The Ticonderoga Historical Society will kick off the Halloween Season with a free program entitled “Victorian Spirit Photography:  Beyond the Veil” on Friday, September 21 at 7 p.m. at the Hancock House, 6 Moses Circle, Ticonderoga.

“The Victorian era (1837-1901) saw a huge curiosity in the occult,” said program presenter Diane O’Connor.  “This interest in psychic phenomena, seances, spiritualism, ghost photography and other forms of communications beyond the living world were embraced by many prominent people of the time.  We will look at this history and create an understanding of why it took place – and how it repeats today in our modern world.  This program will be one of the most interesting ones of our current season.”

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert took part in seances and well-known author Arthur Conan Doyle was also a believer, as was English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  O’Connor promises a couple of “surprises” during the program and invites both the living and “otherworldly” to attend.

Reservations are not necessary to attend the free program and refreshments will be served.  Additional information is available by calling 518-585-7868 or via e-mail to tihistory@bridgepoint1com

The Ticonderoga Historical Society promotes the preservation and interpretation of history through its collections, programs and community outreach, preserving our past for our future.  The Historical Society makes area history an integral part of community life by connecting past and present.