Podcast: The Sorceress of Lititz

Welcome to the Uncharted Lancaster Podcast, where we explore the hidden histories, forgotten places, and long-buried secrets of Lancaster County. Produced by Uncharted Lancaster and created using modern digital storytelling tools, each episode brings a new piece of local lore to life—revealing the strange, the surprising, and the stories history left behind.

This episode explores the strange and captivating story of Hannah Hetherley, the so-called “Sorceress of Lititz.” In late March of 1879, newspaper accounts thrust Hetherley into the spotlight as a practitioner of Braucherei, the Pennsylvania Dutch system of Christian folk magic often known as powwowing. Living in Lititz, Pennsylvania, she was said to heal ailments, tell fortunes, and most famously, lead secret midnight expeditions in search of buried treasure.

According to contemporary reports, Hetherley relied on incantations, charms, and old German texts to guide local farmers on fruitless hunts for a legendary chest of gold hidden somewhere in the countryside. But her story goes beyond treasure lore. This episode also examines the deeper roots of powwowing—a tradition brought to Pennsylvania by German immigrants that blended scripture, ritual, and practical folk remedies to treat illness, protect livestock, and recover stolen goods. Listen to the full episode here.

New episodes are released every Monday and Thursday, featuring documentary-style deep dives into lost landmarks, unfinished dreams, off-limits ruins, and the legends woven into Lancaster County’s landscape. If you enjoy what you hear, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and consider leaving a rating or review. It helps more listeners discover the show. Until next time, keep exploring.

Learn More

📖 Uncharted Lancaster’s Ghosts, Monsters, and Tales of Adventure takes readers on a spine-tingling journey through Lancaster County’s haunted history, eerie legends, and hidden treasures. From ghostly apparitions to outlaw loot, these 64 true local stories blend real history with gripping folklore.

Packed with history, local stories, and GPS locations, this book is your ticket to exploring the mysterious corners of Lancaster like never before. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a history buff, or just looking for a unique adventure, this field guide will spark your curiosity and send you exploring. Start your adventure here.

---

Never Miss a New Episode

Never miss a new article by signing up for email updates below. Be sure to follow Uncharted Lancaster on Facebook or Instagram for additional exclusive content.

---