Presented by Nate Pedersen, Author

The Ouija Board has inspired fear, sparked creativity, and provided relief for the bereaved for over 120 years. Come learn about the history of this mysterious board game and its connection to the Spiritualism movement that swept through America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nate Pedersen highlights the history of both the game and the movement.

About the Speaker:

Nate Pedersen is a librarian, historian, and writer in the Idaho. He is the co-author of Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything with Lydia Kang, published by Workman.

Nate is the Silverstone Branch Manager with Meridian Library District. Until recently, he was a Community Librarian with Deschutes Public Library in Bend, Oregon and served as a member-at-large, representing Central Oregon, on the Oregon Heritage Trees Commission. He is the current Past President on the Board of Directors for the Deschutes County Historical Society & Museum. He lectures frequently on historical topics around the Pacific Northwest.

 Nate’s nonfiction has appeared in Mental Floss, The Guardian, Trail Runner, The Art of Manliness, Powell’s Books and The Believer. He the Wednesday blogger with Fine Books & Collections. His scholarly publications have appeared in the Oregon Historical Quarterly and the Oregon Encyclopedia.

He lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife, writer April Genevieve Tucholke, and two dogs, where they enjoy the outdoor life.

These monthly, free events are open to everyone interested in Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Co-sponsored by like-minded historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who expound on topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and far, far beyond. It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp