Beginning in 1843, Anderson , Indiana ‘s new Union Hall featured lectures on phrenology, mesmerism, trance speaking, spirit contact and clairvoyance. Dr. John Westerfield started the lecture series and his on-going interest lead to the formation of the Indiana Association of Spiritualists in 1886. This in turn, lead to the formation of Camp Chesterfield in 1891.
Now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Camp Chesterfield is located 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis, in Madison County. This 40-acre camp, continues to be the home of the Indiana Association of Spiritualists where scientific, philosophical, and religious beliefs about continuous life and communication with the spirit world are embraced.
Visitors can stroll through the Buddha and Gnome Gardens or follow two historic walking trails. The Trail of Religion, built in 1943, honors the belief systems of the great masters of religion with statues and stone carvings. Tibetan monks routinely visit and bless the Serenity Trail, a meandering wooded path to the White River. In addition to its natural setting, the camp includes a welcome center, hotels, museum, and more.
