Uncanny: The History of Dolls in Magic & the Supernatural with Rissa Miller

From playthings to talismans, dolls have always been more than meets the eye.

This fascinating talk explores the eerie and enchanting history of dolls—how they’ve been used in folk magic, spirit communication, and rituals around the world; the role they played for children and adults from the beginnings of human civilization.

We’ll uncover their roles as protectors, vessels, and even tools of mourning, tracing their evolution through time. Whether you're drawn to antique curiosities, haunted lore, or magical tradition, this is a deep dive into the uncanny valley of the doll.

Of course, feel free to bring your favorite doll companion for the event...

Please note this about the event:

Age for guests: Some of these stories may not be ideal for children under age 12. There is no age restriction, however, you know your child best!

Indoor Event: This is an indoor, seated event with a lively lecture format that includes a slide show and handouts. We will not leave The 9 Collective. Please note, there will be no hands-on activity and no craft is included.

Scented Candles: The 9 Collective is a retail location and sells incense and scented candles. The space has fragrance in use and a workshop to make candles on-site (not part of this program), so there is always some level of fragrance.

Food/Drinks/Tea: No food or drinks are provided, but are available for purchase on site. Hot tea will be available by the cup. Please, do not bring outside food/beverages on site and instead support the 9 Collective by getting your snacks and drinks there.

Parking: Parking is free; there is a large lot with some ADA-compliant parking spots.

Restrooms: There is an ADA-compliant bathroom onsite.

Seating: There are no reserved seats. If you wish to sit with a group, please arrive early to get your preferred spot.

Weather policy: Weather would only affect the program should Lancaster County have a severe weather event. There is no refund for RAIN. If a serious weather event is anticipated, please check your email associated with Eventbrite by noon the day of the program. Thank you for your attention to this!

Paperless Check-in: You do not need to print out your ticket. You will get a confirmation via email using the email associated with your Eventbrite account. Please check there and save paper! We will have the ticket-holders names at the entry when you arrive.

Refund policy: The 9 Collective policy applies to all events. As stated in The 9's policy all ticket sales are final. The ONLY exception to this is in the event we have to cancel, you will be fully refunded. We do our absolute best as a small business to accommodate the community and its needs. Our goal is to create connection, and in person community in a fun and engaging way! We encourage you to make sure that you are able to attend an event before purchasing your ticket. In the event that something comes up, we ask that you send your emailed ticket to a friend or family member who CAN attend.

Questions? Reach out to Rissa at [email protected]

Rissa Miller is an editor, author, herbalist, seer, and storyteller. Her storytelling expertise stems from extensive research into the area of esoteric history, including ghosts, witchcraft, cryptids, and folklore. Rissa believes the most enduring stories teach us not only about humanity's past, but also give reason to reflect on our own present beliefs and realities. She often leads ghost tours and gives lively history talks. Find more about her at teaandsmoke.com or hauntedpa.online

Host or Publisher 9 Collective