. Her newsletters and books not only advanced our understanding of electronic voice phenomena but has also provided hope and comfort to those seeking evidence of life after death.