Speakers: Rebecca Heinrich & Laura Croff

Uncover the secrets of transforming ordinary garments into extraordinary steampunk masterpieces using creativity, resourcefulness, and a dash of Victorian-inspired ingenuity.

Join Rebecca Heinrich and Laura Croff they share their expertise, tips, and tricks for achieving that distinctive steampunk flair without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned steampunk enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this workshop promises to inspire and empower you to embrace your inner adventurer and fashion a one-of-a-kind steampunk creation that's as unique as you are.

This session is free to attend.

Speakers: Gussy & Grymm Dupp – Your Guides to the Other Side

Delve into the fascinating world of Spiritualism at the turn of the 20th century, a time when communication with the spirit world captivated millions. This lecture explores the origins of the movement, tracing its roots back to the Fox Sisters and its explosive spread across the globe. Discover the core beliefs and practices of Spiritualism, from dramatic séances to spirit photography, and examine its profound influence on religion, art, literature, social reform, and even science.

Meet the key figures who shaped the movement, including the enigmatic Madame Blavatsky, the scientifically studied Leonora Piper, and the celebrated author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and see how their beliefs influenced the lives of millions. We'll also explore the criticisms and controversies surrounding Spiritualism, its eventual decline, and its enduring legacy in modern spirituality and our fascination with the paranormal.

This session is free to attend.

Speaker: Brian Scull

While people of the 1800s were prudish about many things, their comfort with death was far different from modern sentiments. Nowhere is this more evident than in Britishmourning etiquette during the time of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837 to 1901). The death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861 ushered in a strict display of mourning that the general public would follow. What became customary mourning, by today’s standards, seems downright macabre and morose.

Mourning periods were regulated, mourning dress was dictated, and burial arrangements became more extravagant. Contemporary literature and the arts romanticized death.

In this panel discussion we will look at the funeral customs and superstitions associated with the Victorian era: including memento mori, funeral rites, and mourning practices.

Brian Scull is a lab manager for a scientific research institute in Michigan. In his spare time he enjoys cemetery photography, reading historical fiction, and doing research on 19th Century historical topics. Victorian Funeral Customs is one of several different historical topics that he has presented on at Steampunk conventions in the past ten years.

This session is free to attend.

Workshop by: CaliCat
Get creative using ribbons of all shapes, colors and sizes to make decorative rosettes that can be worn with your steampunk attire. Materials provided. $10 fee to participate.

Workshop by: Ari Franklin Paints
This workshop is perfect for both beginners and seasoned crafters, offering a chance to explore your creativity while crafting a functional piece of art. There is a $15 material fee to particpate. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a one-of-a-kind steampunk clock and take home a memorable keepsake from the festival.

Led by: Gussy & Grymm

Under the guidance of Gussy & Grymm, you'll have the opportunity to explore the possibilities of spirit communication in a safe and respectful environment. Discover for yourself whether the veil can be lifted and what messages the spirit world may hold.

Please be assured that the séance will be conducted in a safe and respectful manner, designed to provide an intriguing and thought-provoking experience.

This is a limited-seating event with a $10 session fee, payable onsite. To guarantee a spot, attendees can sign up in advance at Gussy & Grimm’s earlier session, Gears & Ghosts: A Steampunk Journey Through Spiritualism.

For legal and ethical reasons, we must emphasize that this session is for entertainment purposes only. We make no guarantees about the specific nature or outcome of any individual experience.