'John Hays Hammond Jr. & The Last Castle of America's Gilded Age' Webinar

Tickets: $12 (includes access to the full replay for one week)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1424817911729

Perched atop a weathered cliff 30 miles outside of Boston, a medieval castle commands sweeping views of Gloucester Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean — an imposing monument to the life’s work of a man once dubbed America’s “electronic sorcerer.” What truths — and fabrications — lie behind the Gilded Age inventor obsessed with power, mystery, and myth? It's time to step inside the strange and spectacular world of John Hays Hammond Jr., and uncover the scandal, genius, and secrets that built one of the most curious museums in the country.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the captivating life of John Hays Hammond Jr. and the one-of-a-kind castle he called home. From Gilded Age privilege and pioneering inventions to scandal, queer artistic circles, and architectural spectacle, this is the story behind one of America’s most eccentric visionaries — and the museum that bears his name.

Led by Caleb A. McMurphy, Director of Education at the Hammond Castle Museum, our unique experience will include:

• A look at Hammond’s Gilded Age upbringing and entry into high society
• An overview of his engineering feats, from radio control and military devices to early television and musical inventions
• A discussion of Hammond's personal life — from his relationship to Isabella Stewart Gardner and Gloucester's Queer 'Dabsville' enclave to his scandalous marriage to his wife Irene, a published astrologer and purported "student of the occult"
• An exploration of Hammond's extensive European travels during which he met with Popes and despots and personally assembled a vast collection of antiquities which make up the bulk of the Museum's collection."
• A glimpse into the Castle’s creation, highlighting artifacts, archival photos, primary documents, and the team that built the museum
• A deep dive into the design and symbolism of Hammond Castle Museum, from its medieval architecture and secret passages to the eclectic fusion of technology, artifacts, and personal mythology

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Caleb — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Caleb A. McMurphy
Caleb A. McMurphy is the Director of Visitor Services & Education at Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester, MA, where he leads the museum’s interpretive programming, educational initiatives, and public events. With a passion for blending history, technology, and culture, he has brought new life to the museum’s storytelling—highlighting everything from rare Roman artifacts and medieval architecture to the castle’s hidden connections to queer art circles and occult lore. His innovative approach to public engagement continues to deepen visitor appreciation for one of America’s most eccentric historic landmarks.
Learn more about the Hammond Castle Museum at www.hammondcastle.org.

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Photo Credit: Main - Carin Macnamara / Advanced Imaging ©2025
Categories: Virtual, Gilded Age