Conference Presentations
PANEL DISCUSSION
Panel Discussion hosted by Scott Markus. More information coming soon regarding topic and line up
MINES & TRAINS, GHOSTS OF GALENA'S EARLY INDUSTRIES
Ted Williams and Robyn Davis
Join your conference hosts, Ted Williams and Robyn Davis, for a presentation on Haunted Mines and Trains in Galena and Jo Daviess County. The area around Galena is known as the Driftless Region. Lead was discovered here in the 1820's, which created the first mining rush in United States history. The expansive wealth it created is still palpable here today, but so are the many stories of tragedies that befell early miners. Their Spirits still linger, and we will convey some of their horrifying fates, and affiliated hauntings. The other significant early industry, beginning in 1855, was the arrival of the railroad. Enormous resources were poured into creating rail operations, but accidents over the years created boxcars of tragedies and hauntings, and a culture of superstition and even pranks. Somewhere between these historic accidents and the evolving tales of their resultant hauntings lies the frightening truth behind Galena's Early Industries. All Aboard!!!
ONE AUGUST MORNING, HISTORY AND HAUNTING OF THE BORDEN MURDERS
Troy Taylor
Lizzie Borden is a name that has lived in infamy. As everyone knows, she “took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks” and then “gave her father 41.” Right? Everyone knows the rhyme, but they don't know the truth behind one of America's most famous unsolved murders.
Author Troy Taylor delves into the true story of the Borden Murders, revealing what really happened on that morning in August 1892, how Lizzie was hounded by the police, prosecutors, and reporters, and then finally acquitted – yet always believed to be guilty. Was she a murderer or truly innocent? Did she swing the hatchet that killed her parents, or was Lizzie simply part of a plot that accidentally led to murders committed by a madman? You’ll have the chance to decide for yourself as the suspects are revealed, the conspiracies unveiled, and the strange circumstances of this haunting case are presented.
Forget everything you already think you know about this compelling case and discover what did – and what did not – happen in the story of Lizzie Borden! You'll never look at this story in the same way again!
LEGENDS, MYTH AND MAYHEM ALONG THE ROCK RIVER
Kathi Kresol
Kathi Kresol has been researching ghost stories, true crimes, and odd tales of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin for almost two decades. Her latest project will feature legends and myths she has collected about the spooky side of the Rock River Valley. The river winds for 320 miles through small towns and beautiful landscapes. There is a rich history all along its banks, but a darkness exists here too. The tales will feature stories of phantom hitchhikers, haunted cemeteries, and vengeful spirits.
NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER...
THE DARKSIDE OF FAIRY TALES
Faina Lorah
"Once upon a time..." didn't always end in "and they lived happily ever after." There was usually mischief, mayhem, and death along the way. Whether it was the infamous Baba Yaga eating the bones of children or the little mermaid turning into seafoam while seeing her dreams fall apart, these treasured stories were originally used as cautionary tales. Now you can hear the delightfully macabre originals in this special session with author and artist Faina Lorah. Listen to the stories and look at the art that they helped inspire.
MYSTERIOUS WINDOW LOCATIONS
Scott Markus
Filmmaker and paranormal researcher Scott Markus loves shining a light on lesser-known, amazing ghost stories and locations. As he's travelled from coast to coast, he's gathered quite a collection to share with you in Galena, including some locations that contain legends of ghosts, UFO's and cryptids, all occurring at the same site! Known as "Window Locations", these explosions of paranormal activity are often startling and defy explanation. The best news for us, some of these Window Locations are within easy driving distance! Scott will discuss his knowledge and personal experiences in these strange spaces, and we can't wait to hear more!
A SHAMAN'S JOURNEY
Chris McBrien
Chris McBrien, Psychic Medium, Shaman and Sufi will be discussing his experiences in being raised in a historically documented Scots Irish shamanic tradition, his family's history. and experiences with his teachers including his Sufi Master of nine years. He will also be sharing his paranormal experiences within these traditions including a paranormal encounter with historically chronicled vampires and involvement with a werewolf cult in Austria.
MONSTERS OF THE MIDWEST,
FROM BIGFOOT TO VAMPIRES
Chad Lewis
This presentation is a visual road trip to some of the most mysterious creatures lurking in the Midwest. From Hellhounds roaming rural crossroads, to a $50,000 sea serpent in the Mississippi River— this presentation gives you everything you need to set off on your own cryptid adventure. Gear up, get ready!
See you at the
Haunted Galena Conference 2023
