Entry No. 33 — the Milwaukee file — filed under: witchy
Morris Pratt Institute
Established in 1889, the Morris Pratt Institute is the world's only Spiritualist college, operating out of a historic early 1900s building that houses a public Spiritualist library, museum, and gift shop.
The story
In 1889, a Wisconsin Spiritualist named Morris Pratt set out to build a formal center for psychic study, opening his original 'Temple of Psychic Science' in Whitewater. By the late 1930s, the institution relocated to Wauwatosa on Watertown Plank Road, where it has quietly operated ever since as the educational arm of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches—holding the distinction of being the world’s only Spiritualist college.
While the institute still runs formal educational programs on mediumship, spiritual healing, and Modern American Spiritualism, you don't need to enroll as a student to step inside. The venue houses a specialized public research library, a museum collection documenting the movement's history, and the Pratt and Spirit Gift Shop stocking classic texts on mediumship and spiritualist study.
What it's like
Pulling up to the historic building on Watertown Plank Road, you'll find an atmosphere that leans far more toward quiet academic archive than theatrical séance parlor. Inside, the setup includes specialized bookshelves and archival material alongside a gift shop carrying classic texts and novelty items. Because it functions primarily as an active educational center rather than a standard retail store, call ahead or verify their schedule before visiting to ensure the library and shop are open.
The move: Schedule a visit to browse their unique Spiritualist library and museum, then pick up a classic text on mediumship or a novelty item at the Pratt and Spirit Gift Shop.
- 📍 Wauwatosa
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 11811 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Mama Rosa the Troll — Pair a quiet afternoon in the Spiritualist library with a short trip to Firefly Grove Park to see Wauwatosa's colossal 24.5-foot recycled wood troll.
- Tres Ojos — Transition from academic Spiritualist history in Wauwatosa to custom spellcraft and modern metaphysical goods at this Bruja-run shop in West Milwaukee.
- Grimoire Girls Coven — Follow up your visit with a stop in West Allis to explore ritual supplies, occult tools, and practical workshops.
Good to know
What is the Morris Pratt Institute?
Founded in 1889, it is the world's only Spiritualist college and functions as the educational arm of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC).
Can the public visit without taking classes?
Yes. Visitors can access the public Spiritualist research library, view historical museum items, and browse the Pratt and Spirit Gift Shop.
Where is it located?
It is located at 11811 Watertown Plank Rd in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
What can you buy at the gift shop?
The Pratt and Spirit Gift Shop carries classic texts on mediumship, Spiritualist educational literature, and related novelty items.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Wikipedia · whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org · blogs.uww.edu
last checked: 2026-07-21