About the Event
Experience Villa Louis in a new, spine-tingling way! Victorians were fascinated by death and finding ways to connect with their former friends and loved ones through the "Great Beyond." Explore this paranormal proclivity in the beautiful spaces of our National Historic Landmark mansion with Black Point Estate and Gardens site director Dave Desimone. While there, you’ll enjoy a tasty cordial and hear tales of the Fox sisters, who are credited with the creation of the spiritualist movement in America. You’ll also learn about Whitewater's Morris Pratt Institute, the country's first spiritualist school.
More than an occult parlor game, spiritualism was heralded as “a new religion” meant to channel the voices of the dead, linking the present with the past to help followers scry new—and sometimes supernatural—futures. Climb the stairs to the attic and experience a night of food, drinks and a special look at the spiritualist artifacts and curios once owned by the Dousman family.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Know Before You Go & Accessibility
Check in at Villa Louis Visitor Center at least 15 minutes before event. Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact Villa Louis directly at 608-326-2721 or villalouis@wisconsinhistory.org.
- The museum store is open daily during business hours.
- Guests may exit and return throughout the day to explore the grounds.
- Water is the only outside food/beverage allowed. Beverages are available for purchase.
- Restrooms and water fountains are available on site.
- The site will remain open rain or shine.
- Guests are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and to dress for the weather.
- No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted.
- ADA access is available in the first floor of the mansion, restrooms, and the fur trade building.
- Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible.
- Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 608-326-2721 or villalouis@wisconsinhistory.org.
Contact
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or boxoffice@wisconsinhistory.org.
About the Location
When you walk through the doors of Villa Louis, you step into the life of one of Wisconsin’s most historic families – the Dousmans. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Villa Louis offers a panorama of Wisconsin history, beginning with the arrival of early fur traders through the heyday of the Victorian era. Highlighted by the stunning 1871 Italianate style mansion, the 25-acre site includes over a dozen historic structures including the Dousman Office Building, Ice House, Preserve House, Blockhouse, and the foundations of the first Fort Crawford
