The Thing About Witch Hunts

Is The Witch of Blackbird Pond historical fact or beloved fiction? Museum educators Martha Smart and Gillie Johnson from the Wethersfield Historical Society pull back the curtain on Elizabeth George Speare's classic novel by revealing what she got right and what she invented. This episode demonstrates why Connecticut's real witch trials deserve more attention than they've gotten.Discover the true story of Katherine Harrison, whose 1669 witch trial revealed the dangerous reality for independent women in Puritan Connecticut. Learn why Gershom Bulkeley, a real historical figure who appears in the novel helped end witch executions in Connecticut by declaring he'd seen no legally proven case of witchcraft. From the Charter Oak legend to the history of slavery in colonial Connecticut, this conversation goes far beyond the novel to explore what life was really like in 1680s Wethersfield and whose stories have been left out of the history books.The real Katherine Harrison witch trial and how it differed from the novel's dramatic courtroom sceneWhy Connecticut's witch trials ended decades before Salem's panic beganHow The Witch of Blackbird Pond has shaped—and sometimes distorted—Wethersfield's historical identityWhat Elizabeth George Speare got wrong about Puritan social customs, trade, and the treatment of outsidersThe truth behind the Charter Oak legend and Connecticut's resistance to British ruleMartha Smart - Research and Reference Librarian, Wethersfield Historical SocietyGillie Johnson - Museum Educator, Wethersfield Historical SocietyLearn more at wethersfieldhistory.org, where you can explore their database of people of color in Wethersfield's history.Elizabeth George Speare's The Witch of Blackbird Pond and Connecticut's colonial-era witch trials, including the 1669 case of Katherine Harrison in Wethersfield, form an important part of the state's historical narrative, though they remain less widely recognized than their Salem counterparts.LinksWethersfieldhistory.orgWebb Deane Stevens MuseumPurchase the book: The Witch of Blackbird Pond from our nonprofit bookshopConnecticut Witch Trial HistoryEnd Witch Hunts Nonprofit

In this episode, Josh and Sarah speak with the creative team behind "The Witch of Woodbury," a theatrical production at Connecticut's Glebe House Museum that brings 17th-century witch trial victims to life through performance.Featured Guests:Linda Barr-Gale - Actress portraying Moll Cramer for 13 years and production writerLoriann Witte - Director of Glebe House Museum, portraying Rebecca GreensmithMaribeth Cummings - Actress portraying Katherine Harrison for 5 yearsVail Barrett - Actor portraying accuser Thomas AllynKey Topics:The legend of Moll Cramer, the "Witch of Woodbury" who was banished to Tophet RoadConnecticut's witch trial history from 1647-1663, including 11 executionsHow Governor John Winthrop Jr. transformed Connecticut's approach to witchcraft accusationsAccused Witch Katherine Harrison's well-documented case and its role in changing spectral evidence standardsExecuted woman Rebecca Greensmith's role in the Hartford Witch Panic of 1662The perspective of accusers like Thomas Allyn and the climate of fear in colonial ConnecticutUsing theatrical performance to make history accessible and memorable for modern audiencesHistorical Context: The performance emphasizes the stark differences between Connecticut's evolving legal standards under Winthrop and the later Salem trials.Learn More:Glebe House MuseumConnecticut Witch Trial HistoryEnd Witch Hunts Nonprofit

Episode Description:Just saw Wicked: For Good (Wicked Part 2) and wondering what it all means? The sequel to 2024's blockbuster Wicked movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivers the pure magic and joy of Wicked's fairytale storytelling while also serving as a mirror reflecting our world's darkest patterns of persecution. Join hosts Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson for a spoiler-filled celebration of this magical film as they explore both the enchantment of the story and the surprisingly relevant themes hiding behind flying monkeys, sparkly shoes, and that iconic green skin.From Gregory Maguire's beloved novel to the Broadway phenomenon with music by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked has captured hearts worldwide. This sequel delivers stunning musical numbers, an enchanting fairytale ending, and America's greatest modern fairy story—while also offering profound insights about our world. Discover why Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Dorothy, and the Wizard of Oz create a story that's both entertainment magic and meaningful social commentary.From the breathtaking songs like "For Good" to the animals in cages vault scene that's impossible to look away from, this episode explores how the Wicked movie with Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum delights audiences while helping us understand who gets labeled "wicked"—and who decides.What You'll Explore:The pure magic and joy of Wicked's fairytale storytellingStandout musical moments and how the Broadway songs translate to filmThe chilling parallels between Oz's animal persecution and real-world witch huntsElphaba and Glinda's friendship, sisterhood, and the choices that change everythingWhy the treatment of talking animals in Oz mirrors modern oppressionHow Dorothy's witch hunt against Elphaba reflects real accusation patternsWhy Nessarose, Boq, and Fiyero's transformations matter for understanding persecutionHow the word "witch" is weaponized as a political tool todayWhether movies like Wicked help or harm the fight against modern persecutionDeep dive into Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba and Ariana Grande's GlindaThis is the next installment in our ongoing look at Wicked and Oz! If you haven't already, be sure to check out our previous episodes "Witchcraft and Stagecraft: Unmasking Wicked's Magic with Paul Laird and Jane Barnette" and "Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch" to explore how this beloved story connects to real witch trial history and contemporary persecution.Content Warning: This episode includes movie spoilers and discusses themes of persecution, banishment, and contemporary witch hunts affecting millions globally.Ready to see beyond the emerald curtain? This isn't your childhood Oz anymore—and that's exactly the point. But it's also a wicked good time.For more information about ending witch hunts or to get involved, visit EndWitchHunts.orgKeywords: Wicked For Good, Wicked Part 2, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Dorothy, Wizard of Oz, animals in Oz, Wicked sequel, Broadway musical, Stephen Schwartz, Gregory Maguire, Wicked songs, For Good, Wicked movie explained, witch hunts, Wicked themes, Wicked analysisLinksWatch Episode: Witchcraft and Stagecraft: Unmasking Wicked’s Magic with Paul Laird and Jane BarnetteWatch Episode: Wicked Movie: The Making of a WitchWatch Episode: Ghana’s Outcast Camps: A Conversation with the Coalition Against Witchcraft Accusations Sign the Amnesty International Petition for Ghana Anti Witchcraft Legislation Support our Nonprofit: Buy an Oz bookSign the Massachusetts Exoneration Petition

In May 1692, one of Boston's most respected citizens walked into a Salem courtroom—and the accusers couldn't even identify him. Captain John Alden Jr., son of Mayflower passengers and decorated war hero, seemed an unlikely target for witchcraft accusations. But his connections to Native Americans and the French made him dangerous in the eyes of wartime Massachusetts.What happened when Salem's witch hunt reached beyond the village to pull in a prominent Bostonian with impeccable colonial credentials? This episode examines how Captain Alden's examination revealed the absurdity and danger of the spectral evidence system and how his escape became one of the trial period's most dramatic moments.From his parents' legendary Plymouth courtship to his own flight from justice, Captain Alden's story shows us who could be accused, who could survive, and what it took to navigate Salem's machinery of suspicion.Episode Highlights:John Alden Sr. and Priscilla: The last surviving Mayflower passenger and the marriage that inspired LongfellowCaptain Alden's controversial fur trading and the rumors that made him a targetThe chaotic May 31st examination where accusers needed promptingThe touch test, the sword, and the claims of "Indian Papooses"His September escape to Duxbury and surprising returnKey Figures: Captain John Alden Jr., John & Priscilla Alden, Judges Bartholomew Gedney and John Richards, Rev. Samuel Willard, Robert CalefThe Thing About Salem examines the people, places, and events of the 1692 Salem witch trials. New episodes weekly.LinksThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠The Thing About Witch HuntsThe Thing About Salem website

Episode Description:Massachusetts has an opportunity to make history, and you can be a part of it. On November 25, 2025, Bill H.1927 goes before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on the Judiciary. This legislation will exonerate 8 individuals convicted of witchcraft in Boston and recognize everyone else who suffered accusations across Massachusetts. Between 1648 and 1693, more than 200 people were formally charged with witchcraft in Massachusetts. Only 31 from Salem have been cleared. The rest have been forgotten—until now.Co-hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack, who helped co-found the Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project and successfully passed Connecticut's witch trial absolution bill in 2023, share how YOU can help Massachusetts finish the job.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The 8 individuals convicted in Boston who have never been exonerated: Margaret Jones, Elizabeth Kendall, Alice Lake, Hugh Parsons, Eunice Cole, Ann Hibbins, Elizabeth Morse, and Goody GloverWhy this matters today: Witch hunts didn't end in the 1600s—they're still happening around the worldThe history of Massachusetts exoneration efforts from 1703 to 2022How Connecticut proved it's possible with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2023Exactly what you can do to support H.1927, whether you live in Massachusetts or anywhere else in the worldKey Facts:200+ individuals were accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts between 1638 and 169338 people were convicted (30 in Salem, 8 in Boston)25 people died: 19 hanged in Salem, 5 hanged in Boston, and Giles Corey pressed to deathOnly Salem victims have been exonerated—the 8 Boston convictions remain unaddressedThe Boston Eight:Five Executed:Margaret Jones (1648) - The first person executed for witchcraft in MassachusettsElizabeth Kendall (1647-1651) - Falsely accused by a nurse covering her own negligenceAlice Lake (c. 1650) - Mother of four, judged for her pastAnn Hibbins (1656) - A widow, called "quarrelsome" for speaking her mindGoody Glover (1688) - Irish Catholic widow executed just 4 years before SalemThree Convicted But Not Executed:Hugh Parsons (1651) - Conviction overturned, released 1652Eunice Cole (likely 1656) - Convicted and imprisoned, though records are incompleteElizabeth Morse (1680) - Sentenced to death but eventually releasedCRITICAL DATE: November 25, 2025The Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a hearing on H.1927 at 10:00 AMThis bill MUST get through committee to move forward. If it doesn't receive a favorable report, it gets sent to "study" where it becomes invisible and inactive.How YOU Can Help RIGHT NOW:1. Sign the Petition (From Anywhere in the World)change.org/witchtrials Goal: 3,000+ signaturesKeep it short: 2-6 sentences is enough! Include:Why this bill matters to youThat these people were innocentWhy Massachusetts should complete its exoneration workConnection to modern witch hunts (optional)2. Submit Written Testimony (From Anywhere in the World)Where to submit: Details at massachusettswitchtrials.org3. Contact Your Massachusetts Legislators (MA Residents)Email your state representative and senatorAsk them to support H.1927Ask them to co-sponsor the billTell them: "Massachusetts exonerated the Salem victims but left the Boston victims behind. Please honor all witch trial victims."4. Spread the WordShare this episode and use hashtags:#H1927#WitchTrialJustice#MassachusettsHistory#mawitchhuntjusticeproject#EndWitchHunts5. Get a Support PinPurchase the Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project pin on Zazzle (under $5) Link in show notes and at massachusettswitchtrials.orgSign the Petition to Exonerate the Boston 8The History of Witch Trial Exonerations in MassachusettsAbout the MA Witch Hunt Justice ProjectPurchase a MA Witch Hunt Justice Project Memorial Pin

Tune in for this informative virtual panel discussion bringing together three of the world's leading experts on witchcraft accusations and ritual violence. This free online event, co-hosted by End Witch Hunts and featuring speakers from INAWARA (International Network Against Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Attacks), addresses one of the most pressing yet under-recognized human rights crises of our time.Professor Charlotte Baker – Co-Director of INAWARA and Professor at Lancaster University (UK).  Professor Miranda Forsyth – Co-Director of INAWARA and Professor at Australian National University's School of Regulation and Global Governance. Dr. Keith Silika – Criminal investigator, lecturer, and human rights advocate bridging criminology, forensics, and cultural understanding. What You'll LearnThis panel discussion explores why international collaboration is essential to combating witchcraft accusations and ritual violence across the globe. Our distinguished panelists will discuss:Global research and coordination: How INAWARA unites experts, practitioners, advocates, and survivors from around the world to share knowledge and develop evidence-based interventionsThe new legislative report: Key findings from the June 2025 report, Legislative Approaches to Addressing Harmful Practices Related to Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual AttacksCross-border strategies: Why connecting researchers, NGOs, legal professionals, and community advocates across borders has significant value and creates more effective solutionsChallenges and progress: Real-world obstacles faced by communities worldwide and successful approaches to protection and preventionAdvocacy and policy reform: How research translates into legal protections and policy changes at local, national, and international levelsCommunity protection: Grassroots education and support systems that help vulnerable populations resist witch-hunt violenceINAWARA (International Network Against Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Attacks) is a global network that connects experts, practitioners, advocates, and survivors from every continent. By fostering international collaboration and supporting evidence-based interventions, INAWARA works to end witch hunts, witchcraft accusations, and ritual attacks wherever they occur.Witchcraft accusations continue to drive violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and beyond. Victims are often women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. They face torture, exile, property seizure, and death. This panel discussion highlights the power of global cooperation in addressing this crisis and protecting the most vulnerable among us.🌐 End Witch Hunts: endwitchhunts.org 🌐 INAWARA: theinternationalnetwork.orgThe International Network (INAWARA) Global Report: Legislative approaches to addressing harmful practices related to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacksUnited Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8Study on the situation of the violations and abuses of human rights rooted in harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, as well as stigmatizationINARAWA Conference Clip:Implementing UN Resolution 47/8 - 2nd International ConferencePodcast Episode: Forensics, Witchcraft Accusations, and Ritual Murders with Dr. Keith SilikaPodcast Episode: Ending Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence with Miranda ForsythPodcast Episode: Amnesty International on Ghana’s Outcast Camps: A Conversation with the Coalition Against Witchcraft AccusationsBirubala Rabha: A life of chasing witch huntersSorcery National Action PlanFighting the Wildfire of SARVWitchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysiswww.stop-cwa.orgAdvocacy for Alleged Witches, NigeriaAdvocacy Against Witch Hunts, South Africa International Alliance to End Witch HuntsWhy Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past African Witchfinder Documentary 2018

Why do witchcraft accusations persist in modern India, and how do gender and caste inequalities fuel this cycle of violence despite legal protections?Join Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack for a powerful conversation with  Bharvi Shahi, currently pursuing her LL.M. at Christ University, Bengaluru, and Razina Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Law at the School of Law, Presidency University, Bengaluru about from their research work in Northeast India's tribal communities and international human rights law.they explore the complex intersection of belief, tradition, and human rights violations in Northeast India's tribal communities related to witchcraft accusations.What You'll Learn:Understand the critical difference between cultural beliefs and harmful practices under international human rights law. Explore how accusations emerge within community structures when illness or misfortune strikes and medical care is inaccessible. Learn why India's state-level witchcraft laws face massive implementation challenges, and discover the reality of witch-hunt victim communities living in isolation. Our guests reveal how patriarchal structures weaponize supernatural accusations to control and exclude women.Razina Ahmed shares firsthand research challenges, including the startling moment an NGO declined to help her visit a village of survivors, revealing how deeply stigma affects even those working in advocacy. Bharvi Shahi examines how freedom of belief becomes weaponized against the most vulnerable: widows, elderly women, and those with disabilities. This episode reveals how community fear, social isolation, and supernatural accusations create complexities that legal protections alone cannot resolveKeywords: witch hunts India, tribal communities Northeast India, witchcraft accusations, gender-based violence, human rights violations India, superstition and law, vulnerable women, Assam tribal communities, Implementing Human rights, belief vs harmful practicesLinksMore Podcast Episodes Discussing Witchcraft Accusations in IndiaSign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice Project Join One of Our ProjectsThe Thing About Salem PodcastBuy Books in Support of End Witch Hunts NonprofitBirubala Rabha: A life of chasing witch hunters

Playwright Laurie Flanigan-Hegge, two directors, and a puppet artist discuss staging "Prick," a play about Scottish witch trials, now opening in Chicago November 6-16. In August 2023, we spoke with playwright Laurie Flanigan-Hegge about Prick, her play about the Scottish witch trials. It had just premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.Two years later, the play has traveled to New Orleans, Wellington (New Zealand), and opens November 6-16, 2025 at the Den Theater in Chicago.We reunite with Laurie and puppet artist Madeline Helling, and meet two directors: Jeff Mills of Chicago's Proboscis Theater Company and Amy Chaffee from Tulane University.The conversation covers what it's like staging historical violence, why the single puppet design works so powerfully, and how a play about 17th-century Scotland keeps finding new relevance.About the PlayPrick examines the Scottish witch trials through three women: an Unknown Woman lost to history, Marioun Twedy of Peebles, and Isobel Gowdie. The title refers to "pricking"—searching accused women's bodies for the "devil's mark" with sharp instruments.The play moves between past and present, uses dark humor and Scottish folk music, and centers on a single haunting puppet created by Madeline Helling.What They DiscussThe rehearsal process: Both directors talk about the challenge of staging the pricking scenes, even with a puppet. Jeff's Chicago cast continues working through how to show violence respectfully. Amy's New Orleans students couldn't bring the instrument near the puppet—they performed the gesture from twelve feet away.The puppet's power: Madeline designed one puppet to represent all the accused women. It's specific enough to feel real, neutral enough that audiences project onto it. The puppet travels between productions and comes back to her for repairs.Contemporary connections: The play addresses ongoing witch hunts in countries where witchcraft remains a state crime. Amy teaches in Louisiana and discusses working in a politically charged environment. Jeff talks about theater as "rehumanization" in response to current dehumanization.The music: Both productions use songs by Heal and Harrow, a folk duo who created an album for the Witches of Scotland Campaign. Jeff adds Scottish guitar with electronics. Amy's students performed acapella arrangements.Cultural complications: Amy reflects on taking the play to Wellington, New Zealand—a colonial capital—at a conference focused on integrating Māori culture with acting and voice techniques. The play deals with Scotland as both colonized and colonizer, which created complex responses from audiences of different backgrounds."Remembrance Is Resistance"This Witches of Scotland Campaign motto runs through the conversation. The campaign seeks pardons and memorials for nearly 5,000 documented accused. They created a tartan anyone can wear to show support.At Tulane, one student built a monument inscribed with every name from the database and installed it in the lobby.Chicago ProductionNovember 6-16, 2025 The Den Theater, Milwaukee Avenue Tickets: thedentheatre.com (search "Prick")Two weekends only. Proboscis Theater Company's production features new jackdaw puppets and is reaching out to both theater audiences and Chicago's pagan communities.LinksGet Tickets to the Chicago Production at the Den Theatrewww.healandharrow.comNational Archives, Scotland, Early Modern Witch TrialsPrick: A Play of the Scottish Witch Trials Podcast EpisodeSign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice Project Join One of Our ProjectsThe Thing About Salem Podcast

Episode DescriptionWhat do vampires, werewolves, and dragons tell us about ourselves? In this fascinating exploration of monsters in culture and society, we dive deep into why humanity has always been obsessed with creatures that go bump in the night.From the etymology of "monster" (Latin "monstrum" - to warn or demonstrate) to modern cryptids and creepypastas, discover how these frightening figures serve as mirrors reflecting our deepest fears, repressed desires, and cultural anxieties. Learn why monsters aren't just entertainment—they're essential tools for processing trauma, establishing moral boundaries, and creating social cohesion. We'll also examine the dangerous consequences of labeling real humans as monsters—and why this rhetoric prevents understanding, distances us from accountability, and can lead to dehumanization and violence.Key Topics CoveredThe Nature of MonstersWhat defines a monster and the true meaning behind the wordCategories: supernatural beings, humanoid creatures, the undead, cryptids, and human monstersWhy witches became one of history's most enduring monster figuresThe Psychology of FearHow monsters reflect our fear of ourselvesThe intersection of monsters with our anxieties, values, and hopesWhy we're drawn to "delicious fear" in safe contextsCultural Function of MonstersMonsters as warnings that prefigure societal problemsHow monster stories help us handle trauma and explore taboosThe role of monsters in teaching moral boundaries and creating in-groupsThe Danger of Labeling Humans as MonstersWhy dehumanization prevents understandingHow calling people "monsters" distances us from accountabilityThe real-world consequences of monster rhetoricWinning Against MonstersClassic tactics: hunting, outwitting, finding weaknessesThe power of team-ups, protective magic, and courageWhy we need triumph stories to overcome our fearsEpisode Highlights✨ Monsters are cultural constructs that serve as societal mirrors 🧠 Understanding the Latin roots: "to show," "to warn," "to demonstrate" ⚠️ The problem with labeling real people as monsters 💪 How monster stories ultimately help us find courage and triumphEpisode Highlights✨ Monsters are cultural constructs that serve as societal mirrors 🧠 Understanding the Latin roots: "to show," "to warn," "to demonstrate" ⚠️ The problem with labeling real people as monsters 💪 How monster stories ultimately help us find courage and triumphKeywordsmonsters, cultural anthropology, folklore, mythology, psychology of fear, cryptids, supernatural beings, werewolves, vampires, social cohesion, moral boundaries, dehumanization, monster stories, horror culture, cultural fears, societal anxieties, creepypasta, witches in historyConnect With UsHave your own thoughts on what monsters reveal about society? Share your perspective and join the conversation!#Monsters #Folklore #CulturalStudies #Psychology #Horror #Mythology #PodcastLinksPlay the Episode: Ain't Slender Man Scary with Sean & Carrie Ain't It Scary With Sean and Carrie Podcast Sign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice Project Join One of Our ProjectsThe Thing About Salem Podcast

What makes a monster? In this spine-tingling episode, Josh and Sarah welcome back fellow podcasters Sean and Carrie from the hit show Ain't it Scary with Sean and Carrie to explore one of the internet's most notorious creations: Slender Man.From creepypasta legend to real-world tragedy, discover how this faceless, tentacled entity became modern folklore and what it reveals about our relationship with monsters. Four podcasters who love things that go bump in the night dive deep into digital horror, viral legends, and—because it's The Thing About Witch Hunts—somehow end up discussing the Salem witch trials.Whether you run toward mysterious figures in the woods or away from them, this episode will make you question why we create monsters and what happens when fictional nightmares bleed into reality.Episode Highlights🎃 What is Slender Man? - The origins of the internet's most infamous boogeyman 👻 Creepypasta to Crisis - How digital folklore goes viral in the modern age 🕯️ Monster Theory - Why do we need monsters? Why do we treat humans as monsters? 🔮 Salem Connections - The unexpected link between witch hunts and modern monster-making 🎙️ Skeptic Meets Spooky - Sean and Carrie return with their signature perspectives on the paranormalAbout Our Returning GuestsSean & Carrie host Ain't it Scary with Sean and Carrie, where a skeptic and a believer explore the unknown, unsolved, unbelievable, and just plain weird. With their passion for history and uncovering truth, they bring complementary perspectives to every mystery they tackle.KeywordsSlender Man, creepypasta, digital folklore, internet legends, monsters, witch hunts, Salem witch trials, paranormal podcast, horror podcast, Ain't it Scary, folklore, urban legends, monster theory, viral horror, true crimeListen & SubscribeDon't wander off the path—subscribe to The Thing About Witch Hunts and join us every episode as we explore the monsters, myths, and witch hunts throughout history.Also check out: Ain't it Scary with Sean and Carrie wherever you listen to podcasts!Keep the porch light on. 🎃LinksAin't It Scary With Sean and Carrie Podcast Sign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice ProjectJoin One of Our ProjectsThe Thing About Salem Podcast

Dr. Richard Raiswell, Dr. David Winter, and Dr. Mikki Brock—co-editors of The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition explore the devil's complex history, from his biblical origins to his evolution through Western culture. Discover how the devil has been weaponized to demonize marginalized groups throughout history and examine his surprising presence in contemporary society.The devil's backstory and biblical originsHow the devil's image transformed across different historical periodsThe dark history of demonization and scapegoatingThe devil's role in witch hunts and persecutionModern manifestations of devil imagery and symbolismExpert insights from the comprehensive Routledge History collectionDr. Richard RaiswellDr. David Winter - Dr. Mikki Brock - Key Topics CoveredDevil mythology and theologyHistorical persecution and witch huntsCultural representations of evilThe devil in Western traditionReligious history and demonologySocial scapegoating through historyThe Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition features contributions from 30 scholars, offering the most comprehensive examination of the devil's role in Western culture and history.Subscribe to The Thing About Witch Hunts for more deep dives into the fascinating intersection of history, culture, and belief.#WitchHunts #DevilHistory #HistoryPodcast #Demonology #ReligiousHistory #CulturalHistoryLinksBuy the book "The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition" Halloween Episodes on The Thing About Witch Hunts PodcastsThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠The Thing About Witch HuntsSupport the nonprofit End Witch Hunts Podcasts and Projects

This October, we're diving into the fascinating story of Margaret Jones—the first woman tried for witchcraft in Massachusetts—through Andrea Catalano's debut novel The First Witch of Boston. Josh and Sarah explore this gripping historical fiction that sheds light on a witch trial that happened decades before Salem, in 1648. Discover why this lesser-known story deserves your attention and hear from the author herself about bringing Margaret Jones's tale to life.October Witchcraft Season: Josh and Sarah kick off the spookiest month with increased witchcraft contentPre-Salem History: Learn about Massachusetts witch trials that occurred 44 years before the famous Salem trialsMargaret Jones's Story: The 1648 execution that changed colonial historyAuthor Interview: Exclusive conversation with debut novelist Andrea CatalanoChart-Topping Success: How this historical fiction novel reached the top of Amazon chartsHistorical Accuracy Meets Fiction: Why Margaret Jones's story was "ripe for telling"First Massachusetts witch trial (1648)Margaret Jones executionPre-Salem witchcraft persecutionColonial Boston historyHistorical fiction as a vehicle for forgotten women's storiesAndrea Catalano's research and writing processThe First Witch of Boston by Andrea CatalanoGenre: Historical FictionSubject: Margaret Jones, executed for witchcraft in 1648Amazon bestseller with positive critical receptionIf you're interested in:Witch trial history beyond SalemColonial American historyWomen's forgotten storiesHistorical fictionOctober/Halloween contentWitchcraft historyWitch trials, Massachusetts history, Salem witch trials, Margaret Jones, 1648, colonial America, witchcraft history, historical fiction, Andrea Catalano, The First Witch of Boston, Boston history, pre-Salem witch hunts, Halloween podcast, October episodes, women's history, forgotten historyJoin Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack every week for your dose of witchcraft history. Subscribe to The Thing About Witch Hunts for more fascinating stories about persecution, superstition, and the women who were accused.Perfect listening for October, Halloween season, or anytime you want to explore the darker corners of American colonial history.⁠Buy the book: The Last Witch of Boston, Andrea Catalano⁠Buy the book with John Winthrop transcriptions on Margaret Jones: Witch Hunting in 17th Century New England by  David D. HallHalloween Episodes on The Thing About Witch Hunts PodcastsThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠⁠The Thing About Witch HuntsSupport the nonprofit End Witch Hunts Podcasts and Projects

Why This Crossover?Hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack are featuring The Thing About Salem podcast on The Thing About Witch Hunts podcast to introduce our listeners to our companion 15 minute sized episode podcast! Both shows are produced by the End Witch Hunts nonprofit, and we want to make sure you don't miss out on the incredible stories we're telling about Salem's witch trials. This crossover episode gives Thing About Witch Hunts listeners a taste of the detailed historical storytelling you'll find over on The Thing About Salem.What if the Salem witch trials could have been prevented? In this compelling crossover episode, we examine the critical turning points between January 1692 and May 1693 when different decisions could have stopped America's most notorious witch hunt in its tracks.From the arrest of four-year-old Dorothy Good to Martha Carrier's infamous designation as "Queen of Hell," we explore how a series of escalating choices transformed a local Massachusetts crisis into colonial America's deadliest legal disaster.Historical Turning PointsCritical moments when the Salem witch trials could have been haltedThe shocking case of Dorothy Good, the youngest accused witchHow local accusations spiraled into regional hysteriaKey Historical FiguresCotton Mather and his contradictory influence on the trialsGovernor William Phips and his delayed interventionMartha Carrier and her notorious title as "Queen of Hell"The role of judges, ministers, and community leadersGeographic SpreadSalem Village and Salem Town dynamicsHow 45 Andover residents became entangled in accusationsThe regional impact across Massachusetts Bay ColonyLegal and Social AnalysisSpectral evidence and its dangerous precedentCourt procedures that enabled the witch hunt's growthCommunity tensions that fueled the accusationsThis crossover episode reveals how a perfect storm of fear, superstition, and poor decision-making created one of America's darkest chapters. We examine the moments when cooler heads could have prevailed and the individuals who either fanned the flames or attempted to restore reason.The Salem witch trials (1692-1693) resulted in the execution of 20 people and the imprisonment of hundreds more. This episode explores the human decisions behind the historical tragedy and the lessons we can learn about mass hysteria, due process, and the importance of critical thinking in times of crisis.Colonial American historyLegal history and judicial reformSocial psychology and mass hysteriaWomen's history and gender dynamics in early AmericaReligious history and Puritan societyTrue crime and historical mysteriesSalem witch trials, Massachusetts Bay Colony, Cotton Mather, spectral evidence, Dorothy Good, Martha Carrier, Governor Phips, Andover witch trials, colonial America, Puritan society, mass hysteria, historical true crime, 1692 witch hunt, Salem Village, judicial historyJoin The Thing About Salem and The Thing About Witch Hunts for this special crossover episode exploring how different choices could have changed the course of American history.This episode contains historical content about persecution, execution, and legal proceedings from the 17th century. Listener discretion advised.Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription ProjectMassachusetts Court of Oyer and Terminer Documents, ⁠The Salem Witch Trials Collection, Peabody Essex MuseumRecords of the Salem Witch-HuntThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

With his highly anticipated debut graphic novel "More Weight: A Salem Story" releasing, Massachusetts-born author Ben Wickey joins us for an exclusive pre-launch interview about this Alan Moore-praised "appalling masterpiece." The Edward Gorey Award-winning artist's first solo work tells the harrowing tale of Giles Corey, the only person pressed to death under stones during the infamous 1692 Salem Witch Trials.What makes this upcoming graphic novel release extraordinary? Beyond Wickey's stunning and unmatched visual storytelling that brings historical horror to visceral life, he is a descendant of Salem Witch Trial victim Mary Easty, bringing deeply personal perspective to this decade-long project that Publishers Weekly compared to "From Hell." We explore the pre-release excitement, Wickey's meticulous research using historical documents, and his innovative dual-timeline narrative featuring Nathaniel Hawthorne interludes. Using the graphic novel format, Wickey cuts through pop culture mythology to restore the genuine horror and humanity of Salem's history.Discover how Corey transformed from testifying against his wife Martha to defiantly uttering his final words "more weight," and why this Salem witch hunt story will captivate readers everywhere.#SalemWitchTrials #BenWickey #MoreWeight #GraphicNovel #HistoricalHorrorBuy the Graphic Novel "More Weight" Read the Alan Moore World Blog: Ben Wickey An Extraordinary Enchanter More Weight Preview Page on TopShelfComix.com Sign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice Projectwww.massachusettswitchtrials.orgThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

Nearly 100 years after Salem, a German immigrant widow in Vermont faced trial by water ordeal for witchcraft. In 1785, Margaret Krieger was dropped through ice into the freezing Hoosick River—and survived.Guests:Joyce Held, Pownal Vermont Historical Society - researcher who uncovered Margaret's full storyJamie Franklin, Bennington Museum Curator - connected the trial to post-Revolutionary War political tensionsKey Points:Margaret Schumacher Krieger (1725-1790) married Johann Krieger in 1741, moved to frontier VermontAfter Johann's death in 1785, neighbors accused her of witchcraft to seize the family's mill and landRecent research suggests the family were Loyalists, adding political motivation to the accusationsMargaret was acquitted after surviving the water test and moved back to MassachusettsModern Legacy:Historical marker installed 2023 at Strobridge Recreation Park, North Pownal, VTAnnual Witches Walk commemorating "extraordinary women" - next event September 13, 2025Connect:Facebook: Pownal Historical SocietyWebsite: www.pownal.orgThis case reveals how witchcraft accusations often masked land disputes, cultural tensions, and political conflicts in post-Revolutionary America.LinksAmericans 1943: Realists and Magic-RealistsAP Article: Group seeks to clear names of all accused, convicted or executed for witchcraft in MASign the Petition: MA Witch Hunt Justice ProjectPownal Historical Society on FacebookBennington Museum Special ExhibitsWatch: New England Legends: Ghosts and Witches  Season 2024 Episode 2The Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

Episode Summary: Jennifer Tozer, librarian at Pueblo Community College in Colorado, shares how she created "Witch Trials: Accusation to Exoneration" - a comprehensive month-long educational program running throughout October. When traditional museum exhibits weren't available, Jennifer built her own visual displays from scratch, featuring poster exhibits, author presentations, virtual tours with the Salem Witch Museum, and discussions connecting historical witch trials to modern-day accusations.For Educators: This episode offers practical inspiration for teachers looking to create engaging historical programming with limited budgets. Jennifer's approach demonstrates how to make distant history relevant to today's students while addressing misconceptions and encouraging critical thinking.Program Details: "Witch Trials: Accusation to Exoneration" runs throughout October at Pueblo Community College Library, featuring interactive exhibits, scavenger hunts, and community presentations.Perfect for history teachers, librarians, and educators interested in innovative programming that brings historical events to life for modern students.LinksBuy the book A Salem Witch by Dan A GagnonBuy the book The Heretics Daughter by Kathleen KentPueblo Community College's Humanities Newsletter with Witch Trials History Event DatesThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

On September 8 and 22, we are joining Dr. Emerson Baker for exciting virtual events hosted by Partnership of Historic Bostons.Visit Eventbrite to register for FREE:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-other-understanding-witch-hunts-part-i-tickets-1492284887269?aff=oddtdtcreatorOr visit the Partnership of Historic Bostons website for more information: https://historicbostons.org/upcomingeventsThe Other: Understanding Witch Hunts, Part I will begin Monday, September 8 at 7:00 PM Eastern.A second event, focusing on resistance to the Salem Witch-Hunt, will be held at the same time on September 22.Almost every culture across time and place has experienced witch hunts of one kind or another. Drawing upon the witch trials in Salem, Boston, and elsewhere in New England, renowned historian Emerson "Tad" Baker, together with guest moderators Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson, will explore the nature of witch hunts. Join a remarkable three-way conversation by some of the most knowledgeable and insightful observers of witch hunts, about the questions that persist more than 350 years after the 20 Salem executions.In this first of two eye-opening discussions, The Other explores why witch hunts happen and how they progress. Why are certain people accused? What characteristics did people like Tituba, Bridget Bishop, and Goody Glover have that made them targets rather than their neighbors? What set them off as "others"? How and why did Tituba’s accusation lead to more accusations, while Glover’s did not? What role did misinformation and rumor play in witch hunts? And, most puzzlingly, what motivated the accusers?Part 2: Resistance, on September 22, 7:00-8:30pm, will explore how people fought against accusations, at risk to themselves, and worked to end the witch hunts. How did family, friends and neighbors help defend the accused? What role did spiritual and political leaders play? How did families and communities heal from witch hunts, and prevent them from happening again? Above all, what gave these people, in the midst of increasing danger, the courage to resist?ABOUT THE SPEAKERSEmerson "Tad" Baker is a professor of history at Salem State University and has previously served as vice provost and dean. 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.His current book project explores the aftermath of the Salem witch trials. Baker has served as consultant and on-camera expert for documentaries and TV shows for networks ranging from PBS and the BBC to Smithsonian and TLC.Josh Hutchinson is a podcaster, writer, and advocate. As a descendant of people involved in New England witch trials, co-founder of End Witch Hunts, and creator of the podcasts The Thing About Witch Hunts and The Thing About Salem, Josh blends historical knowledge and modern activism in his work. Josh continues to shed light on historical injustices while advocating for the elimination of modern harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks.Sarah Jack, a descendant of colonial-era witch trial victims, is the founding executive director of the nonprofit End Witch Hunts. Based in Colorado, Sarah also hosts the podcasts The Thing About Witch Hunts and The Thing About Salem. She specializes in consulting and teaching about witch hunts, past and present, leveraging her extensive networks to bring these conversations to broader communities and platforms. Her work has been highlighted globally and featured in outlets including the New York Times and NPR.End Witch Hunts brings light to the true nature of witch trials and witch hunts through public education, advocacy, memorialization, and exoneration.

Guest: Dr. Martin Austin Nesvig Book: The Women Who Threw Corn: Witchcraft and Inquisition in 16th Century MexicoDr. Martin Austin Nesvig takes us into colonial Mexico's magical underground, where cultural exchange happened in kitchens between women of different backgrounds. This isn't your typical witch hunt story—Mexico never had mass executions or crazes. The Spanish Inquisition there was more interested in heretics than magical practitioners.But women still took risks. From enslaved women casting freedom spells to Spanish settlers experimenting with peyote (the first documented non-indigenous use), these stories reveal how people navigated colonial power and sought agency in their lives.You'll hear about love magic with personal ingredients and indigenous divination techniques. Plus the demographics of colonial Mexico City, where Spanish women were less than 20% of the population.This episode flips the expected colonial narrative—showing how native practices influenced the colonizers themselves. A story of adaptation, survival, and unexpected cultural blending.Hosts: Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson Also check out: The Thing About Salem (weekend podcast)Buy the Book: The Women Who Threw Corn by Martin Austin NesvigThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

What if history's most infamous witch hunt could have been stopped with just a few different decisions? We're examining the pivotal moments between January 1692 and May 1693 when someone—anyone—could have pumped the brakes on Salem's runaway train of accusations.From the shocking arrest of four-year-old Dorothy Good to Martha Carrier's unfortunate promotion to "Queen of Hell," we'll explore how escalating choices transformed a local crisis into colonial America's most notorious legal disaster. We'll meet the key players who either fanned the flames or tried to douse them—including Cotton Mather's mixed messages and Governor Phips' late-in-the-game reality check.Join us as we dissect the moments when cooler heads could have prevailed and discover how 45 residents of unlucky Andover got swept up in accusations that would make even the devil blush. Sometimes it takes a village—or several villages—to create a catastrophe.Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription ProjectMassachusetts Court of Oyer and Terminer Documents, ⁠The Salem Witch Trials Collection, Peabody Essex MuseumRecords of the Salem Witch-HuntThe Thing About Salem YouTube⁠The Thing About Salem Patreon⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts YouTube⁠⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

Join hosts Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson for this special episode recorded live on August 10th for World Day Against Witch Hunts 2025. This expert panel discussion explores the ongoing crisis of witchcraft accusations in Ghana, where men, women and children are violently expelled from their communities and forced to live in outcast camps.Featured experts include a representative from Amnesty International Ghana discussing their groundbreaking "Branded for Life" research and report, alongside other advocates also from the Coalition Against Witchcraft Accusations (CAWA), The Sanneh Institute, ActionAid Ghana, Songtaba, and TOLEC Ghana. These frontline organizations share stories of survivors, reveal the devastating impact of modern witch hunts, and highlight the incredible resilience of women rebuilding their lives in these camps. Learn first hand about the accusations that can stem from something as simple as a dream or refusing a marriage proposal, discover how survivors are creating communities of hope despite losing everything, and understand what these brave women need most to restore their dignity and safety. Ghana's Parliament passed a Bill to protect citizens from witchcraft accusations in July 2023, but it was never signed into law by the former president; the bill has been reintroduced in 2025.This powerful World Day Against Witch Hunts program reveals a human rights crisis affecting vulnerable people right now and showcases the dedicated experts working to create lasting change for survivors who desperately need our support.Hosted by End Witch Hunts nonprofit - working to restore dignity and create safe futures for survivors worldwide.Find links to all these organizations at End Witch HuntsAbout Spiritual and Ritual Abuse Hear the stories of Spiritual and Ritual Abuse in the United StatesGhana: Branded for Life ReportGlobal Review: Addressing Harmful Practices Related to Witchcraft Accusations