Theories about the Seaford Poltergeist drew from beliefs and interests of the time period, some of which are recognized as especially offensive and incorrect today. This article details a history of the land around Seaford, promoting the colonialist narrative of Indigenous peoples as devil worshippers that need to be driven out. What colonists perceived as “devil worship” was shaped by their own belief systems, misunderstandings and misperceptions of Indigenous belief systems, and Eurocentrism and white supremacy – beliefs they used to justify the theft of land from and murder of Indigenous peoples. For more information about Tackapausha and the massacre of the Indigenous people of Long Island, click here.
“1680 Devil Worship – Bottle Popping Blamed on Indians” W. M. Michelfelder, World Telegram, Folder “Seaford Poltergeist,” Box D, Eileen J. Garrett Parapsychology Foundation Collection, Collection 331, Special Collections, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD).