Significant Dates in the History of Spiritualism & the SNU

1848	The events at Hydesville that led to the formation of Modern Spiritualism.
1849	Margaretta Fox gave the first public demonstration of mediumship in the Corinthian Hall, New York, USA.
1852	Mrs Hayden came from America and became the first Spiritualist medium to demonstrate mediumship in Great Britain.
1853	The first Spiritualist church opened in 1853 in Keighley in Yorkshire.
1865	Emma Hardinge, returned to England where she gave addresses on the Philosophy of Modern Spiritualism and was recognised as a gifted medium.
1871	Sir William Crookes reported on Spiritualism to the Royal Society and published his findings in the 'Journal of Science'.
1890	The first national conference of Spiritualists was held in Manchester.
1901	Signing of the Memorandum of Association of the Spiritualists' National Union Ltd, 18th October.
1916	Parliamentary campaign began for the legal recognition of Spiritualism, instituted by the Union under Ernest Oaten.
1918	Sir Arthur Conan Doyle proclaims his belief in Spiritualism.
1924	Hannen Swaffer proclaims his belief in Spiritualism.
1931-5	Publication of J. Arthur Findlay's trilogy: On the Edge of the Etheric, The Rock of Truth, The Unfolding Universe.
1932	Psychic News founded by Arthur Findlay under the editorship of Maurice Barbanell.
1934	First broadcast on behalf of Spiritualism through BBC by Ernest Oaten.
1937	Spiritualism investigated by Church of England Committee set up by Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Lang. (Its favourable report was suppressed but leaked to Psychic News)
1940	Spiritualists' National Union granted Certificate to act as a trust corporation.
1944	Helen Duncan trial in London.
1951	Passing of Fraudulent Mediums Act removing genuine mediums from the provisions of the Witchcraft Act 1735 and the Vagrancy Act 1824, thereby enabling Spiritualists openly and legally to practise their religion.
1964 1966	Stansted Hall bequeathed to Spiritualists' National Union by Arthur Findlay MBE to be used as a College. Arthur Findlay College, for the advancement of Psychic Science, opened in September.
1990	SNU Centenary.
2008	The Fraudulent Mediums Act was repealed. Consumer protection law was extended to protect people who pay for mediumship services.