Rose Mackenberg

Medium Muckraker and Master of Disguise

Kicking ass and taking names! Rose Mackenberg (1892-1968) might not be popular with those in paranormal circles, but she really should be. Although she believed in the possibility of a spirit world, she saw that many grieving people were being deceived by charlatans. She took out the trash, leading the charge to expose fraudulent Spiritualist mediums. She was the wind beneath Houdini’s wings, although she usually doesn’t get any credit for her detective work. However, for over three decades, Rose led an incredibly high-profile crusade.

This updated resource guide aims to put all relevant information about Rose Mackenberg’s contributions to fields of paranormal study in one place.

What did Rose Mackenberg do that was so influential?

1. Rose Mackenberg was Harry Houdini’s chief investigator, exposing fraudulent mediums.
2. Rose Mackenberg continued her fraud-busting work for decades after Houdini’s death.
3. Rose Mackenberg educated the public about psychic fraud through writing and testimony.

1. Rose Mackenberg was Harry Houdini’s chief investigator, exposing fraudulent mediums.

In the early 1920s, Rose Mackenberg was working as a private detective in New York City when she was assigned a case involving a psychic who had recommended worthless stock to a local banker. This case led to her introduction to the famous magician Harry Houdini, who was waging his own crusade against fraudulent Spiritualists.

Impressed by Rose’s detective skills, Houdini offered her a job as an investigator to help him unmask con artists posing as Spiritualists. Initially hesitant due to her own belief in the possibility of communicating with the dead, Rose accepted the position, viewing it as an opportunity to test her beliefs.

Rose quickly became Houdini’s chief investigator, leading a team that would precede him in each city on his tour. Her role was to investigate local mediums and psychics, gathering evidence of their fraudulent practices, which Houdini would then expose during his performances.

To carry out her investigations, Rose developed a sophisticated method of disguise and deception. She would observe the characteristics of women likely to attend séances in a particular area and create a character based on those observations. Her disguises ranged from “small-town matron” to “credulous servant girl” to “a ‘vamp’ from the country”.

Rose’s investigative skills were put to the test in numerous cases. In Chicago, posing as a widow named Rosalind Richards, she exposed a prominent Spiritualist pastor named Herman Parker who attempted to defraud her by recommending investments in a fake company. In Indianapolis, she posed as a grieving mother to uncover the fraudulent practices of self-proclaimed Spiritualist leader Charles Gunsolas.

2. Rose Mackenberg continued her fraud-busting work for decades after Houdini’s death.

Houdini’s untimely death in 1926 did not deter Rose from her mission. For three more decades, she continued to investigate mediums on behalf of private citizens, insurance companies, banks, and other clients. Her persistence in exposing fraudulent practices earned her the nickname “The Spook Spy”.

Throughout her career, Rose claimed to have investigated over 1,500 mediums. Her work took her across the United States and around the world, as she tirelessly sought to uncover the tricks and deceptions used by fraudulent psychics and mediums.

Despite her extensive experience in exposing fraud, Rose maintained an open mind about the possibility of genuine communication with the spirit world. She often stated that she was not a skeptic and would be the first to acknowledge a genuine message from the beyond if she were convinced of its authenticity.

Rose’s continued work after Houdini’s death was crucial in maintaining public awareness of the potential for fraud in the Spiritualist movement. Her investigations helped protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by unscrupulous mediums and contributed to a more critical and discerning approach to claims of supernatural abilities.

3. Rose Mackenberg educated the public about psychic fraud through writing and testimony.

Throughout her career, Rose was committed to educating the public about the methods used by fraudulent mediums. She wrote extensively about her experiences and the techniques she had uncovered, publishing articles in popular magazines and newspapers.

In 1929, Rose wrote a series of articles titled “Houdini’s Mysterious Girl Detective,” which provided detailed accounts of her undercover work and the fraudulent practices she had exposed. These articles helped to inform the public about the deceptive techniques used by fake mediums and psychics.

Rose’s expertise was also recognized in legal settings. In 1926, she testified before a congressional hearing on fortune-telling in Washington, D.C.. Her testimony provided valuable insights into the methods used by fraudulent psychics and helped to shape public policy on the regulation of such practices.

In addition to her writing and testimony, Rose gave lectures and demonstrations to various groups, educating them about the tricks used by fraudulent mediums. Her work in this area was crucial in raising public awareness and helping people to protect themselves from exploitation.

Rose Mackenberg’s efforts to educate the public extended beyond her lifetime. She wrote a manuscript detailing her adventures in battling the “ghost racket,” titled “So You Want to Attend a Seance?” Although it remained unpublished during her lifetime, her work continues to be studied and referenced by those interested in the history of Spiritualism and psychic investigation.