National Spiritualist Association of Churches 

Lyceum History

The history of the Lyceum is rooted in the Greek word Lukeios, referring to a grove near Athens where Aristotle and other philosophers engaged in free interaction and taught lessons primarily pertaining to nature while strolling with their pupils. In America, the first Spiritualist Lyceum was organized by Andrew Jackson Davis on January 25, 1863, at Dodsworth Hall on Broadway in New York. Davis chose the name "Lyceum" for this Spiritualist Sunday School because of revelations he received regarding how children learn in the Spirit World. His vision was to bring this celestial style of education to the earth plane, allowing children to study natural science and learn the truth and laws of nature.