Spiritualism is a religion popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that focused on contacting<\/strong><\/a> spirits of the dead.<\/span><\/p>\n The movement became particularly popular<\/a><\/strong> in the United States, where large spiritualist communities were established called Lily Dale and Brook Farm.<\/p>\n The photographer Shannon Taggart spent 20 years photographing the town of Lily Dale.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Her work captures some of the most beautiful and fascinating images of spiritualists in action. For example, they d<\/span>epict moments of communion with spirits, as well as scenes from spirit circles and seances.<\/span><\/p>\n They are truly captivating and provide a fascinating glimpse into this quirky town!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Shannon explains that Spiritualism began in 1848, in Upstate New York.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Two adolescent girls, Margaret and Kate Fox, claimed to be in contact with the spirit of a murdered man<\/strong><\/a> that lived beneath their home.<\/p>\n Notable members included Charles Dickens, Victoria Woodhull<\/a>, Hilma af Klint and many more.<\/p>\n Although they are not members on record, Abraham Lincoln and his wife\u00a0 hosted seances at the White House.<\/p>\nThe Origins of the Movment<\/b><\/h2>\n