The Civil War is known as the bloodiest and most violent time in American’s history – totaling over half a million casualties and a divided nation, the country saw thousands of battles. An era filled with soldiers fiercely defending their beliefs, homes and fighting for rights, young men met their ends in mass numbers and their spirits lost in the tragedy of war were left with stories to tell. In Courtney’s Bury my Bones book series, she travels to battle sites, homes, cemeteries and more of the men and women involved in the Civil War searching for stories and spirits. The Civil War ghosts lecture highlights some of the men and women involved, notable battles and the spiritual beliefs of the 19th century that have carried through to today. From legends to hauntings, there’s no shortage of fascinating dark history from the mid-19th century.

Including Ghosts of Gettysburg:

Gettysburg is considered the deadliest battle of the Civil War, a 3-day battle in the sweltering July sun of 1863 led to the casualties of more than 50,000 people. Gettysburg is an area known for their hauntings and in fact, the hauntings of Gettysburg were reported upon the soldier’s arrival to the rural Pennsylvania town. Join Courtney for a talk about the ghost stories and notable deaths of the Civil War’s fiercest battle.

A nation burgeoned forward in the late 18th century and Patriots emerged to form a nation with less taxes and more freedoms. The American dream was born. Who were the Patriots involved? Who died for the cause and where did they live, fight and die. New England has no shortage of Revolutionary stomping grounds. Join Courtney on a journey through Connecticut’s notable Revolutionary sites and through tales of heroes, traitors and the souls left behind. Hear tales of Revolutionary Women, without whom the war could not have been won. Find out the paranormal and the historical --- and find out why they call Connecticut “still revolutionary.”

Courtney formed Seaside Shadows in 2013 highlighting the haunts of Mystic Country, Connecticut and expanding into surrounding regions throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Join Courtney for tales of ghosts, legends and lore around New England – perfect for the Halloween season or any haunted event. (Towns include: Mystic, New London, Groton (CT), Concord, Salem, (MA), Westerly (RI) and more. Find out other notable legends from surrounding regions.

Courtney’s first book and first tour travel through the heart of Connecticut’s famous seafaring village of Mystic. From it’s roots in the Pequot tribe, the early violence in the Pequot War and Mystic Massacre through to King Philip’s War, the Revolution, the industrial Revolution, the shipbuilding, the Civil War and more, Haunted Mystic’s lecture travels through the sites of Mystic’s notable residents, creepiest legends and fascinating dark history.

A favorite for garden clubs and special events – Courtney goes over the witchy history of herbs and the Goddesses of Egypt, Greece, Norway and more who inspired the legends behind the herbs and the healing tinctures. The mythical tales and biblical tales have taught us about the magic behind herbs and how to utilize them to healing. What healing can you conduct from your own garden and how can you add a bit of magic? Courtney goes over the tales and how-to’s in this unique lecture based on her web series Witchy Wednesday, tinctures are also available for sale.

Join Courtney for a talk or book the Virtual tour and stream from your library or organization to your clients. Courtney will walk downtown through the Witch City and give the tour while you take the walk digitally. Travel through the haunted history of notorious Salem, Massachusetts. From witch trials to sea captains and New England authors to ghost ships, Salem is filled with mysteries from centuries past. Step back into the past and hear not only the true events but real life ghost stories that abound in the infamous Witch City. What famous lady had concoctions to heal any ailment or pain? What Mayflower Pilgrim changed the face of Salem but was haunted by scandal? Who was Bridget Bishop really? What lurks in the harbor of Salem whose spectral sighting brings foreboding future? *Tap, tap* -- who crawls from the depths of the water below? And what did one of the most famous authors of all time truly think of his hometown of Salem? Meet the dark stories and true spirits of the Witch City, herself, Salem, Massachusetts on this Virtual Tour. Take the tour...and find out who haunts the city and let us know if the ghosts show up on your camera. (This tour can be converted into an in-person lecture upon request)

Courtney grew up in a house plagued by paranormal activity --- from the benign sounds of knocking doors, the sights of flickering lights and the hearing of footsteps, Courtney and her family were no stranger to the supernatural but lived among it as many old New England homes preserve some “character.” However, as the years passed, the activity escalated and a perfect storm of events took place – from darkness and chaos that swirled around the family, paranormal activity turned malevolent and frightening. By the time Courtney was 15, her mother called the famed Ed and Lorraine Warren to investigate. Find out what the storm was, what happened and how the Warren team became involved in the haunted home in East Hampton, Connecticut.

Have a spooktacular inn or restaurant and want to host a murder mystery dinner? Courtney and the Seaside Shadows team will write and design a murder mystery dinner perfect for your location and based on the real history!