The Sorceress of Lititz and Pennsylvania Dutch Powwowing

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.

Blending documented history with superstition and rural legend, this episode uncovers how immigrant heritage and deeply held belief shaped daily life in 19th-century Lancaster County—where faith, magic, and folklore often walked hand in hand. Read more on the Uncharted Lancaster website.

Read More!
Uncharted Lancaster’s Ghosts, Monsters, and Tales of Adventure takes readers on a 283-page 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.