By Diane Jackman Skolfield, Camp Etna historian
Camp Etna, a Spiritualist community nestled in the woods in the heart of Maine, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026. They have hosted Spiritualist Summer Programs continuously since 1876 providing seekers and spiritualists from around the world with inspiration and community on their peaceful 27-acre property.
Among the first volunteers at Camp were descendants of the first settlers of the Town of Etna; Friend and Friend, Wiggins, Crosby, Demerritt and many more names can be found in the archives of Camp Etna’s recently expanded museum.
Harrison D. Barrett, Cora Scott, Dr. James Martin Peebles and Mary Vanderbilt were just a few of the notable mediums who served the camp at the turn of the century. These teachers traveled the world extensively in the late 1800s promoting this philosophical-scientific-religion; philosophical because spiritualists believe in natural laws like karma, scientific because they believe bringing messages from deceased loved ones with evidence proves the continuity of life and religious because they believe, as stated in their 3rd principle, that an understanding of Natural Laws and living in accordance therewith constitute true religion.
Other notable visitors include Frederick W. Plaisted, Maine’s 48th governor. In 1911 Gov. Plaisted established Governor’s Day at Camp Etna. He reportedly believed spiritualist readings had guided him toward a rare statewide victory during a period when Maine politics were heavily dominated by Republicans.
Margaret Chase Smith opened Camp Etna’s 1946 summer season with a speech titled “America First Day”, emphasizing moral leadership, democratic values, integrity in government and the vital role women would play in shaping America’s future. By 1950, she would become nationally known for her famous “Declaration of Conscience” speech. We were honored to have this first woman to serve in both the U.S. House and the Senate speak at our camp.
Spiritualism honors all religions and, instead of commandments like many of us grew up with, they have principles, nine of them. We believe in what we call Infinite Intelligence, we believe we make our own happiness or unhappiness, we believe in Natural Laws and so on.
To celebrate Camp Etna’s 150th summer season the camp historian created a walking tour, complete with a map and a guide for those who want to do the walk, click on QR codes and learn about the rich history of this camp once known as the Seat of Spiritualism. Guided History Walks are led at noon on Mediums’ Days and Fair Days; Aug. 15 and Sept. 12.
In addition to their Sunday services at 10:30 a.m., Message Circles Monday and Friday at 7 p.m. and their classes on everything from Developing Your Intuition to yoga, they are hosting weekly Family Fun Events and discussion groups. For more information go to campetna.org.