TeslaCon 2025 Programing Schedule

All panels run 90 minutes: 60 minutes for presentation, 15 minutes for Q&A, 15 minutes for cleanup and reset for next panel. Please make sure to give the next person ample time to set up. Please remember to arrive early for the panel so it may start on time. Those giving A Presentation remember to bring your OWN computer and if possible cord /jack for the projectors. Thank You!   * Asterisk is for kids programming

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6th

Registration opens at 10:30AM

Panels are listed BY Room & Time

Blue Dragon Room

12-1:30PM

Arcane -The Series / Open discussion with fans

Join fellow fans and discuss the series and games as they explore their version of steampunk on both screens. A look into a very adverse filled and exciting show on Netflix, along with video games.

1:30- 3:00PM

Stories with the Steampunk Pope / RJ Lundgren

Since 2013 R.J. has traveled as, The First Irish Pope, His Hooleyness, Malarkey I and, in 2014 added The Steampunk Pope, His Radiance, Brother Barnabas Brass-Boilerplate. Learn how it all began, and the amazing stories from the past 13 years.

3:00PM- 4:30PM

Fairies, Folklore & Superstitions of the later Victorian Age / Kelsey Josephson

Come learn about the real influence of fairies and folklore during the Victorian age! Topics will include the origins of the London Folklore Society, clashes between academic folklorists and fairy-beliefs among spiritualists, debates on ‘Psycho-folklore’, and strange superstitions.

4:30PM- 6:00PM

*What is Steampunk- A Primer -101 / Captain Questor

Let's talk about the origin, history, and culture of steampunk! An introductory presentation for those who are new to steampunk or just want to know more about it.

7:00PM 8:30PM

How history’s timeline can inspire Steampunk / Victor Wong

Stuck for ideas on your next Steampunk project? Then this presentation is for you! We'll look at various periods in history from advent of the Newcomen Engine to Project Apollo, and show how their features can combine with today's concepts to inspire a Steampunk / Dieselpunk / Atompunk cosplay, prop or persona!

Green Dragon Room

12-1:30PM

Is that a dead bird on her head? The fabulous history of Edwardian hats / Yosa Addiss

Edwardian ladies' hats are some of the biggest, most extravagant ever made. The early 20th Century style for giant feathers on these hats brought an extreme demand for feathers, and sometimes entire birds to trim them. I'll show some great memes from the time, and talk about the Great Hatpin Peril. Let's also learn about the women who helped save the birds, create the fist National Wildlife Refuge, and the Audubon Society.

1:30- 3:00PM

Corsets Unlaced: History, How-To, and Scandalous Secrets!  / Kristen Darville Foggie

Discover the fascinating evolution of the corset—from fashion staple to cultural icon. Learn best practices for comfortable wear, and get the inside scoop on outrageous myths and legendary tales. Join us for a lively, eye-opening session that’s sure to tighten your knowledge and loosen your laughter!

3:00PM- 4:30PM

RUNE Reading and Divination  PG-13* / Liz George’s

We all know the story — Odin hung himself upside down in Yggdrasil, the World Tree, upside down for nine days and nine nights to obtain the knowledge of the RUNES. Fortunately, you do not have to do that to learn about the Elder Futhark and how to use them for wisdom. Learn the basics of what each of the 24 runes means, and how to do a basic divination spread.
*(some of the myths that get referenced are violent and/or sexual)

4:30PM- 6:00PM

What sciences knew in 1894  /  David Levine

An overview of the state of scientific knowledge in 1894, including what was well established, what was new or controversial, and what they didn’t know or got wrong. Topics include Physics (Light and the Luminiferous Aether, Electromagnetism, and Atomic Theory), Chemistry (The Karlsruhe Congress, The Periodic Table, and Isomers), Astronomy (The Solar System, The Sun, The Stars, and The Galaxy), and Paleontology.

7:00PM 8:30PM

Mad Science of the past / Carl Klinger

This discussion will cover "mad" scientists and devices, through history, including a few from the modern Era. There will be demonstrations of my own devices, and a quick course on how to become a mad scientist yourself!

Yellow Dragon Room

12-1:30PM

Fancy/Exotic hair braids / John Wardale

Hands on workshop: Learn to do ropes, 4-strand "round" braids, classic (3-strand) French and (3-strand) Dutch (or inverted-French or underhand) as well as a Crown braid (technically a horizontal modified (3-strand) French braid) and other advanced ideas like 5 and 7-strand fingering techniques; as well as shapes like hearts, spirals and a pull-up-weave. Tailored to the desires and abilities of the audience.
BYO-Brush, or use one provided.

1:30- 3:00PM

History of the Sami / DJ Palama

While mostly introduced to many people with Disney's film "Frozen," the Sami are an indigenous group native to Europe's Arctic Circle. This panel aims to look at the Sami's history from their arrival to the Arctic Circle to present.

3:00PM- 4:30PM

Tasting Viking History, with the Swedish Chefs / Molly Ketchum

A Show and Tell and Taste presentation. Find out what kind of food the Vikings ate, and how they prepared it (and what it tasted like!) What typical Viking food was still being prepared in Arendal in the late 1800s?

4:30PM- 6:00PM

TeslaCon 15 / The Tale of Arendal Story / Deb Miller (Tentative)

7:00PM 8:30PM /

*Flamingo Gnome Jousting! / Mr. Steeps

You read it right, and it IS what it is! Kid Friendly!

Red Dragon Room

12-7:00PM

CLUE GAME ROOM  / Lance and Amy Larsen

Teal Dragon Room

12-1:30PM

OPEN TIME

1:30- 3:00PM

OPEN TIME

4:30PM- 6:00PM

Basic Leatherwork 101 / RJ Lundgren

Learn the basics of leatherwork, what kinds leather, tools, a huge glossary of descriptions, and links.

7:00PM 8:30PM

Gear Up & Sing: Karaoke!-Activities /Catherine  & Katrina Whaley

Whether you're a seasoned singer or just here for the fun, this is your time to shine! Join us for an evening of karaoke with your TeslaCon friends.

GAMING

4-10PM

GAMING ROOM / Jason Dean

VAESEN NORDIC HORROR plus OTHER GAMES INTRODUCTION TO THE GAME

Vaesen - Nordic Horror Roleplaying" is a game based on the work of Swedish illustrator and author Johan Egerkrans. Join us for an introduction and overview of this easy to learn game that takes you into a dark Victorian Gothic setting steeped in Nordic folklore and old myths of Scandinavia. We will also look at several other popular Steampunk related roleplaying games such as "Cthulhu by Gaslight" and "Victoriana," all of which are available to play in the Teslacon Gaming Room.

All Vaesen Games

4PM- The Devil on the Moor / the player characters travel to a godforsaken moor on the west coast of Jutland, where ambitious engineers have awakened dark forces in their quest to tame and modernize the landscape.

7PM- A Winter’s Tale / Wherein the characters suffer an accident, get stuck in the dark cold, and are challenged by a mysterious adversary under the glittering winter stars.

8PM- A Wicked Secret /  In which the player characters seek out a small village in the northern woods,

where they encounter a sawmill, a medieval church, and a guardian beast…

CLUE ROOM

Instructions for the game DIRECTLY after Thursday Dinner / roughly 7:30PM Everyone needs to meet who is doing the game.

ODIN STAGE

8:30PM

Bedtime stories with Lord Bobbins / Lord Bobbins

9:30- 10:30PM

Electro-neo-swing-rave-tango-thing-Activities / Jashin Lin

Makers Room

12-1:30PM

OPEN TIME

1:30- 3:00PM

Hooray for Appliqué! Craft a door banner with fabric / Melissa Anunson

Perfect for beginners, this hands-on session will introduce you to beginner applique techniques that can be used in costumes, props, and decor. After a brief demonstration, you’ll design and create your own 8"x12" hanging canvas door banner (no sewing required!) -- an excellent way to mark your hotel room with flair. All ages are welcome, but adult supervision is encouraged due to the use of sharp scissors and irons.

3:00PM- 4:30PM

Make Your Own Runes / Danielle Lieber

During this makers panel, crafters will make their own set of divination runes. While everyone is making their glass runes, the presenter will discuss using runes for divination and other ways to make them.

Price for this panel is $10.

4:30PM- 6:00PM

A Royal Christmas: Make Your Own Ornaments With Victoria and Albert / Catherine  & Katrina Whaley

Step back in time to a Victorian Christmas with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as your royal guides! In this hands-on crafting session, you'll learn how to create your very own pushpin or decoupage Christmas ornament, just like the ones that adorned the royal tree.

Materials fees: Pushpin Ornament: $5  /  Decoupage Ornament: $2

7:00PM 8:30PM

Wayfarer's Junk Journal: Create your Own Teslacon Travel Diary / Melissa Anunson  

Embark on a journey of creativity and adventure by crafting your own paperbag Wayfarer’s Junk Journal, the perfect companion for your Teslacon experience! A junk journal is a handcrafted book made from daily ephemera: repurposed papers, fabrics, and found objects. It is ideal for recording notes, sketches, keepsakes, and memories from your time at the convention. Whether you're documenting fascinating panels, collecting autographs from newfound friends, or sketching the latest in aetheric fashion, this journal will become a treasured artifact of your Teslacon travels! All supplies included. Each attendee will receive everything they need to make a book and keep the journal going all weekend, including a small scissors and glue stick. $8 Fee

10th Floor Panel Room

4:45-6:30PM

Calamity Labs Presents: We Do The Weird Stuff /  Calamity Dawn

Weird, unusual, or forgotten drinks will be explored. Adult 21+ ID needed

Art Show

12:30-5PM SET UP  /  6-8PM SET UP

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7th

Registration opens at 9:00AM

Panels are listed BY Room & Time

Blue Dragon Room

10-11:30AM

Viking Explorers: Coming to America?- / Molly Ketchum  

The Vikings were great explorers. There is archeological evidence of some settlement in North America, but many speculative stories too. Did the Vikings explore more of the New World hundreds of years before Columbus?

11-1:00PM

RUNE Reading and Divination for VIP Ticket Holders  PG-13* / Liz George’s

We all know the story — Odin hung himself upside down in Yggdrasil, the World Tree, upside down for nine days and nine nights to obtain the knowledge of the RUNES. Fortunately, you do not have to do that to learn about the Elder Futhark and how to use them for wisdom. Learn the basics of what each of the 24 runes means, and how to do a basic divination spread.
*(some of the myths that get referenced are violent and/or sexual)

1:00- 2:30PM

Beware the Good Folk! Why fairies are not what you think. / Captain Questor

In European folklore, fairies are often portrayed as capricious and dangerous beings, far from the whimsical, friendly creatures of modern tales. Traditionally, they are depicted as mischievous and sometimes malicious, embodying a complex duality that reflects the unpredictable nature of the natural world. Many stories warn of their tendency to deceive, abduct, or punish humans for perceived slights, with encounters often leading to misfortune or chaos. Let's explore their darker true origins in European cultures and the cautious relationship between humans and the fairy realm.

2:30-4:00PM

Organizing A Local Steampunk Event for Beginners: A Bull Session / Victor Wong

Ever thought about organizing a steampunk event for your local group, but never figured out how? Then this panel is for you! We'll discuss the types of events you can do, including picnics, photo ops, duels and movie nights. We'll show you how to apply a military method to getting everything planned, and help you with strategies to maximize the number of people attending! (And if you already have experience with organizing events, come attend and share your experiences!

4:00PM- 5:30PM

Where Cod is King: Life in 19th Century Western Norway / Marsha Hamilton

Using slides taken on two cruises through the fjords of western Norway and at an open air museum of 19th century Norwegian life and culture, I will talk about western Norwegian rural life in the 19th century and how it was shaped by the country's climate, mountains, and fjords. The talk will describe the primacy of fishing and the export of dried fish to the 19th century western Norwegian economy, illustrated by slides from a museum of fishing boats, almost identical in design to early Viking ships. It will also describe the impact of Germany on western Norway, both in the political influence of the Hanseatic League in Bergen (with slides from my trip to Bergen and the Hanseatic League buildings there) and the impact of Kaiser Wilhem's rebuilding of the city of Ålesund after it burned down, which is why many Norwegians retained positive feelings for Germany and the Kaiser. The talk will also describe conditions in western Norway that led people to emigrate to the United States in the 19th century. This is G-rated, focused on history and material culture.

5:30- 7:00PM

Costuming with Character  / Brett King  & Nina Beatrix

Creating a memorable costume starts with a great concept. But what next? Costumers Brett King and Nina Urban share their processes for turning ideas into complete costumes that will turn heads and tip hats, regardless of your skill level! They’ll cover how to conceptualize a design, how to source materials, how to pick up new skills, how to assemble, and how to present your costume to look fantastic in photos and on the contest stage.

9:00PM-!0:30PM

Forbidden Images / The Krieger’s

You must be 18+ to attend this event.

Come, sit, and enjoy the finer photography of the age..ahem. Forbidden Images returns with more wild, crazy and we dare say adult humor.

ID’s will eb checked at the door.

Green Dragon Room

10AM- 11:30AM

Steampunk Character Creation: Crafting, Evolving, and Embodying Your Unique Persona / Kathryn & Stephen Poe  

Whether you're new to steampunk or a seasoned airship captain, developing and evolving your character is an exciting journey. Explore how historical inspiration, quirky traits, and creative costumes can bring your persona to life. Learn about valuable research tools, discover how to integrate unique accessories, and find ways to weave your character’s story into the steampunk world. Join us for tips, resources, and shared experiences on crafting a character that’s as dynamic and imaginative as the world you inhabit.

11:30AM-1:00PM

Dining With The Ambassador - Afternoon Tea / Kevin Steil

Join The Airship Ambassador as we review a number of recipes from the 1800s to build a menu for an afternoon tea.

1:00- 2:30PM

The Victorian Workhouse: Hell or Haven-Presentation / Patti Schulz  

When you hear the term Victorian Workhouse, do you think pitiful food? Families broken up? Meaningless work? Come and learn what the workhouse was really like. What was their nefarious purpose? Who went to the workhouse? What did inmates do all day? What did they eat? Determine for yourself, was The Victorian Workhouse: Hell or Haven.

2:30PM- 4:00PM

Magic and Machines: Steampunk Fairy Tales / Kelsey Josephson  

What happens when you mix the world-building of steampunk and combine it with the beloved lore of fairy tales? Come learn about examples of steampunk fairy tales in all kinds of media, then listen to a reading of The Clockwork Coffin, a Gothic fairy tale retelling with a steampunk twist.

4:00PM- 5:30PM

The Return of Punking Your Plushies  /  Kathryn Poe

In the decade+ since HG Cephalopod made his debut, many of you have started bringing your critters to TC. Getting them spiffed up and TC ready can be fun but challenging too. Come learn how to steampunk plush creatures great and small.
We'll cover things like:
-Overall approach
-How to get started
-Design ideas
-Finding supplies and more.

Please bring your plushie friends and any supplies you don't need can go on the freebies table for anyone to grab. You never know what you will find!

5:30PM-6:30PM

Tales Set In Stone / Paul Rambow

on Germanic tombs and megaliths that will include a few of the myths and legends associated with them. One of my own tales, "In the Moving Time" will be included, as it tells the legend of a Wendish chief associated with the first large megalith and tomb erected and built in the Northland.

Yellow Dragon Room

10-11:30PM

Zhuzh Your Shoes: Upcycling Footwear with Flair / Melissa Anunson

Learn how to transform thrift store finds into the perfect complement to your costume using painting, fabric application, gilding, glittering, sewing on accents, and more. Discover techniques to take your footwear from flat to fabulous. I'll share the tools and supplies that have worked the best for me. This will be a lecture format with hands-on examples and time for Q&A.

11:30- 1:00PM

Sewing 101 / Sharon Byers

Have never sewn before? I am here to take the scary out of the sewing machine. Let me show you some tips, trick, and just plain useful information to get you started on making your own beautiful creations.

1:00PM- 2:30PM

OPEN

2:30PM- 4:00PM

Who Shall Watch the Watches? A Presentation about Pocket Watches / Gregory Rihn

This presentation will discuss the history and evolution of the iconic steampunk accessory, the pocket watch. Explains many useful terms and concepts for the watch buyer, illustrated, and with some examples from the presenter's own collection.

4:00PM 5:30PM

Scary Christmas! The Old Magic and lore of Nordic Yule. / Georgie Schnobrich

Discover the elves, trolls and witches in the Christmas tradition. Georgie will read from "The Old Magic of Christmas" by Raedisch, and "The Scary Book of Christmas Lore" by Rayborn. One hour .

5:30PM-6:30PM

Museum of Wonder Curator’s Lecture / Bailey McRae

Red Dragon Room

11-7:00PM

CLUE GAME ROOM  / Lance and Amy Larsen

Teal Dragon Room

11:30- 3:30PM

Museum of Wonder and Awe / Bailey MacRae

Curiosities, Oddities, Artifacts, and Relics from the 11 corners of the globe! Learn how the Curator discovered the most wonder-ful and awe-ful exhibits, including Two Perfectly Identical Snowflakes, the World's Smartest Hat, and the Bucket of Immortality!

4:00PM- 5:30PM

Airship Rainbow: A Steampunk LGBTQ+ Meetup / Catherine & Katrina Whaley

Meet up with your fellow LGBTQ+ Steampunks! Play icebreaker games, enjoy light refreshments, and meet new friends. Allies welcome!

GAMING

12PM- 10:00PM

GAMING ROOM / Jason Dean

VAESEN NORDIC HORROR plus OTHER GAMES / All Vaesen Games

12:00 PM The Llantywyll Incident / The player characters travel to a mining village in Wales, where they must find some way to make peace between the spirits of the local mine and a zealous minister determined to rid the valley of its pagan superstitions.

3:00 PM Fireheart / This mystery brings the player characters to the deep southern woods of Smolandia. These lands are ravaged by heatwaves and wildfires, triggering poverty, hunger, and mass emigration to America. The player characters are drawn into the situation by two brothers who run an ironworks by the shore of Lake Hären. Can they uncover the cause of the fires and save the area from ruin?

4:00 PM Dance of Shadows / The mystery begins with the player characters being called to the Witch Cat Inn south of Upsala. Private detective Olaus Klint has noticed strange things going on there, and reaches out to the player characters for help. The clues tell of a murder that took place fifty years ago, and in the confrontation the player characters get the opportunity to give an angry and confused revenant the peace he desires. The events take place in late fall or winter.

7:00 PM The Song of the Falling Star / Wherein a promise is broken, a child is swapped, a man is faced with a difficult decision, and two powerful forces collide in the light and shadows of the Kaali crater.

8:00 PM  Mystery at Trollhaven  / When a ferry captain discovers a mysterious happening at a remote village in a Norwegian fjord, Lord Bobbins calls in his best and brightest paranormal investigators to solve the mystery.

This is a Cthulhu by Gaslight based game for up to 6 player 18+. Characters and dice provided.  No Roleplaying experience necessary.

ODIN STAGE

1:00PM-2:30PM

The Witch Dance / Marti Sterin

Practice session for those who wish to perform!

9:30- 10:30PM

Lyn’s Bother

7:00PM

Opening Ceremonies / Official Opening of games  

Directly after opening

Waltzing Until 9:30PM

Gnome Rave Until 10:30PM

Long Room

10:00AM-12:00PM

CLOTHES SWAP-The Giant Rummage Event

Bring in your old, well cared for clothes and exchange them for something old, new, different! This event is open to all TeslaCon members looking for a new frock, hat, vest or knickers! Please remember to have clothes clean and presentable when dropping them off. There is no fee for this event. Donations start at 9:30AM

12:00PM-1:30PM

*Hamster Wars / Lise Leher Hansen

Explore the excitement of pitting animatronic rodents against one another in a steampunk battle arena. Cheer on the combatant of your choice and experience the thrill of watching your champion destroy its opponents (or at least knock them over).

1:30PM-3:00PM

Needle Felting Fairies, Gnomes & Nordic symbols / Barbara Stadtler

Learn to needle felt your own fairies, gnomes or Nordic symbols. Felting materials will be provided. Decorate clothing or make your own brooch.

3:00PM-4:30PM

*Steampunk Nerf Gun Duels Contest / Captain Questor

Defend your honor and demonstrate your martial prowess with dueling pistols! Defeat your adversaries and win prizes, fame, fortune, and bragging rights! Admission to the contest is free; everyone is welcome to participate!

DINNER SETUP AT 4:30PM Room must be cleared

Makers Room

10:00AM-12:00PM

*Gnome Stuffy- / Denise Odigie

Come create a no-sew gnome stuffy. Materials and tools will be available to customize your new friend to match your own personality. Kit fees should be between $10 and $15, I will know better when I have the desired class size and have purchased some of the materials. Supervisor required for children.

12:00PM-1:30PM

Tailoring, fitting & thrift store finds / Janine Wardale

Sew and no sew options for transforming thrift store finds through tailoring and fitting. Men’s and Women’s.

*This is not about shopping! I will come with a laundry basic full of thrift store finds and give people ideas. Did you know that you can convert a single breasted jacket to a double breasted jacket? I will show multiple ways to alter cuffs and hem pants.

1:30PM- 3:00PM

Beginning Viking Wire Weaving / Jen Herbert

This class will give a brief history and will show examples of presenter's wire weaving projects. Participants will be led step by step though the process to make a necklace or bracelet. All materials will be provided, along with a handout. Cost is $40.00 and a limit of 12 participants.

4:00PM- 5:30PM

*Nordic Decorating for a Hat/ Mary Prince

Hand sew or glue decorations to a cap, hat, bag, or other fabric item. I will have thrifted hats, decorating materials, and felt shapes: mushrooms, gnomes, flowers, etc. Freewill donation.

5:30-7:00PM

*Color Your Own Steampunk Alphabet Book / Lauren Cidell

Color in your own Steampunk Alphabet Book. Learn some Spanish Steampunk words. Crayons and Colored Pencils available. Fee $10 for 2 books; family discounts available.

10th Floor Panel Room

4:00PM-5:30PM

Fabric Food Savers-Makers / Jessa Barowsk

Make your own reusable, organic beeswax food wraps! Every adventurer could use these to wrap their food rations for the long journey's ahead. Multiple sizes and combination options available starting at only $5

Ideally not during vendor hall hours as I hope to be vending. I will need electricity in the room for a wax melter and iron.

5:30-7:00PM

Calamity Labs Presents: Chocolate Cocktails / Calamity Dawn

An exploration of cocktails that use chocolate as an ingredient. Calamity Dawn will present several chocolate based drinks. She'll also talk about how to incorporate chocolate in your drinks.  Adult 21+ ID needed

Art Show

12:30-5PM SET UP  /  6-8PM SET UP

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8th

Registration opens at 9:00AM

Panels are listed BY Room & Time

Blue Dragon Room

10-11:30AM

The Message of Steampunk / Kevin Steil      

Participating in steampunk sends multiple kinds of messages to people. Join The Airship Ambassador as we discuss what steampunk says to the world.

11:30AM -1:00PM

The Elder Edda: What is it? What is in it? / Gregory Rihn

Many have heard of the Elder (or Poetic) Edda, the foundational collection of Norse Mythic materials. Many fewer have read it. This lecture will discuss the history of the Edda, what makes it up, and the surprising things you might find in it, such as: the creator of the world is--a cow? What the names of dwarfs in "The Hobbit" really mean. And why it's a bad idea to throw Loki out of your dinner party.

1:00PM-2:30PM

Auction for the Convention / Lord Bobbins and Admiral Krieger

There are 15 years of props, books, items and collectables stored at his majesties house. We;;, the time has come to clear it al out. In fact we need to buy new material, for new themes. By selling the old, we will use the funds to help us pay for new materials, books for reattach and other things we will need for the next 5 years. So please come, and take a bit of history home with you!

2:30PM-4:00PM

*Understanding Automatons  / Kelsey Josephson

What happens when you mix the world-building of steampunk and combine it with the beloved lore of fairy tales? Come learn about examples of steampunk fairy tales in all kinds of media, then listen to a reading of The Clockwork Coffin, a Gothic fairy tale retelling with a steampunk twist.

4:00PM-5:30PM

*Tea 101 / James Bonine The Steampunk Chef

In this session we will talk about some of the history of tea, terms, some brewing methods, as well as what is a “High” tea and a “Low” tea. Come and join chef James of the A.C.H.E.F. (Assassin’s Culinary Hemlock Enthusiast Fellowship) group as he travels the highs and lows of tea.

5:30PM-7:00PM

The Folklore of Scandinavia / Leslie Johnston

Scandinavian folklore tells the tales of gods, giants, trolls, elves, gnomes, and other mythical creatures--good and malicious--across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. While there are common themes and mythical beings across Scandinavian folklore, each country and region has its own variations and unique stories and traditions. Many folk tales are cautionary tales or teach moral lessons, influence art, literature, music, and film; these stories that combine nature and the supernatural still resonate with contemporary audiences. This presentation will provide a visual overview of folktales, mythical beings, and their depiction in literature and the media

Green Dragon Room

10-11:30AM

*Snacks and pastries of Scandinavia / James Bonine   The Steampunk Chef

Learn about some of the popular snacks and pastries from the area. Krumkake, Pepperkaker, Lefse, Hjortetakk and more.

11:30PM- 1:00PM

The Herlofson Hustle: How One Family Ruined Arendal / Kim McDaniel

For as long as anyone in Arendal can remember, the Herlofson family controlled the business community, gaining more power and prestige with each successive generation until it all came crashing down a decade ago.  Since then, the town has suffered the effects of the bank failure but at least they were free of the family's influence.  Or were they?  Join Professor Lena Foltz-Pendarvis, correspondent for several leading US newspapers, as she divulges her findings about possible links between Arendal's current mayor and the Herlofsons.

1:00PM -2:30PM

Armor Building 101: Pattern Construction / Lauren Bonneau

Have you ever wanted to make your own leather or EVA armor from scratch? Look no further! This panel will focus on the construction and pattern modification of fantasy greaves, pauldrons, and gauntlets. Additionally, we'll discuss how to strap it all together! This will primarily focus on modern methods for fantasy builds rather than historical contexts.

2:30PM-4:00PM

*The Art of Brian Froud / Shannon Chase

This is a look at the art of Brian Froud. The influence of his art on film and the contribution to the image of faeries as we see them in literature such as W.B. Yates, and Lady Augusta Gregory.

4:00PM-5:30PM

Norway and Scotland's there is connection / Helen Wagner

Norway and Scotland have shared history. From Norse invasions, in the ancient past,to providing a refuge during WW2.What else do they share?This presentation will be of interest to those who enjoy history and archeology .

5:30PM-7:00PM

"Lust, Dust, and Steam: Norse Goddesses in the Steampunk Psyche” /  Nina Urban, MD, MSc  

This presentation explores the Norse goddesses Freya and Hela through a psychological lens, interpreting them as symbolic embodiments of Freud’s concepts of Eros (the life drive) and Thanatos (the death drive). This psychological duality is then connected to the aesthetic and philosophical values of steampunk, a genre that romanticizes the tension between life (innovation, beauty, passion) and death (decay, rust, dystopia) and thrives on contradictions—mechanical vs. organic, progress vs. collapse—and this dualism mirrors the Eros/Thanatos polarity. Freya’s sensuality and vitality parallel steampunk’s fascination with invention, while Hela’s dominion over death echoes the genre’s obsession with the gothic, the decaying, and the post-apocalyptic, and viewing their myths through this lens can offer deep insight into the human condition—one that oscillates eternally between creation and destruction, passion and loss, love and death.

Yellow Dragon Room

10-11:30AM

Amber: Ancient Gold of the Baltic / Rita Dow

Learn about the ancient history of how amber is formed, the different colors, inclusions including insects and plants, how to test for natural amber and its healing properties. Come see my fantastic collection of amber!

11:30PM- 1:00PM

*Arctic Explorers / Gustaf Danielsson

Arctic exploration was all the rage at the beginning of the 20th century, as explorers tried to discover the northwest passage and reach the poles. They traveled by sled, ship, and airship across the frozen wastes. None were more successful than the Norwegians. Come hear about the dramatic true tales of these explorers, from the legendary arctic explorer himself, Gustaf Danielsson.

1:00PM -2:30PM

Folktales of Norway /  Georgie Schnobrich

Not fairy tales. These read like first-person reports of people's encounters with huldafolk! Something you might find in your neighborhood newsletter, - if you'd lived in the right magic-charged neighborhood. Georgie reads from "Folktales of Norway" by Christiansen.

2:30PM-4:00PM

Vikings and Victorians: How Norse traditions and the Industrial Revolution shaped our modern Christmas. / Crystal Tiffany

A historical discussion of how our modern winter holidays have been influenced by Scandinavian traditions and specifically how the Victorians interpreted them. Christmas trees, Santa, mistletoe, glass baubles, and wreaths; so much of it has ancient origins. So sit back and relax as we make some greeting cards and explore the history of what makes the holiday season so magical.

4:00PM-5:30PM

Writing Victorian Gothic Fiction: Tropes and Themes of the Genre / Rebekah Ruddat 

Learn what common tropes and underlying themes exist in Victorian gothic literature, and how you can use those tropes and themes in your own writing or character backstories. Knowledge gained during a year of study in Scotland will be supplemented with examples from ‘Letters to Serafina’, an anthology of letters set in the late 1800s, and its accompanying gothic novel ‘My Dear Serafina’.

5:30PM-7:00PM

From Thor to Thursday / Ashlyn Larsen

A thought-provoking journey into how ancient Norse culture still echoes in our modern world - often in ways we don't even notice. We’ll uncover how threads from a thousand years ago are still woven into the fabric of our daily lives, language, and culture. Whether you're a mythology buff, a linguist, or just someone curious about why Wednesday is spelled so weirdly, or where the word "thing" came from, and so much more - then this talk is for you! We'll give you new insights into how deeply the ancient Norse world still resonates in the present.

Red Dragon

CLUE

Teal Dragon Room

11:30PM-1:00PM

*Escape The Museum Game / Mary Prince

Multiple clue cards will be available for small groups. Solve the puzzles and find the Key to Escape the Museum.
Best time wins a team prize. There will be badges for participants. Limit 20.

1:00PM -2:30PM

Iron Ladies / Karen Bergquist Dezoma

Learn about the sewing machines of the age. Who made them and what made them different. Frau Krieger hosts!

2:30PM-4:00PM

*Kubb / Jean KVEBERG

Come learn a Scandinavian lawn game! Throw sticks to knock down your opponent's wooden army (kubbs) and win by toppling the king. Easy rules and fun for all ages!

4:00PM-5:30PM

*Fairy Hunting 101 / Gustaf Danielsson

Evil fairies are running rampant! Come learn from the legendary troll hunter, Gustaf Danielsson, about how to find and eliminate the bad fey. This will be a fun, interactive panel suitable for fairy hunter’s of all ages.

12PM- 10:00PM

GAMING ROOM / Jason Dean

VAESEN NORDIC HORROR plus OTHER GAMES / All Vaesen Games

12:00 PM Old Meg / This mystery for Vaesen takes place in the rural west of England, where the old ways died hard and echoes of the pagan past are all around. It can equally well be set in Scandinavia, where there are similar traditions of hags and trollwives and of miracle-working saints. While the cause of the mystery is not difficult to determine, the characters will find themselves faced with a powerful foe who is not at all easy to stop

3:00PM The Hamstead Group / This mystery takes place in the heart of London, a place where few expect to find fairies and other supernatural creatures. The borough of Hampstead has grown recently thanks to the North London Railway, as the wealthy flee the increasingly crowded center for the fresh air and pleasant walks of nearby Hampstead Heath.

4:00PM A Wicked Secret /  In which the player characters seek out a small village in the northern woods, where they encounter a sawmill, a medieval church, and a guardian beast…

7:00PM The Silver of the Sea / This mystery for the role-playing game Vaesen brings the player characters to the wild and barren Swedish west coast, at the time a haven for privateers, wreckers, herring barons and other riffraff. The mystery will test the characters’ deductive reasoning, social skills, and – if they are not careful – their ability to fight for their lives

8:00 PM  Mystery at Trollhaven / When a ferry captain discovers a mysterious happening at a remote village in a Norwegian fjord, Lord Bobbins calls in his best and brightest paranormal investigators to solve the mystery. This is a Cthulhu by Gaslight based game for up to 6 player 18+. Characters and dice provided.  No Roleplaying experience necessary. Cthulhu by Gaslight

TEA ROOM

5:00PM-6:00PM kids tea party -Special activity

*with Balloon Animal Sculpting / John Wardale

I can make dozens of animals and other objects from long skinny balloons (dragons, ninja turtles, Mermaids, Aliens, Motorcycles, The Starship Enterprise, etc. Hats, giraffes, elephants, etc. [2-page menu]). For young kids, I just make requests. With Adults and/or older kids, I will talk about balloon sculpting, and demo/teach everyone to make their own dog.

Odin Stage

10:00AM-12:00PM

The Steampunk Civil War / Lord Bobbins

Learn how the UnitedStates survived a Civil War that lead to the age of steam and also created one of the most hated men in history- Dr, Proctocus! See what happened when technology was introduced into the battlefield and how it effected the years after the war, and the countries involved. There are 3 shows, each one has  ticket-all tickets are free, but we do this so we have enough seating. Tickets can be picked up near registration.

12:00PM- 1:30PM

BrassGears Adventure Radio

BrassGears Adventure Radio presents an old time radio play. A Study in Brown finds our intrepid explorers solving murders, liberating artifacts, and causing chaos. Cast includes Mitch Thompson, Brad Fleener, Kelsey Josephson, Susan Leabhart and other members of the BrassGears Adventurers Society.

1:30PM- 3:00PM

Witches Dance Practice / Marti Sterin

Learn the moves, the shakes and shinnies that are needed to perform the dance during Study nights ball. Lead by Marti Sterin. This practice is for those who want to perform in public.

3:00PM- 4:00PM

Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers! (Yes, real authentic dances from Norway!)

4:00PM-5:30PM

Nordic Survival and protection / Allen Nueuenfeldt

7:30PM

FASHION SHOW with Cap Piehler

The Ball with The Witches Dance (starts roughly at 8:30PM)

CLUE Game Room

10:00AM-11:30AM

Going on a fairy Hunt! / Lance & Amy Larsen

12:30PM- 2:00PM

Make a Gnome Hat / Janine Wardale

Gnome hat bases will be provided. Decorate with flowers, trim, buttons and more. Sew and no sew options will be provided. Max 20. $15 materials fee.

2:00PM-3:30PM

STEAMPUNK NERFGUN DUELS / Captain Questor

Defend your honor and demonstrate your martial prowess with dueling pistols! Defeat your adversaries and win prizes, fame, fortune, and bragging rights! Admission to the contest is free; everyone is welcome to participate!

Closed afterwards for Dinner setup

Makers Room

10:00AM-12:00PM

Make a Beaded Talisman Pouch / Lisa Ashton

Myself and Karen Schnaubelt to co-teach a workshop of edge-beading and making beaded fringe, to create a wearable Talisman bag (can be worn as a necklace) and put a tiny treasure inside. They are made of decorative ribbon, and my ribbon has some of the embroidery motifs on theme. I provide Kits for $15 that have all supplies and instructions, in a variety of colors. There are two techniques: Edge-beading with seed beads and fringe beading with seed beads and other beads. We first go over the methods, then give individual attention as needed as participants work on making the little pouch.

11:30PM-1:00PM

Woven Fabric Heart Reticule / Martha Stephenson

This modern (1894) take on traditional Scandinavian woven heart baskets transforms them from paper Yule ornaments to fabric reticules. Age 14 & up; basic hand sewing required; kits are a variety of colors; BYO fabric shears appreciated but not required.

1:00PM- 2:30PM

Gnome-Made Trinkets: A Resin Workshop for the Hidden Folk / Arianna Larsen

Where creativity meets mischief and UV resin flows as freely as fae magic! In this hands-on session, you may craft custom gnome pins, enchanting elf ears, or other tiny trinkets destined to dazzle. Whether you're new to resin or a seasoned spellsmith of sparkle, you'll leave with wearable art straight from the forest forge. Come mold, pour, and enchant your own accessories - no spells required, just a dash of imagination and a pinch of pixie charm.

2:30PM- 4:00PM

*Make a Dala Horse / Tamara Carlson

A paint and take of small Dala Horse ornaments. Originally from Sweden, these iconic horses have also been used to represent Norway and other Scandinavian countries.

4:00PM- 5:30PM

Paint a hidden Elf, Gnome, or other cryptid / Mary Prince

Create a memory from the land of Odin. Acrylic paints, brushes, and thrifted canvases will be provided. Modify an existing image, or create something totally new. $10 fee, limit 15

5:30PM-7:00PM

*The Foundling Home for Orphan Socks & Misbegotten Gonks / Melissa Anunson

Don't toss your single socks - upcycle them into a gonk friend! In this workshop, we'll transform trash into treasure and give sentience to socks through a family-friendly make-and-take activity. I'll have plenty of wayward socks to use so attendees can adopt as many gonk or gnome orphans as you'd like - or bring your own from home. Well-behaved littles allowed, supervised under 12 please.

10th Floor Room

2:30-4:00PM

Rolling with it: The art of Making Lefse  / Aaron Jesen

Learn how to make lefse. Get a brief history of Norwegian cooking, with a focus on lefse, klubb (pronounced krub), and krumkake. Then a demonstration on making lefse. Audience will have the chance to come up and do the last step in the lefse process (cooking it), and take some lefse with them.

4:30-7:00PM

Calamity Labs Presents: The Originals / Calamity Dawn

An exploration of cocktails that use chocolate as an ingredient. Calamity Dawn will present several chocolate based drinks. She'll also talk about how to incorporate chocolate in your drinks.  Adult 21+ ID needed

Art Show

OPEN 10AM-4PM

ALL ART must be picked up by 6PM Saturday!

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9th

Registration opens at 9:30AM closes at Noon

Panels are listed BY Room & Time

Blue Dragon Room

10:00AM-11:30AM

Steam & Shadow: The Past, Present and Future of Steampunk

11:30AM-1:00PM

Bringing back the PUNK in SteamPUNK! / Captain Questor

Steampunk is not historical reenactment, steampunk is not just about gluing gears. Let's discuss bringing back the punk spirit in steampunk by highlighting its rebellious and anti-establishment roots. Using steampunk stories and art to discuss modern social issues—like class struggle, environmental concerns, and individualism can make the genre fresh and meaningful for a new audience while keeping its punk spirit alive.

1:00-2:00PM

How History’s timeline can inspire Steampunk Project / Victor Wong

Stuck for ideas on your next Steampunk project? Then this presentation is for you! We'll look at various periods in history from advent of the Newcomen Engine to Project Apollo, and show how their features can combine with today's concepts to inspire a Steampunk / Dieselpunk / Atompunk cosplay, prop or persona!

Green Dragon Room

10:00AM-11:30AM

TeslaCon OZ- A Preview  / Lord Bobbins

See where Victorian writing, Steampunk and Imagination meet up . Lord Bobbins presents his ideas and thoughts for next years convention. Where the story is from, and what characters we might see.

Only 75 seats available. Arrive on time.

11:30AM- 1:00PM

History of Corsets in Men’s Fashion / Joseph Dyer

A panel on how the corset was used for menswear, and it’ applicable uses in Victorian times.

1:00PM-2:00PM

In the Moving Time / Paul Rambow

"In The Moving Time" is a story of the first megalith and large gravesite near the Baltic Sea. It introduces the presentation on northern megaliths (menhirs) and concludes the second half of the presentation on large grave sites that were often called a Giant's Bed or Devil's oven, etc Included is the mythology and legends associated with them, as well as their slow-changing history over nearly 3000 years of time.

Yellow Dragon Room

10:00AM-11:30AM

Getting Started with EVA Foam / Stevan Krhut

Always wanted to make a cool prop from foam and not sure where to start? I hope to give you an introduction and get you started on your journey to the fantastical world of EVA Foam!

11:30AM-1:00PM

Ancient Art of Osteomancy: Bone Throwing for Divination / Stacey Enslow

Explore the ancient art of Throwing the Bones- Learn the basics of bone divination using bones, charms, runes, and other items!

Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own Bone Throwing set (separate fee)

1:00PM-2:00PM

Revitalizing Steampunk! / Cap Phieler

Cap will be discussing the importance of steampunk and how to bring new life into our events. He has offered his expertise to several events on how to increase attendance,  cross branding with local communities and charities, cultivate new vendors and add new and exciting programming. You love visiting his booth, you enjoy his zany, creative and entertaining fashion shows and you will love this lecture/talk.

Teal Dragon Room

10:00AM-11:30AM

IRON TAXONOMIST / MARTHA Stephens

Contribute to Science! The Royal Geocrapical Society is in need of Learned Persons to classify and describe several mysterious accessions. Those who step forward for this task will choose an item in a sack and be given 5-10 minutes to catalog their items. After that time they will present their item and description to the assembled scientific audience. Lot’s of fun, silly and even kids will enjoy this!

Writing Steampunk: Beyond Cogs and Gears

Museum

ODIN Stage

10:00AM-11:30AM

Intro to Sword fighting / Brandon Marcial

If you've ever been curious about how to use a sword and shield, a great sword, or even dual wield, learn from a team of medieval reenactors!

11:30PM-1:30PM

Allen Nuenfeldt

2PM

CLOSING CEREMONIES / Lotd Bobbins and Crew

Game Room

11:00AM Fantasy Role Playing

12:00PM The Night Sow / In order to help their old acquaintance Linnea Elfeklint, the player characters travel to southern Sweden where they are forced to handle Satanists, puritans, and a vaesen feeding on people’s supernatural powers. The mystery takes place during a cold and stormy winter, and can easily be set during Christmas time – maybe even on Christmas Eve

The Search for Hud Yule : Daggerheart System / An adventure for ages 7 +, a group of magical beings search for the chosen few to bring together the Hud Yule.The Search for Hud Yule : Daggerheart System / An adventure for ages 7 +, a group of magical beings search for the chosen few to bring together the Hud Yule.

MORE GAMES TO BE ANNOUNCED!

CLUE Game Room

10:00AM-11:30AM

*Going on a fairy Hunt! / Lance & Amy Larsen

Makers Room

10:00AM-11:30AM

*Let it Snow: Making a glowing vial of snow / Jenn Dunigan

Join Jenn Dunigan of Archimedes Azure Creations in making your own little piece of snowy magic! Jenn will lead you through making a tiny jar of glow in the dark “snow,” that you can keep as an ornament or pendant. No colors are wrong, this is about making your own magic! Jenn (possibly with the help of some pixies) will provide all the materials, and put your pendant on a cord, if you wish.
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child. Additional snow jars can be purchased for $10 each   I would be happy to run this panel 2 times, possibly more if there’s demand for it

11:30AM -1:00PM

*Paper Fairy Lanterns & Pipe Cleaner Crowns/Bracelets / Cordelia Martin

Two simple craft projects suitable for younger steampunks with assistance, but can also be made more intricate.Make cute paper lanterns that can fit over a battery powered tea light. Make constellations to shine in your room or fun shapes to attract fairies. Paper, paper punches, staplers, and glue provided.
Make crowns and bracelets out of pipe cleaners and pony beads. Pipe Cleaners and beads provided.

1:00PM -2:00PM

Museum of Wonder Curator’s Lecture / Bailey McRae

OPEN after Closing in Blue, Green and Yellow Dragon Rooms

Steam & Shadow: The Past, Present, and Future of Steampunk Short Description: “Steampunk is Dead! Long Live Steampunk!” Steampunk continues to grow and flourish with new subgenres spinning off and mashups between multiple subgenres adding depth and relevance to Steampunk in the 21st Century. We begin by exploring its 19th century roots, track its growth and diversification in the 20st century, and look ahead to its potential in a rapidly changing 21st Century cultural and technological landscape.