In 1692 more than 150 people would be accused of witchcraft, and 25 would die in the Salem witch hunt. The trials cast a long shadow over Salem, a legacy that remains with us today. This talk will explore the “perfect storm” of factors ranging religious discord to political factionalism and the worst weather of the century to create the greatest witch hunt in American history. This virtual talk will explore these factors and try to set the record straight about some of the misconceptions about the witch trials.
Emerson “Tad” Baker is a professor of History at Salem State University. He is the award-winning author or co-author of six books on the history and archaeology of early New England, including A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience and The Devil of Great Island: Witchcraft and Conflict in Early New England. Baker has served as consultant and on-camera expert for historical documentaries and TV shows for networks ranging from PBS and TLC to Smithsonian and the History Channel.
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This event is Library Sponsored.