Three Spiritualists

The mid-19th century in America was a time of new popular philosophies about the order of the universe and the individual's place in it. One example is the dawn of Spiritualism: the belief that the spirits of the dead can be contacted, and that they have answers to our urgent questions. In this episode, Grant teaches us about two cases: the prototypical founders of movement, and one of its most bizarre figures. Once a popular movement starts, does it ever really end? How much faith should be put in a prophet that makes a profit? What purpose does debunking serve?

Links!

• Smithsonian Magazine on the Fox sisters
• Listener Ciaran on the Fox Sisters
• John Murray Spear's paper, The New Era, May 3rd 1854 edition
• A picture of The New Motive Power

Please help our show succeed by sharing it. Send a link to someone you know and tell them what you enjoy about History Honeys. Rate and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, or whatever other platform you use to hear us. It helps so very much and we do appreciate it. You can connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by emailing us at historyhoneyspodcast at gmail. The episode 82 prompt is: What is your favorite circus act?

 

Logo by Marah

Music by Thylacinus

Censor beep by Frank West of The FPlus