Rev. Colleen Irwin

How it All Began

The Fox Sisters, particularly Margaretta (Maggie), Kate, and later their older sister Leah, played a pivotal role in the history of Spiritualism.  This event marked the beginning of their public careers as mediums.  This is considered a key moment in the spread of Spiritualism.

The Fox Sisters claimed to communicate with the spirit of a deceased peddler, and their method involved a series of coded raps that supposedly conveyed messages from the spirit world. The sisters gained fame for their demonstrations, attracting the attention of a wide audience. The Rochester knockings sparked widespread interest in spiritualism and the possibility of communicating with the dead.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the renowned author and spiritualist, highlighted the impact of the Fox Sisters’ actions in popularizing mediumship. Doyle noted that their courage in making their abilities known inspired others.  This allowed them to come forward and acknowledge their own mediumistic gifts. This, in turn, contributed to the growth of Spiritualism as a global movement during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Fox Sisters Legacy

It’s worth mentioning that over time, the Fox Sisters’ careers faced controversy and skepticism. In later years, Maggie and Kate confessed to some of their methods being fraudulent, and the sisters’ reputation became tarnished. Their early contributions to the Spiritualist movement are still remembered and acknowledged.

Spiritualism profoundly impacted society, influencing various aspects of culture, religion, and even politics during the 19th century. This movement incorporated significant elements such as mediums, seances, and the exploration of the afterlife.