Curators' Insights & Exhibition Previews: Inside the Faraday Cage & A Tale of Two Pianos

Join us for a special Presentation and Exhibition Preview celebrating the opening of our two new Spring and Summer temporary exhibitions: Inside the Faraday Cage: The Science of Things That Aren’t So and a mini-exhibit A Tale of Two Pianos.

This exclusive preview offers guests early access to both exhibitions, along with curator-led presentations that provide insight into the ideas, individuals, and historical context behind the work.

Evening program:
5:30 pm–6:00 pm Networking
6:00 pm–6:45 pm Presentations
6:50 pm–7:30 pm Tours of the Exhibit

Light refreshments will be served.

Curatorial Director John Leysath will present an in-depth exploration of Hammond’s 1951 Faraday cage experiments, conducted in collaboration with physician and parapsychologist Andrija Puharich and renowned psychic medium Eileen Garrett. His talk examines the broader landscape of mid-20th-century psychic research, the tension between belief and skepticism, and the importance of scientific rigor in the study of paranormal phenomena. The presentation also considers the wider influence of this research, including its connections to government-funded investigations.

The exhibition Inside the Faraday Cage features a life-size, non-working replica of the experimental apparatus, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step inside and engage with the physical environment of Hammond’s investigations.

Assistant Curator Donovan Lafontaine will introduce A Tale of Two Pianos, a focused installation exploring the history behind Hammond’s three major musical inventions. The ‘Pirafon’ piano, a combination radio, phonograph, and piano instrument, and the ‘Tonal Pedal’ piano, a system of organ swell-like, movable shutters for piano instruments. The mini-exhibit will also feature an interactive model of the ‘Tonal Pedal’ system, for viewers to better understand its features.

Advance reservations are required. Space is limited for this preview experience.

Museum members and VIP guests enjoy complimentary admission.
A $15 fee applies to the general public.