Paranoia: The Witchcraft Trials in Colonial Connecticut – Guided Tours
Weds, October 16, 23 & 30 at 1:00 pm
Saturday, October 19 | 11:00am & 1:00pm
Saturday, October 26 | 11:00am
Wednesday Tours: Register Here >>>
Saturday Tours: Register Here >>>
Colonists brought a belief in witchcraft from England, where it was rooted in the Bible and reinforced by the Church, witch-hunting pamphlets, investigation methods, and deep folk traditions. Hear the stories, gossip, and intrigue of the people connected to the 17th century witchcraft panic in Hartford including the magistrates, lawyers, townspeople, and clergy. Learn about colonial society in early Hartford, the legal challenges, and the superstitions that supported witchcraft accusations.
American Body Snatchers:
Merchandising the Dead in 19th Century New England and Washington, D.C.
Saturday, October 26 | 2pm
Location: Old State House
Free; register here >>
Physicians teaching anatomy in the 19th century were only allowed to use the bodies of convicted murders. This led to a spike in demand – and the illegal removal of the dead from graveyards. Find out more with author and historian Richard Ross III, author of “Beyond Salem,” whose new book reveals the religious, moral, and social objections during the time.
BIOS:
Richard S. Ross III is the author of Before Salem Witch Hunting in the CT River Valley, 1647-1663 and contributed his scholarship for the ABG brochure, Connecticut Colony Seventeeth-Century Witch Panic. Dr. Ross holds a PhD in European history and is professor emeritus and former College Librarian from Trinity College. His research interests include European demonology and witchcraft in England and colonial America.
Christine Jewell is an educator and consultant with over 20 years of experience developing, leading, and promoting educational programs in the arts, history, and the humanities in Connecticut. She developed and led tours at the Fairfield Museum’s exhibit Accused: Fairfield’s Witchcraft Trials. She also produced a Teacher’s Institute and worked with educators to create a Teacher Guide on 17th century witchcraft trials history. She is currently the Coordinator for the Ancient Burying Ground and the 1636 Heritage Partnership.