Book series explores the supernatural in Elgin

The Elgin Area Historical Society Museum, located in Old Main on the campus of Elgin Academy, 316 Park St., will be the setting for the formal launch of a six-volume comprehensive overview of the "uncommon" history of the area.

"The Uncommon History of Elgin, Illinois and Surrounds" by Michael J. Murschel will be launched at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, with a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing.

Within this six-volume series are stories of ancient sites, sacred places where the veil between heaven and earth is thin, body snatchers, Big Foot/Yeti-type creatures, hidden symbols, lost graves, premature burials, and more.

These six volumes will take readers places they may never have known existed in the Fox River Valley. Filled with stories, anecdotes, history, full-color photography, diagrams, and illustrations, series author Murschel, widely published in religion, symbology, and culture, takes you to the shadowgrounds of Elgin and the Fox River Valley.

The first three volumes are now off the press, and include "The Haunted Landscape," "A, B, Seek and Find Elgin," and "Legends Worth Digging Up."

Each volume builds upon the previous ones, and the series provides a total vista of an alternative understanding of what this area holds in store for those curious and brave enough to explore.

Murschel draws upon local lore, legend, and hard history to piece together a landscape filled with the "other." A credentialed spiritual director, Murschel holds an master of arts degree in theology and pastoral care, and has advanced studies in comparative religions, folklore, spiritualism, metaphysics, the occult, I Ching, Tarot, sacred geometry, and symbology.

As Murschel often comments, "Of course, you don't have to believe these stories; but you should never ever discount them."

The series is currently available through Books at Sunset, 1100 South St., Elgin; the Elgin Area Historical Society Museum, and online at hallowshouse.com.