Hydesville Spiritualist Camp

The site of the Fox Cabin in Hydesville, NY is considered one of the most important Historical Sites to Spiritualists worldwide.

Home to the Fox Sisters, on March 31 1848 Spiritualists believe that Kate and Maggie Fox ushered in the advent of the Spiritualist movement by demonstrating communication with the spirit world.

Hydesville no longer exists as a village, and is part of the larger township of Acadia, NY just outside of Newark. The site of the Fox Cabin is now known as Hydesville Memorial Park.

The site is actually only about 15 minutes away from another sacred location, Hill Cumorah, where the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith is said to have received the Book of Mormon from an Angel.

While the location does not receive as much attention as Hill Cumorah, the location is considered virtually sacred by Spiritualists, and is visited by many as a site of pilgrimage, particularly on March 31, celebrated as the anniversary of Spiritualism, or Hydesville Day.

The site of the original Fox Cabin is now a visitor center that preserves the original foundation of the home. The original Fox Cabin was moved to Lily Dale and was tragically destroyed in a fire. The property has an interesting history, and I only will be touching on a few points in this post. 

Over the years, pious Spiritualists have proposed numerous ideas to bring more honor and focus to the site. For instance, in 1928 it was proposed that a Spiritualist run College should be built at the location, this however, did not come to pass.

In 1948 the Fox Memorial Society presided over a service to dedicate Hydesville Spiritualist Camp. A barn that was part of the original Hyde Family farm was converted into a 400 seat auditorium. Spiritualists from around the country and the world attended the dedication, with Rev. Helen Gerling of the Psychic Science Temple representing Rochester. The small camp enjoyed several visiting guest speakers, services, and summer events. 

Plans were created to turn Hydesville Spiritualist Camp into a central Spiritualist location in the United States. A 146 acre plot was purchased near the site, and plans were made to build "Sunshine Village" which would include a hotel, shrine, and church. 

In 1950 the converted-barn auditorium was renovated to act as a meeting house, and contained a cafeteria and had accommodations for at least 50 people.

Fundraisers were conducted to build homes on the piece of land, for those wishing to invest in and reside in Hydesville Spiritualist Camp. Unfortunately Hydesville Spiritualist Camp as a permanent assembly did not come to fruition.

Hydesville is currently undergoing something of a revival today, largely in part to The Journey Within North, a Spiritualist Church chartered with the Spiritualist National Union (UK), located near Hydesville Memorial Park. The community has purchased the old Hydesville School House, and has been repairing the structure with plans to create a Healing Temple.