Sitting room in historic house with furniture and decor from 19th century.

Spiritualism in the 19th Century

Gateway National Recreation Area

  • Nov 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM
  • Free

Spiritualism, a belief that departed souls could communicate with the living, exploded in popularity during the late 19th century.  Parlors across America hosted seances lead by mediums who offered a glimpse into the afterlife. Far from a fringe movement, respected figures like Arthur Conan Doyle, Mary Todd Lincoln, Thomas Edison and Mark Twain made attempts to contact the spirit world.  

Join us in the historic Mont Sec house to revisit this unique phenomenon in a period accurate setting. This program will explore many aspects of Spiritualism and mediumship, including how the belief grew from the shadows of the Civil War, the advances in technology and mass media that helped it to spread, and the role that it played in the Suffrage movement. For details call 718 354-4500. 

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

112 A Mont Sec Avenue, Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island

Schedule

Date:

Nov 7, 2026

Time:

2:00 PM

Duration:

2 hours
Tags: gateway national recreation area, fort wadsworth, mont sec house, 19th century