Thu, Oct 10 | 6:30 – 7:30 pm
HCLS Online
For adults. Register here to receive the link
Join us for a journey into Charm City’s Spiritualist past.
Julie Saylor, of Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Maryland Department, explore the roles of mediums, magicians, and the Ouija Board in early 20th century Baltimore through the lens of Spiritualism. A religious movement that gained popularity in 19th century America, Spiritualism offered its followers hope that they could communicate with their deceased loved ones. These exchanges occurred through ritual seances, the dearly departed speaking through a person called a medium. The Spiritualists were active in Baltimore Society, many aligning themselves with progressive causes such as abolition, feminism, prison reform, and labor reform.
Working in opposition to the Spiritualists were magicians, who viewed Spiritualists as charlatans who took advantage of impressionable mourners. Seeking to protect the integrity of their craft, Baltimore magicians founded a magic club called The Demons Club, which had ties to such prominent magicians of the day as Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston, and Harry Houdini.
While the magicians were working to debunk the Spiritualists and spirit mediums, local manufacturers picked up on a surging interest in “spirit boards.” With origins in Northern Ohio, the spirit board, a small wooden board with letters, numbers, and a pointer, was devised as a tool to facilitate communication between the living and the dead. Find out how Baltimore businessmen created and patented the famous Ouija Board, which continues to enjoy popularity to this day.
Presented in partnership with the Maryland State Library Resource Center.
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