Beginning in 1964, legendary local journalist Bill Soberanes—affectionately known as “Mr. Petaluma”—gathered believers, skeptics, magicians, and the simply curious each Halloween season for an annual séance attempting to contact the spirit of Harry Houdini. Many of these spirited gatherings took place right here at the Petaluma Museum.

But Petaluma’s fascination with the mysterious and fantastic goes back even further. Spiritualists were holding séances here in the 19th century, and local legend even has it that Houdini himself once performed in town.

Now, 100 years after Houdini’s death, we’re bringing the tradition back to life.

Join us on October 30—the eve of the centennial of Houdini’s death—for an unforgettable evening of history, magic, mystery, and perhaps a message or two from beyond.

The evening begins with a spirited pre-séance reception, featuring bewitching cocktails and tempting small bites, tarot, magic, curious bits of local history, and other mysterious diversions still to be revealed.

Then, the lights dim. The medium takes their place. And the circle gathers once again.

There’s one more wrinkle: before his death, Houdini and his wife, Bess, devised a secret code that could be used to prove whether Harry had truly managed to communicate from the other side.

Meet Our Medium

Guiding us into the unknown will be Jenessa Wyatt, a highly sought-after Sonoma County psychic medium known for bringing warmth, humor, and an approachable spirit to her work. Before calling upon our guest of honor, Jenessa will reach out to the spirit realm, opening the evening to the possibility of connection.

As the evening builds toward its finale, Jenessa will lead us in the centennial séance with one very particular spirit in mind: Harry Houdini. A century after his death… Will we hear from Houdini?

Come curious. Come skeptical. Just don’t come expecting an ordinary night at the Museum.

Choose Your Place in the Circle

THE INNER CIRCLE — $100
Séance Table
100 years. One seat at the table. Take your place in the séance circle for the evening’s closest and most immersive experience. Seating is extremely limited.

THE GATHERING — $50
Main Floor | Standing Room
Surround the circle and experience the séance from the main floor as the evening unfolds.

THE BEYOND — $40
Mezzanine
Watch from above as the séance unfolds below, from the Museum’s historic mezzanine.

21 and over please. All tickets include admission to the pre-séance reception.

Believer or skeptic, there’s only one way to find out.

Is anybody there?