Marjorie Johnson

The Fairy Investigator

Don’t believe in fairies? Why not? Marjorie T. Johnson (1911–2010), a remarkable figure in the realm of the paranormal, dedicated her life to exploring the existence of fairies and documenting encounters with these elusive beings. Her contributions to the Fairy Investigation Society (FIS) and her published works have left a lasting impact on the field of fairy lore.

This updated resource guide aims to put all relevant information about Marjorie T. Johnson’s contributions to fields of paranormal study in one place.

What did Marjorie Johnson do that was so influential?

Marjorie Johnson revitalized the Fairy Investigation Society.
Marjorie Johnson conducted a Fairy Census.
Marjorie Johnson authored an influential work on fairy sightings.

Modern-day fairy researchers like folklorist Simon Young credit Majorie’s with inspiring contributions to the field.

1. Marjorie Johnson revitalized the Fairy Investigation Society.

In 1950, Marjorie T. Johnson became the secretary of the revived Fairy Investigation Society, which had originally been established in 1927 but had fallen into obscurity during World War II. Under her leadership, the society attracted a diverse membership that included notable figures such as Walt Disney and various artists and writers who shared an interest in fairy lore. Marjorie was instrumental in reinvigorating the society’s mission, focusing on collecting and documenting firsthand accounts of fairy sightings from around the world.

Her role was not merely administrative; she actively engaged with members and enthusiasts, fostering a community dedicated to the exploration of fairy phenomena. This revitalization helped bridge traditional folklore with contemporary interests in the supernatural, making fairy studies more accessible and relevant to modern audiences.

2. Marjorie Johnson conducted a Fairy Census.

One of Marjorie’s most significant contributions was her ambitious project to compile a Fairy Census, which sought to gather reports of fairy sightings from individuals across English-speaking countries. Collaborating with folklorist Alasdair Alpin MacGregor, she solicited accounts through letters published in newspapers and magazines, eventually amassing around 400 detailed reports.

This effort was groundbreaking at the time; it represented one of the first systematic attempts to document modern beliefs and experiences related to fairies. The census not only validated personal experiences but also provided a rich resource for future researchers interested in the intersection of folklore, psychology, and cultural studies related to fairy sightings.

3. Marjorie Johnson authored an influential work on fairy sightings.

Marjorie’s dedication culminated in her book, Seeing Fairies: From the Lost Archives of the Fairy Investigation Society, published posthumously in 2014. This work is a compilation of over 400 authentic reports detailing encounters with fairies, showcasing her commitment to preserving these narratives for posterity.

In her writings, Marjorie approached fairy sightings with an open mind while firmly believing in their existence based on her own experiences as a child who claimed to have seen fairies. Her ability to present these accounts without skepticism allowed readers to explore the phenomenon without prejudice, encouraging further investigation into what many might dismiss as mere fantasy.

Marjorie T. Johnson’s legacy within the paranormal field is marked by her efforts to legitimize fairy studies through community engagement, systematic documentation, and thoughtful scholarship. Her work continues to inspire those interested in folklore and supernatural phenomena, reminding us that fairy encounters are not necessarily just an artifact of childhood imagination, but a universal human experience.