At times the room was filled with a spiritual light, enabling some of us to see the circle at the table. We all were sensible to the light. The materialized hands of many different spirits were felt by some of the circle, and one form materialized a piece of cloth, which she laid upon the hands and heads of all us. During the three hours that the medium was entranced, he was controlled from time to time by various spirit intelligences.
(Signed Ruthie S. Call, Seth Patterson, Laura J. Patterson, A.M. Patterson, Caroline S. Hunting, Mrs. T.C. Amory, Wm. D. Patterson.)
— Banner of Light , October 2, 1880
Some say the name "Wiscasset" means “place where the spirits gather." That certainly was the case from July 21st to August 7th, 1880, when materializing medium Daniel Caswell conducted seances at various houses in Wiscasset and even Fort Edgecomb on nearby Davis Island. Even as interest in the Spiritualist Movement waned, Daniel Caswell felt compelled by the spirits to visit this little ship-building town for "the purpose of developing as a medium for materialization."
Caswell found believers among pillars of the Wiscasset community. Notable figures in town history welcomed him into their homes. However, they did search him as a precaution to prevent trickery. After a thorough pat-down to ensure no hidden tricks, the assembled townspeople sequestered Caswell in a sealed box called a spirit cabinet. These respectable citizens then claimed to see a veritable spirit parade of different sizes, sexes, and ethnicities take shape before them during night after night of private seances.
Expect to hear more surprising stories like this one as well as to learn more about a variety of local paranormal happenings. Often described as the “Prettiest Town in Maine,” Wiscasset is no stranger to weird tales, which include strange goings-on along one of the fanciest lanes in town called Haunted High Street by locals. Supernatural tales of Wiscasset include apparitions, witches, and a pushy poltergeist. See the Itinerary section below for a sample of the stops.
Expert paranormal guide
Duration: 90 minutes
Easy/Moderate
Start at the Lincoln County Courthouse, built in 1824. On the National Register of Historic Landmarks, it’s the oldest operating courthouse in Maine. Witnesses claim at least two ghosts roam its stately halls and one of them may even have been caught on video.
Ghost stories abound in the elegant and historic mansions that line this regal lane. A charming stroll up and down this residential road is a who's who of Wiscasset apparitions and local legends.
Town tradition tells of the time when this manor was abandoned. Local lore claims it became the unlikely stomping ground for two supernatural squatters - a witch and a warlock.
Erected in 1805, this former bank once boasted state-of-art security for the time. Unfortunately one booby-trap had deadly consequences. The story of that tragedy may explain one of the ghosts thought to linger amongst the stacks.
Mary Moody Emerson, the aunt of famous writer and Transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson was a frequent guest in this former home. Her morbid musings may have inspired Ralph to do the unthinkable. Or was it a fear of vampires?
An enchanting grotto, this hidden gem was built from the foundations of an old hotel that burned to the ground. The bewitching setting is a perfect backdrop to spin true tales of Wiscasset witchery.
In the 1800s, a supply warehouse for ships known as a chandlery, this building also served as a makeshift morgue for the bodies of those who didn't make it to shore alive. The employees of today's cafe have witnessed many mysterious things, especially in the early morning hours.
In 1978, this place was labelled officially haunted in a federal travel guide published by the U.S. government. It has housed restaurants, galleries, antique shops, and, according to many witnesses, is also home to a ghostly misogynist.
On this tour, we focus on building exteriors and outdoor spaces. Businesses and public places are open for you to visit during regular business hours. Otherwise we respect the privacy of individuals and organizations and expect that our guests do the same.
Service animals are welcome. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don’t require their assistance.
We can never guarantee a supernatural encounter, but we will explain paranormal phenomena such as cold spots and residual hauntings. What we do guarantee: Our local connections and dedication to research means you'll get authentic accounts — in all their shocking detail.
While our tours do not contain anything too graphic or inappropriate, we find that kids that enjoy history have the best time. You know your children and that's left up to you. We do not recommend bringing children in strollers because sometimes that can be difficult with larger walking groups.
All sales are final, but we can help you with a reschedule or ticket credit. We love ghosts, not monsters!
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