Feeling spooky? Superstitious? Curious about the eerie whispers, peculiar ways, and healing hands of the Ozark Hill folk? Join us at the Fort Smith Museum of History as we jump into the spirit of the season with Ozark Mountain Witchcraft: Anthropology of the Supernatural, an in-depth program led by cultural anthropologist Justin Minor. As the veil thins and October shadows grow long, explore the strange lore, folk remedies, and backwoods witchery that have haunted the hills for generations. Come for the folklore—stay for the chills.
Where: Fort Smith Museum of History
When: Thursday, October 9
What time: 6:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30)
Cost: $10 (Fort Smith Museum of History Members are free)
Concessions/refreshments will be available.
Folk magic has deep roots in the hollers of the Ozark Mountains, stretching back to the earliest European settlers to the region and beyond. It played a vital role in the lives of pioneers and homesteaders, and shaped Ozark culture in ways many of us unsuspectingly carry into the modern day. How was it practiced? Where did it originate? Was it effective? This talk will answer all of those questions and more, as we apply the lens of cultural anthropology to this enigmatic subculture of early Ozark pioneers.
Justin Minor is a 7th generation Ozark descendant, cultural anthropologist, and historian/volunteer park guide at Fort Smith National Historic Site.