Join us for a Victorian Seance at Edwards Place!

People holding hands around a table...mysterious rappings and tappings...tables shaking...messages from beyond the grave...these eerie and possibly supernatural occurrences were going on in dining rooms throughout the United States in the 19th century, and millions of Americans dabbled with Spiritualism.

Spiritualism is a religious philosophy that believes, among other things, that the human spirit survives after death and is able to communicate with the living through use of a medium. This philosophy became incredibly popular in America in the wake of the Civil War, in which millions of people mourned lost husbands, brothers, fathers, sons, and sweethearts. Mary Lincoln was known to have hosted seances in the White House during her husband's presidency.

On November 20 and 21, Edwards Place will host a theatrical recreation of an authentic Victorian seance. Noted hypnotist and licensed clairvoyant Amye Scharlau of Minneapolis will be the "medium", who will lead participants in trying to contact the spirits of the dearly departed, including the Lillie Judd, whose portrait hangs in the dining room. Will Ms. Scharlau be successful? You'll have to join us to find out!

Tickets are $25 per person. Price includes participation in the seance, a professional palm reading by Ms. Scharlau, wine, and hors d'oeuvres. Seating is limited to 10 people per session, and both sessions on November 20 are sold out. However, seats are still available for November 21 and 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. - call 217-523-2631 or email collections@springfieldart.org to register!