Can you hear the dead? Journey through Laurel Hill East to uncover Philadelphia’s fascinating Spiritualist past, where mediums, believers, and skeptics sought—or doubted—the possibility of communicating with departed loved ones.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Laurel Hill
3822 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19132
$2-$20
In-person
RSVP info: https://laurelhillphl.com/event/spiritualists-1026/
More info: @friendsoflaurelhill https://laurelhillphl.com/event/spiritualists-1026/

People have been trying to communicate with the dead since ancient times. This desire sprang up anew in mid-19th century America, shortly after the founding of Laurel Hill East. Spiritualism, as this movement came to be called, featured intermediaries or mediums, who promised they could summon departed souls and establish communication with the living through a series of knocks, called spirit rapping. Spiritualism spread rapidly; after all, who wouldn’t want to communicate with dead ancestors, family members, or friends? Philadelphia was a center for spiritualist activity, and some who played a prominent role are buried at Laurel Hill. This tour will visit the graves of believers and doubters. Which are you?