Halloween Special: The Villa Montezuma Spiritualism Lantern Tour

Details

Step back into the Victorian era and experience the Villa Montezuma Museum as its original owner, pianist and spiritualist Jesse Shepard, intended—by the soft glow of lantern light.

This special nighttime tour offers a rare opportunity to explore one of San Diego’s most stunning historic homes in an intimate setting. With its richly carved woodwork, vibrant stained glass, and evocative ambiance, the Villa is more than just a preserved mansion—it is a reflection of a moment in time when art, belief, and mystery intertwined.

Led by historian Charles Spratley, the tour delves into:

• The life and legacy of Jesse Shepard
• The cultural and philosophical roots of Spiritualism
• The role of music, mysticism, and interior design in Shepard’s world
• A historically accurate discussion of séances, mediumship, and metaphysical exploration

This is not a ghost tour. The Villa Montezuma is considered by many to be “enchanted” rather than haunted, and this experience reflects that distinction. It is a reverent look at the past—not sensational, but deeply atmospheric and enlightening.

Details:

• Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Price: $35 per person
• Capacity: Limited to 15 guests per tour for an immersive, respectful experience
• Location: Villa Montezuma Museum, 1925 K Street (corner of 20th & K), San Diego, CA 92102
• Parking: Free residential parking available nearby

This is a rare opportunity to engage with San Diego history in one of its most iconic and mysterious homes. The event is ideal for those with an interest in Victorian architecture, music, 19th-century philosophy, and the roots of the American Spiritualist movement.

Advance reservations are essential. These limited gatherings often sell out quickly.

Let us take you beyond the surface—into the shadows, into the music, and into the mindset of a man who believed the veil between worlds was thin… and worth listening through.

This is a very RARE. Must attend event – go if you can the Villa is amazing!

Event Host

Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours