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Much-Requested Medium Holds 'Psychic Tea' In Ho-Ho-Kus

HO-HO-KUS, N.J. – Medium Craig McManus is returning to the Hermitage Museum on Sunday, March 26, this time for a "Psychic Tea at the Hermitage."

Local medium and author Craig McManus stands outside the Hermitage Museum, where he will again appear on March 26. Steven David,  courtesy of Craig McManus

Local medium and author Craig McManus stands outside the Hermitage Museum, where he will again appear on March 26. Steven David, courtesy of Craig McManus

Photo Credit: Steven David, courtesy of Craig McManus

Organizers note that the event includes a "fabulous high tea," followed by a two-hour channeling session, "where Craig will move around the room to wherever he senses a loved one's spirit trying to come through." 

"Not everyone will be read at this larger group event," organizers note, "but the experience is always an exciting time for both participants and spectators."

A free tour of the historic museum will follow the channeling session.

The Rosencrantz family occupied the home from 1807 until 1970. The museum notes that Bess Rosencrantz opened a tea room there in 1917, and before even a month elapsed, a local headline excitedly read, "Hohokus Ghost House Becomes Tea Resort." 

For, while her niece Mary Elizabeth conducted the tea room's more functional business of preparing tea and things to eat, Bess told stories of the house's spirits and other lore. 

McManus is a Bergen County resident who was raised in Demarest. He told Daily Voice that he's very interested in history and loves to use historic venues for events. 

And that's also beneficial for those venues.

While many regional historical sites and museums struggle to pull in visitors, I have found that adding a little dose of ghosts, spirits and fun can greatly increase visitor numbers. The Hermitage is a national treasure and I am trying to do my part to help the Friends of the Hermitage raise some much-needed funds. It's also a delightful twist that the two ladies (Bess and Mary Elizabeth Rosencrantz) who hosted the Hermitage Tea Room in 1917, telling stories about the Hermitage's history and tales of ghosts in the old house, are now ghosts at the Hermitage as well! 

Hermitage director Victoria Harty said that McManus has led dozens of events at the museum, including ghost tours in the fall and even one event about Victorian Christmas ornaments.

"All of the events with him are generally very well-attended," Harty added.

As of Friday afternoon, there were only 51 tickets remaining for this event.

Tickets are $75, and part of the proceeds will go to the museum. You can buy them here. The event is not recommended for those younger than 14. 

"The property has wonderful positive energy and is the perfect venue for high tea and an afternoon of spirit channeling," McManus added.

The "Psychic Tea" will begin at 1 p.m. The Hermitage Museum is located at 335 N. Franklin Turnpike, in Ho-Ho-Kus.

McManus also does individual and group sessions, in addition to public events like this. He's written several books on ghosts and hauntings – and he's a ghost investigator for folks who think they have "extra unseen tenants."

For more info about McManus, visit his Facebook page or website. 

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