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The history of séances and the occult at the White House began in earnest during the mid-19th century. Spiritualism, a religious movement based on the belief in communication with the spirits of the dead, gained popularity during this period, influencing many in high society, including those living in the White House.
One of the earliest known instances of a séance taking place in the White House was during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. His wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was deeply affected by the deaths of their children, and so she sought solace through spiritualism and organized séances in the White House to communicate with her deceased sons.
Mary Todd Lincoln's interest in spiritualism was driven by personal tragedy. The most intense period of grief for the First Lady was following the loss of her son, Willie, in 1862. She turned to séances as a way to cope with her grief, as she believed that contacting the dead could provide comfort.
Allegedly, President Lincoln hosted a séance in April 1863 in the red room of the White House so that he could call upon the spirits to guide him in political matters. Most of the séances during the Lincoln administration were conducted by prominent mediums of the time, including Nettie Colburn Maynard.
The popularity of spiritualism practically skyrocketed in the 19th century, particularly during and after the Civil War, as many Americans sought to contact lost loved ones. This cultural backdrop made it more socially acceptable for prominent figures, including those in the White House, to participate in séances.
The Fox sisters, who are often credited with starting the spiritualist movement in the United States, indirectly influenced the White House séances. Their claims of spirit communication in the 1840s captivated the nation and laid the groundwork for the widespread acceptance of spiritualism.
Before Lincoln, President Franklin Pierce and his wife, Jane, experienced personal tragedy with the death of their son. Jane Pierce is rumored to have held séances in the White House, seeking comfort and connection with her deceased child, similar to Mary Todd Lincoln's later pursuits.
In the early 20th century, famed magician Harry Houdini took it upon himself to debunk fraudulent spiritualists and mediums. Although not directly targeting the White House, his efforts highlighted the widespread belief in and simultaneous skepticism toward spiritualism, even in the nation's highest office.
Edith Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson, was rumored to have an interest in the occult and clairvoyance. These rumors added to the mystique surrounding the White House's connection to spiritual practices, although concrete evidence of her participation in séances is scarce.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor, were known to have an interest in the occult and spiritualism. Eleanor Roosevelt, in particular, consulted mediums and psychics, reflecting a continued thread of spiritual curiosity among first ladies throughout the 20th century.
The methods used during White House séances varied, including table-turning, automatic writing, and spirit photography (pictured). These practices were common in 19th and early 20th-century spiritualism and were believed to facilitate communication with the deceased.
Nettie Colburn Maynard, a well-known medium, conducted multiple séances in the White House. She claimed to have received messages from spirits that influenced some of President Lincoln's decisions, although the extent of this influence is debated among historians to this day.
Following Mary Todd Lincoln, other first ladies also dabbled in spiritualism and the occult. Broader society had built a trend of belief in the possibility of contacting the deceased, which piqued the curiosity of those in the White House and continued a legacy of spiritual curiosity.
The revelation of Nancy Reagan's consultations with an astrologer caused a media sensation, reflecting the public's enduring fascination with the intersection of politics and the occult. It also highlighted the discreet but persistent presence of spiritual and occult practices in the White House.
Mediums played a crucial role in bringing spiritualism into the White House. Even President Coolidge and his family were subject to speculation about potential ties to séances in the White House, but they vehemently denied these allegations.
Harry Houdini’s disdain towards spiritualism in the White House was so intense that he testified in a Congressional hearing in 1926 in the hopes that a ban might be placed on fortune tellers.
The degree to which occult practices influenced presidential decision-making is a topic of debate. While some claim significant influence, others argue that these practices were for personal use and did not substantially affect policy or governance.
Mentalist Joseph Dunninger, who was famed for his mind-reading abilities, performed at the White House during President Roosevelt's administration. His shows intrigued many, including the President, blending entertainment with the era's fascination with spiritualism and the occult.
Historical documentation of séances and occult practices in the White House includes letters, diary entries, and contemporary newspaper accounts. These sources truly provide insight into occult practices at the White House, and reveal a less-publicized aspect of the presidency.
Many séances and occultist practices in the White House have varyied resources to speak to the dead. In one particular case, Jacqueline Kennedy is said to have used an ancient Chinese divination book called the I Ching, which was written in the 9th century BCE.
Despite its popularity, spiritualism and the White House’s practice of séances were met with skepticism and criticism. Many viewed it as a pseudoscience or a form of entertainment, and they questioned the president’s ability to remain objective.
Engagement in occult practices has often had a marked impact on the presidential image, influencing how leaders are perceived by the public. While some First Families have embraced these practices openly, others have been more discreet, balancing personal beliefs with public expectations.
The legacy of spiritualism in the White House continues to intrigue historians and the public alike. The stories of séances and occult practices offer a unique window into the private lives of presidents and their families, adding depth to our understanding of their experiences and beliefs.
Séances at the White House started dying down by World War II, and are now less common today. But one enduring legacy of the presidency’s connection to the occult is through the paranormal. One of the most famous White House apparitions is that of Abraham Lincoln, whose ghost has been reportedly sighted multiple times in the iconic residence.
The involvement of the White House in séances and the occult has truly influenced broader trends in American society. Even modern-day ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts constantly attempt to photograph ghosts at the White House, and some have said that the resident’s history of séances and ghost sightings is evidence that it truly is haunted.
Sources: (National Geographic) (White House Historical Association) (National Archives Foundation) (History.com) (Times Literary Supplement)
See also: Why do people see ghosts?
In more recent history, Nancy Reagan, wife of President Ronald Reagan, famously consulted astrologer Joan Quigley. This consultation was not about séances per se but demonstrated the ongoing influence of occult practices in the White House, as astrology was used to plan and guide certain presidential decisions.
Following the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981, Nancy Reagan's reliance on astrology increased. She believed that astrological guidance could prevent further harm and ensure her husband's safety, which shows how the White House’s engagement with the occult extended all the way into modernity.
Over the centuries, the White House has been the meeting point for many political and cultural events that have changed the course of history. But beyond the building’s political intrigue, the walls have played witness to a lesser-known, mysterious tradition: the séance.
Many first ladies and presidents have been involved in séances in an attempt to contact the great beyond, and the captivating history of spiritualism at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue might just surprise you. Click through the gallery to find out more.
The surprising history of séances at the White House
Behind the strange mix of occultism and politics
LIFESTYLE Occult
Over the centuries, the White House has been the meeting point for many political and cultural events that have changed the course of history. But beyond the building’s political intrigue, the walls have played witness to a lesser-known, mysterious tradition: the séance.
Many first ladies and presidents have been involved in séances in an attempt to contact the great beyond, and the captivating history of spiritualism at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue might just surprise you. Click through the gallery to find out more.