Program

Indiana Historical Bureau

Subject

Site

Location

50 Lincoln Dr, Chesterfield, IN 46017, USA

Lat/Long

40.11561111, -85.59683333

Grant Recipient

Indiana Historical Bureau

Side One: Women and Spiritualism
Camp Chesterfield, a Spiritualist camp opened in the 1890s, provided leadership and public speaking opportunities for women in an era before they could legally vote. Spiritualism gained popularity after the devastation of the Civil War, as Americans sought to communicate with spirits of loved ones. Many women were ordained and respected for their spiritual guidance.

Side Two: Camp Chesterfield
Lecturer Amelia Colby-Luther and suffragist Flora Hardin Millspaugh were critical in organizing Camp Chesterfield. Women oversaw camp operations, led fundraising efforts, delivered lectures, and earned an income as mediums. Under Rev. Mable Riffle’s leadership (ca. 1910-1961), the camp expanded exponentially, drawing thousands of visitors annually from across the U.S.

Installed 2024 Indiana Historical Bureau, William G. Pomeroy Foundation, Indiana Association of Spiritualists, and Friends of Camp Chesterfield Foundation