JOURNAL ARTICLE

14 NOVEMBER 1848: THE BIRTH OF SPIRITUALISM.

  • Published In: History Today, 2025, v. 75, n. 11. P. 26 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Lyons, Mathew 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the origins and impact of Spiritualism in the United States, particularly through the experiences of the Fox sisters in the spring of 1848. After discovering they could communicate with a spirit through knocking sounds, the sisters gained fame, leading to the first public demonstration of their abilities in November 1848. This event marked the beginning of a widespread Spiritualism movement, attracting millions of followers by the late 1860s. However, the fame took a toll on the sisters, with Margaretta later admitting in an interview that their abilities were a trick, expressing a sense of loss regarding the spirits they once communicated with. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:History Today. 2025/11, Vol. 75, Issue 11, p26
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Religion and Philosophy
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0018-2753
  • Accession Number:188744192
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