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The beginning
The modern spiritualist movement begins with the reported communications with spirits through rapping sounds by the Fox sisters in Hydesville, New York. -
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The growth of the Religion
Spiritualism gains momentum in the United States and Europe, with mediums conducting séances and claiming to communicate with the spirits of the dead. The movement attracts followers from various social classes and backgrounds. -
The creation of the "the Spirits Book"
The publication of "The Spirits' Book" by Allan Kardec, a key text in the development of Spiritism, a related movement that emerged in France. -
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Rise of Spiritual Churches
Spiritualism becomes a cultural phenomenon, with the establishment of Spiritualist churches and organizations, including the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC) in the United States. -
NSAC
The establishment of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC) in the United States. -
SPR
The emergence of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in the United Kingdom, which conducts scientific investigations into spiritualist phenomena. -
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Spiritualism and the war
Spiritualism experiences a revival during and after World War I, with interest in contacting deceased loved ones heightened by the widespread loss of life. -
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The fall off
Spiritualism continues to attract followers, although its popularity wanes compared to previous decades. -
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The state of Spiritualism
Spiritualism remains a presence in the broader landscape of alternative spirituality, with traditional Spiritualist churches coexisting alongside a diverse array of New Age and occult practices.