They've been summoning spirits for over 150 years at Lily Dale, New York, home to the world’s largest Spiritualist community and over 40 registered mediums.
Belief in the ability to communicate with the dead (or so-called dead in Lily Dale speak, because Spiritualists believe that people's spirits never die) has been around for millennia but Spiritualism evolved into an organized religion in Western New York in the 1840s.
Seances, mesmerism and ouija board sessions were already popular 19th century amusements and heavy losses during the American Civil War only increased a general yearning to be able to communicate with the dear departed.
Four years before the manifestations of the famous Fox sisters just outside Rochester, a group of Spiritualists, Liberals and Freethinkers had already begun meeting on the lily-decked banks of Cassadaga Lake in Western New York.
By 1890, Lily Dale had grown to be a bustling summer camp boasting a permanent auditorium, library, school and two hotels.
Today, visitors to Lily Dale can stay in historic accommodation, explore lanes of Victorian-era cottages, stroll through the Leolyn Woods (said to be an energy vortex), attend healing sessions at the Healing Temple, see the world’s largest collection of Spiritualist memorabilia at the Museum, browse the Bookshop, and even attend services at the Assembly Hall or Inspiration Stump.
The Lily Dale Assembly also offers workshops and lectures on topics like energy healing, the accessing of spirit guides and the development of one’s own mediumistic abilities. While some activity continues year ‘round, summer is still the community’s busiest season and it’s best to check the Assembly’s website for access, accommodation options and scheduled activities.
For those wishing a private consultation with one of Lily Dale’s registered mediums, reservations are strongly recommended.
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Lily Dale is located south of Buffalo, New York, with driving time from Toronto being about four hours.
Lily Dale mediums also make occasional appearances in Toronto at the city’s oldest Spiritualist church, Britten Memorial.
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