Spiritualism in the Gilded Age

Spiritualism in the Gilded Age led Kathryn Sheehan, Executive Director of the Hart Cluett Museum, Troy, N.Y.

Spiritualism was a religious movement claiming that spirits of the dead are able and willing to communicate with the living. The spiritualist movement began in the 19th century and continued through the early 20th century. Prominent individuals, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, supported spiritualism. Along with the spiritualist movement there was a growing religious movement in New York State that spread to New England and included the use of spiritualists and mesmerists in the treatment of physical and mental disorders. This period gave rise to a fascination with mediums and séances and the lasting impact can be seen in today’s haunted houses and Ouija boards.

• Live at Rosecliff and via Zoom video.
• Please arrive at Rosecliff in time to be seated for the lecture.
• Virtual attendees will receive Zoom link 24 hours in advance.