{"id":82652,"date":"2024-10-21T15:27:42","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T20:27:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=82652"},"modified":"2024-10-21T15:28:30","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T20:28:30","slug":"hays-public-library-hosts-history-of-spiritualism-presentation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=82652","title":{"rendered":"Hays Public Library hosts “History of Spiritualism” presentation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By ABIGAIL SHEARER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiger Media Network<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Thursday, the Hays Public Library hosted a lecture by speaker Kaite Keckeisen, a local history librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library, who delved into the captivating history of spiritualism. Keckeisen highlighted spiritualism\u2019s far-reaching influence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Spiritualism seems to weave its way through every single historical topic,\u201d she said, <\/p>\n\n\n

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Speaker Katie Keckeisen a local history librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Throughout her presentation, Keckeisen examined two primary themes: the evolution of spiritualism across the United States and its unique manifestations within the state of Kansas. Her insights painted a vivid picture of how this fascinating belief system developed and persisted through various cultural and historical landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cModern spiritualism began in the 1840s in a small town in the state of New York,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Keckeisen, from this modest beginning, the movement rapidly gained momentum, spreading like wildfire across the nation. It would eventually be recognized as one of the most significant spiritual movements in American history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of this phenomenon were the Fox sisters, who captivated audiences with their remarkable claims of communicating with spirits through a series of mysterious knocks and taps. What began as a local curiosity soon attracted attention far beyond their neighborhood, transforming into a traveling spectacle that mesmerized countless spectators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keckeisen highlighted the widespread acceptance and fascination with spiritualism that emerged in the wake of their revelations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks to the influence of the Fox sisters, spiritual mediums could be found in any town in America,\u201d she said.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many female mediums emerged during a time when there was no strict hierarchy in spiritualism. One notable figure was Victoria Woodhull, who ran for president and was often labeled “Mrs. Satan” due to her outspoken views on women’s suffrage and free love. Spiritualism attracted people because it allowed them to blend various ideas and religions. This movement gained significant traction during major scientific advancements and especially during times of war. As more people sought connections with the spirit world, they hoped to find reassurance that spirits lived on and that messages from loved ones would indicate they were at peace. Many turned to spiritualism as they felt deprived of a peaceful death, often lacking the comfort of family around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were advancements in how spirits communicated with people. Initially, this involved table tipping, where a group would sit around a table, which would then lift or knock with one of its legs. This method eventually evolved into writing, although it often resulted in little more than scribbles. Later, the invention of the Ouija board allowed for clearer answers and a more straightforward communication process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n