Establish Vampira Day in Gloucester, MA
The Issue
Maila Nurmi (Maila Elizabeth Niemi), born in Gloucester, MA on December 11, 1922, became the very first female horror television host with the debut of "The Vampira Show" on April 30, 1954. She paved the way for female icons within the genre, yet, despite being ahead of her time, her contributions remain largely unacknowledged. She died practically penniless while others profited on what she started.
Recognizing Vampira with Vampira Day will shed light on her influence, which has echoed through decades of horror hosting. Without Vampira, there would have been no "Elvira". Yet Vampira also solidified the formula for hosted horror in general as demonstrated in such popular shows as "Tales from the Crypt", "Svengoolie", "Up All Night with Rhonda Shear", "MonsterVision", and "The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs".
Gloucester has a rich cultural tapestry, and it's time to add Vampira's colorful thread into that narrative. By establishing Vampira Day on December 11, 2026, we can honor Maila's trailblazing spirit and ensure that her influence is celebrated and remembered. Such a day could include screenings of her films, art exhibitions inspired by her iconic style, and talks on the impact of female presenters in media.
Communities across the globe celebrate cultural and historical figures through local days of recognition, like "Dracula Day" in Whitby, England, and "Frankenstein Day," commemorating Mary Shelley. Adding Vampira Day to Gloucester's calendar would not only honor Maila's legacy but also enrich the cultural offerings and draw fans and tourists to the city.
Let's recognize the significance of Vampira's role, not just in horror but in advancing female representation in media, as she appeared other shows, in magazines, in 16 films, and even on records. Your signature is a step toward cementing this important part of the local history and culture. Please sign my petition to support the establishment of Vampira Day in Gloucester, MA, and please spread the word on social media.
I urge the Gloucester City Council and Governor Paul Lundberg to establish Vampira Day in Gloucester, MA!
Photo by Peter Skiera
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The Issue
Maila Nurmi (Maila Elizabeth Niemi), born in Gloucester, MA on December 11, 1922, became the very first female horror television host with the debut of "The Vampira Show" on April 30, 1954. She paved the way for female icons within the genre, yet, despite being ahead of her time, her contributions remain largely unacknowledged. She died practically penniless while others profited on what she started.
Recognizing Vampira with Vampira Day will shed light on her influence, which has echoed through decades of horror hosting. Without Vampira, there would have been no "Elvira". Yet Vampira also solidified the formula for hosted horror in general as demonstrated in such popular shows as "Tales from the Crypt", "Svengoolie", "Up All Night with Rhonda Shear", "MonsterVision", and "The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs".
Gloucester has a rich cultural tapestry, and it's time to add Vampira's colorful thread into that narrative. By establishing Vampira Day on December 11, 2026, we can honor Maila's trailblazing spirit and ensure that her influence is celebrated and remembered. Such a day could include screenings of her films, art exhibitions inspired by her iconic style, and talks on the impact of female presenters in media.
Communities across the globe celebrate cultural and historical figures through local days of recognition, like "Dracula Day" in Whitby, England, and "Frankenstein Day," commemorating Mary Shelley. Adding Vampira Day to Gloucester's calendar would not only honor Maila's legacy but also enrich the cultural offerings and draw fans and tourists to the city.
Let's recognize the significance of Vampira's role, not just in horror but in advancing female representation in media, as she appeared other shows, in magazines, in 16 films, and even on records. Your signature is a step toward cementing this important part of the local history and culture. Please sign my petition to support the establishment of Vampira Day in Gloucester, MA, and please spread the word on social media.
I urge the Gloucester City Council and Governor Paul Lundberg to establish Vampira Day in Gloucester, MA!
Photo by Peter Skiera
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Petition created on July 21, 2026