Nick Richbell, PhD
I research how Spiritualism, psychic phenomena, and the paranormal have been documented, debated, and remembered - as an archivist, historian, and author.
Official Dr. Spooky
Archivist | Historian | Author
Archives, Spiritualism, and the History of the Unseen
New book forthcoming September 10, 2026:
Silver Birch’s Medium: Maurice Barbanell & Twentieth-Century Spiritualism
Latest Book Project
My next book, Silver Birch’s Medium: Maurice Barbanell and Twentieth-Century Spiritualism, tells the story of Maurice Barbanell, the medium who shaped twentieth-century Spiritualism through his channeled entity, Silver Birch.
Out September 10, 2026.
Podcast and media appearances
I speak about Modern Spiritualism, archives, and historical research on podcasts and in public conversations.
Hidden History Chronicles - Maurice Barbanell's Life And Legacy In Spiritualism
A conversation on how one medium’s story shaped a century of belief.
Hidden History Chronicles - Voices From Beyond: Inside Thomas Lacey's Séances
The story of Spiritualism in small town Canada.
About Me
My work sits at the intersection of archives, belief, and the history of the unseen. As an archivist and historian, I explore how spiritualism, psychic phenomena, and other contested subjects are documented, debated, and remembered.