Parapsychology Foundation Incorporated
New York, NY 10021-0043
Phone: (212) 628-1550
- Directions:
- 6 at 68th St
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm
Editorial Review for Parapsychology Foundation Incorporated – by Drew Pisarra
The History
Americans have a history of skepticism when it comes to parapsychology. No wonder it took two highly enterprising women to found PFI--dedicated as it is to the study and research of telekinesis, telepathy and other hard-to-explain psychic phenomenon. One was the founder: medium Eileen Garrett; the other, her avid supporter: millionaireness-congresswoman Frances P. Bolton. Established in 1951, the institute has been fulfilling its unusual mission at its current address since 1980.
The Collection
You'll have little trouble imagining famous 19th-century Theosophist Madame Blavatsky holding seances in the library downstairs. The ground floor's parlour-like rooms relate the coziness of an old-fashioned study as wooden shelves line the walls with a good portion of the 10,000 books in the collection. (A small patio in the back lets you read outdoors when the sunshine permits.) Upstairs, a smaller room holds rarer properties as well as videos, CD-ROMs and audio cassettes.
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Insider Tips
World AuthoritiesThe foundation's approach is international in scope. You'll find texts in French, Italian and Spanish--not just English. You can even find a book about parapsychology written in Esperanto.
Strengthened IdeasWant to see the future or read your mother's mind? The library has books that evaluate your psychic abilities and manuals that teach you how to develop your powers.
Open to the PublicEven though PFI is a private institution, curious parties can walk right in off the street. But if you're looking to watch a videotape, you should call ahead since this non-lending library's viewing room only seats one person at a time.
West Side CounterpartThe American Society for Psychical Research is also committed to explaining paranormal experiences.
