The Fox Sisters & the Rise of Modern Spiritualism presented by Tracy Murphy

Join us for a foray into Modern Spiritualism and the lives of Margaretta and Catherine Fox on Tuesday, October 21. Tracy Murphy, Director of Historic Palmyra’s 5 museums, will present this program on the Fox sisters and modern spiritualism. From their short stay in Hydesville to their seances in NYC, she will highlight the origin of spiritualism and the lives of those involved in it.

In the winter of 1848, the Fox family began to hear mysterious rappings in the Hydesville house they had recently moved into. Maggie, 15, and Kate Fox, 11, began to communicate with the source of the sounds, thought to be the ghost of a murdered peddler. They went on to perform séances around the country, became 19th-century celebrities, and brought about a new religion in spiritualism. Ms. Murphy will share their story and its connection to modern spiritualist beliefs. Murphy has been the caretaker and historian of the Fox Sisters Hydesville Memorial Park in Wayne County for over 25 years. The property is located just outside of Newark.

This event is free and is open to the public. No registration required.