Cleveland. Cleveland, Cleveland, Cleveland. Home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Birthplace of Tracy Chapman. Land of a lotta potholes. And for the last ten years, it’s been the homebase for an inconspicuous witchcraft museum tucked away on Broadview Rd.
Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick is a museum displaying artifacts and paraphernalia relating to the practice of witchcraft, or Wicca, from a privately-owned collection. This isn’t an establishment that dramatizes or sensationalizes certain tragic times in American history. Rather, it is a rare opportunity to learn about actual witchcraft, notable practitioners, those who practice the craft, and its background. It also includes preternatural, New Age subjects like ESP, palmistry, and the like.
So, why is it named “Buckland” museum? After it’s founder, of course! Raymond Buckland was a practicing Witch who is credited for bringing Gardnerian Witchcraft to the United States in the 60s. He wrote dozens of books on the subject, his most notable and impactful being Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft.
From the museum’s website:
“Raymond Buckland founded The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in 1966. After visiting the late Gerald Gardner and his collection on the Isle of Man, Raymond was inspired to start a collection of his own. While working for British Airways, he was able to acquire many of the artifacts in this collection from all around the world. He initially displayed his museum on a few shelves in the basement of his Long Island, N.Y. home. However, over time, Raymond’s witchcraft collection rapidly grew to well over 500 artifacts. This was the first museum of its kind in the United States with an anthropological approach to the world of folklore and the supernatural.“
After a few location changes, the museum moved to Cleveland in 2015. Two years later, Buckland would sadly pass away.
Director Steven Intermill is a calm, welcoming presence the moment you meet him. After confirming times and ticket purchases, he guides you into the museum proper, where the thing that’s bound to catch your eye first is a royal purple robe enclosed in a glass case. To the right of this is a large white circle painted on the floor. You’ll get to that later as Steven introduces to you Buckland and his first wife, Rosemary, along with other key figures in their story.
The director’s approach is one of humor and levity. He isn’t here to convert you or scare you. Education and information is the mission, and a few dad jokes aren’t going to hurt. Steven knows the collection very, very well, and can answer most likely any question you have. And please, ask questions. You’re going to see items here you’ll never see again or anywhere else.
From there, it’s a kaleidoscope of history displayed in curio cabinets and arranged on walls. The assortment of information is sprawling; something is bound to speak to you. You can learn about athames, the double-edged knives used in ceremonies. You can observe an actual mandrake root and learn about its uses in spell work. Behold the old magazines, records, and books graced with figures that pop culture buffs will recognize. Fans of Anna Biller’s The Love Witch will find a token of appreciation in one of the cases. Get lost reading about a religion and its origins. Gander at warped spoons and forks from Lilydale, the famous Spiritualist community in New York. Hear the tea about Aleister Crowley and Anton Lavey (and that crazy taxidermy fish thing in the cabinet).
The storefront of the museum is a well-stocked gift shop. It’s an excellent stop for crystals, candles for spell work, tarot cards, pendulums, and most importantly, books. The selection here is not the metaphysical section at Barnes & Noble, people.
This was my second time visiting. There’s too many objects to look at and too many stories to hear in a singular trip. There were some changes since my first visit. The museum now has a room dedicated to its radionics collection. The metal pendulums, wishing machines, and vintage books inside make the list for things I could never dream up. There is also a stunning art gallery to the right of the entrance. There are plenty of cool items that stick out in memory, but what I enjoyed most were the stories. Being present with a storyteller is a kind of magic in itself. It’s not a video or a livestream. It’s not edited information that you can stow away on your phone for later. It’s a lived, shared moment that leaves the best impression.
This is definitely one of my favorite museums I’ve ever been to. It’s a proper museum, you know? Not just in name but the spirit of the place. The experience is intimate and fascinating. It feels safe to be clueless here, to be curious and inquire. Those with an interest in the occult, witchcraft, or starting the craft should visit with an open heart and leave with an open mind.
Before You Go:
Admission is $8 + fees online, $10 + fees at the door.
Parking is available directly behind the building. Please visit the website for detailed instructions and maps.
This is a tour with a guide and your party is expected to pay attention.
Non-flash photography is permitted.
Haunted by Deadlines 