Margaret and Kate Fox, along with their older sister Leah, are widely credited with igniting the modern Spiritualist movement in the mid-19th century. In 1848, the sisters claimed to communicate with a spirit through mysterious knocking sounds in their home in Hydesville, New York. These “spirit raps” quickly captured public attention and led to widespread demonstrations, lectures, and séances.

The Fox Sisters’ performances transformed private experiences into public phenomena, helping Spiritualism spread rapidly across the United States and beyond. Though their claims were later challenged and debated, their influence was undeniable. They remain central figures in the history of Spiritualism, embodying both its profound appeal and its enduring controversies.