Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live: Witch Trials in Early New England

Join us as we dive into the dark history of witch trials in early New England – it’s gonna be a spooky ride!

Join the Norwalk Historical Society and Leslie Lindenauer, Professor and author, for an illustrated talk as we dive into the dark history of witch trials in early New England.

In 1692-3 in Salem, Massachusetts the courts sentenced 19 people to hang and tortured a 20th to death. At least five more people died in jail. When most people think about the historic American witch trials, it is the events in Salem that dominate.

Fewer of us are aware that dozens and perhaps hundreds of people were tried for witchcraft in New England beginning over four decades before the events in Salem. Many of those trials occurred in Connecticut. At least sixteen people in Connecticut and Massachusetts were executed for the crime, most of them women. This program will explore those trials and consider how popular representations of witches – and Salem! – have changed over time.

Net proceeds support the Norwalk Historical Society’s education programs and exhibitions. The Norwalk Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.