Spirits at Stowe

Spirits at Stowe considers spiritualism as a tool of resistance among radicals and reformers of the 19th century. Through contact with spirits, radical women claimed authority to speak the unspeakable, especially the right to full control and autonomy over their own bodies and families. Throughout the tour, we will delve into the historic, social, and political context of the 19th century and explore the role of spiritualism in the lives of reformers, suffragists, and Black activists, including Harriet Jacobs, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Wilson. During the tour, the house is “set” to reflect a Spiritualist setting. It takes place later in the evening and is by (electric) candlelight. Participants on the tour will observe and engage with materials and primary sources related to spiritualism, including a planchette, spiritualist newspapers, seance accounts, and letter excerpts from leading 19th century activists. Spirits at Stowe deals with themes such as violence, sexuality, and reproductive rights. It is not recommended for children under 13. What is spiritualism? Broadly speaking, spiritualism is the belief that an individual’s awareness persists after death and can be contacted by the living. During Spirits at Stowe, we discuss the histories of multiple spiritualist traditions in U.S. history, and how these beliefs helped inspire, nourish, and connect politically radical individuals and communities – paying special attention to abolitionism, women’s rights, labor rights, and the intersection among them.