I’ve talked a bit about vampire killing kits before on this blog. These enigmatic objects are the subjects of debate, and encountering one many years ago led me down the path of writing my book, Vampires of Lore. This time, I’d like to share a picture of one that can be found in Orlando, Florida.
Nestled in a park in Salem, MA, is Pioneer Village, a living history museum designed to portray life in the city as it would have been in 1630. This places it 62 years before the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Thus, it generally depicts a world that the older participants of the trial would have been familiar with. Beyond its relevance for history enthusiasts, the site was also a filming location for a beloved Halloween classic.
The Roman Baths, which give the City of Bath, Somerset its name, are a profound window into the world of Roman Britain. In ancient times, this site was a popular spa built around hot springs and dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva. People would come here for bathing, relaxation, and the hope of healing.
The Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT, was home to the iconic author and his family from 1874 to 1891. It was here that Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain’s real name) wrote some of his most recognized works, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The building is now part of the Mark Twain House & Museum, and visitors are able to walk through the rooms and a get glimpse into the life of the Clemens family. It’s also possible that some of these former residents never really left. There have been various reports of paranormal experiences inside this historic home.
I often mention the vampire killing kit in New York City that inspired me to start seriously researching vampire folklore. Last October, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the release of my book, I shared some pictures of that enigmatic object. This year, I thought it would be fitting to share images of another kit I’ve seen. This one is on the opposite side of the continent in another iconic locale – Hollywood, California!
On August 23, 1966, an amazing discovery was made quite by chance in the town of Rocky Hill, CT. During excavation for a state construction project, a bulldozer operator noticed some large, three-toed footprints in a slab of sandstone. It turned out that a prehistoric lakebed had been unearthed. It would ultimately yield over 2,000 fossilized tracks that were made by dinosaurs roaming the area 200 million years ago! This find would spark the beginning of what is now Dinosaur State Park.
It’s hard to overstate Bram Stoker’s influence on the modern, fictional vampire. His groundbreaking 1897 novel, Dracula, has been adapted in various ways for film and television over the years, and this popularity has helped shape the expectations people have about the undead. While exploring the origins of modern vampire traits for my book, I found my way back to Bram Stoker a number of times. So, when I had the opportunity to see some of his handwritten notes in person, I couldn’t pass that up.
Anyone who has seen a Fiji mermaid is not soon to forget it. Unlike the alluring siren imagery we are familiar with, a Fiji mermaid can be a rather disquieting sight. With a mummified and animalistic appearance, these oddities have fascinated people for years. Once thought to be authentic specimens, they are now acknowledged as artificial constructions. They can still be found on display at a variety of institutions, and I was quite pleased to happen upon one in Orlando, Florida.
It was October of last year that my book, Vampires of Lore: Traits and Modern Misconceptions, was released. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of discussing vampire folklore on a variety of radio shows and podcasts. In those interviews, I sometimes discuss how I got started on the path of studying vampires. My inspiration came during a trip to New York City, when I saw a vampire killing kit on display! To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the release of my book, I wanted to share a picture of this mysterious object taken on that fateful day. Continue reading →
Some time ago, as I was wandering through the Worcester Art Museum (WAM) in Worcester, MA, I came upon a gallery containing various antique weapons and armor. Clearly, these were some of the items from the museum’s Higgins Armory Collection. Towards the back of the room was a large display case with some drawers in its lower section. As I was examining their contents, I came across something unexpected. As I opened one of the drawers, I saw a small, carved face staring out. It was part of a rather elaborate bladed weapon. It turns out this collection contains a Tibetan ritual dagger. Continue reading →
