Kicking off 2021 with a new episode of Grating the Nutmeg on Hill-Stead founder Theodate Pope and her fascination with Spiritualism.

Please tune in to hear a lovely podcast with our curator Melanie Bourbeau and Mary M. Donohue, Assistant Publisher of Connecticut Explored.

In 1938 pioneering female architect and founder of the Hill-Stead Museum, Theodate Pope Riddle of Farmington enjoyed an excursion through Europe. While in London, she participated in three sittings with trance mediums, continuing an avocational interest in spiritualism that lasted 34 years.

Hear more about Riddle’s efforts to scientifically prove the ability to communicate with the deceased in this episode hosted by Mary Donohue, Assistant Publisher of Connecticut Explored and Melanie Bourbeau, Curator and Director of Interpretation and Programs at the Hill-Stead Museum.

To learn more

Read Melanie Bourbeau’s article in the Winter 2020-21 issue of Connecticut Explored, the magazine of Connecticut History.

Read about Theodate Pope Riddle’s induction into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame here: https://www.cwhf.org/inductees/theodate-pope-riddle

For more on Spiritualism in Connecticut, go to the website of Connecticut Explored for these articles:  https://www.ctexplored.org/isabella-beecher-hooker-and-the-spirit-of-reform/ and https://www.ctexplored.org/the-pine-grove-spiritualist-camp/