Uncanny: History of Dolls in Magic & the Supernatural

From playthings to talismans, dolls have always been more than simple companions. Across cultures and throughout history, they’ve served as protectors, ritual objects, vessels for spirits, and symbols of power, bridging the worlds of imagination and the supernatural. In this captivating program, folklorist and storyteller Rissa Miller guides you through the strange and beautiful evolution of dolls: how early humans crafted small figures for ceremony, how folk traditions used them for healing or hexing, and how spiritualists believed dolls could act as intermediaries between realms.
Explore the roles dolls played for children and adults alike, from beloved comfort objects to feared omens. You’ll encounter mourning dolls, charm dolls, and mysterious figures used in Appalachian, European, African, and Indigenous practices, each carrying stories of their own.
And in a place as storied and haunted as Gettysburg, the uncanny presence of dolls takes on an added resonance, echoing the region’s deep history of spirits and memory. Of course, we'll talk about Annabelle, too.
Whether you’re drawn to antique curiosities, fascinated by haunted lore, or simply enchanted by the strange boundary between toy and totem, this immersive talk invites you into the uncanny valley, where dolls watch, remember, and sometimes whisper back.
And yes… you’re welcome to bring your own doll companion for the evening. All are welcome.