Getting Witchy with the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick

The moment I learned that William Mortensen’s “Witches” exhibition would be on display at the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick back in 2019, I became obsessed with the museum. Which I still have not yet been to.

However, I found a different way to experience it, via an interview with its director and co-owner, Steven Intermill. He graciously accepted my request for a chat. You can listen or watch the whole thing on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts from. Links to enjoy it both ways are included below.

But here’s a quick overview of what we talked about.

Buckland Firsts

Confession time: I rarely know how I’ll begin a conversation with a guest, but this time the natural starting place seemed to be with the museum’s origin story. Because if I’d done my research correctly, it had interesting roots, starting with its namesake, Raymond Buckland.

Steven affirmed I had most of the story correct. Raymond was the first open Wiccan (not Wicca as I had mistakenly said) in the U.S., and the museum of witchcraft and magick that is named for him is a first too.

Of course, there is the Witch Museum in Salem, but that’s more about the history of the Salem witch trials and not so much a museum about the history or craft of witches.

The Museum During COVID

Prior to my call with Steven, I checked out the Google reviews for the museum as part of my research prep for our chat. I was curious if there was something that everybody consistently said they liked seeing when they visited the museum or that they found particularly interesting.

I found two things, neither of which I was expecting. I’ll get to them both, but let’s start with the rave reviews appreciating Steven’s handling of COVID precautions.

In addition to admitting the pandemic has been a humbling experience for him, he also explained it’s been a learning one too. He’s learned a lot about himself, his visitors and their health, and how it all flows into the museum’s makeup.

But even with all the hard parts, Steven maintained a good sense of humor about the challenges COVID has presented. He was very frank saying he has to put precautions in place to protect himself because if the museum shuts down, who knows how long it’ll be before it can reopen.

But here’s where the humor comes in.  He joked about the headlines that would surely follow, like, “Outbreak at the witchcraft museum.” Oh yeah. You know it would!

The other thing the Google reviews shared in common was high marks for Steven himself. People appreciated all the knowledge he imparts and stories about the artifacts that he shares during the tour of the museum.

He explained that some people come to the museum understanding it showcases the “rockstars of witchcraft.” However, most people don’t have an appreciation of the artifacts. They’re just curious about a witchcraft museum.

However, when he puts it into context for them and explains what it is they’re seeing, they have a whole different appreciation for it and enjoyment in visiting the museum.

Steven’s Mom and the Crystal Ball

A story he shared with me about one of the artifacts was about a crystal ball owned by a famous witch from the 1960s named Sybil Leek.

He talked about how his mom and dad came to the museum for the opening to show their support. They found people lined up down the block and were a bit surprised, but then his mom spotted Sybil Leek’s crystal ball. She was all, “I remember her! She was always on the television in the 60s. This is the kind of stuff you have here? Cool!”

Those weren’t her exact words. I’m paraphrasing what he said, but this story tickled me because I could totally see his mom’s realization when she finally understood what the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick was all about.

Exhibitions

I also realized during the chat that it was Steven who sent me info about the “Apparitions” exhibition after he’d discovered my write-up about the “Witches” one. “Apparitions” ends at the end of February.

But in March a new exhibition will begin: “Transmutations: Witches, Healers and Oracles.” It’s a photo show featuring pieces by modern witchcraft photographers as well as older vernacular pieces.

It’s curated by Stephen Romano, who also did the “Apparitions” exhibit.

To Listen to the Episode

To Watch the Episode

For More Info

To buy tickets and plan a visit to the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick, visit https://bucklandmuseum.org/.

Check-In

Did you know the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick existed in Cleveland?