Sophia leads the gang in a discussion of the Salem witch trials, their historical context, and the ways that communities fall into paranoia, persecution, and cat noises. Sophia shares an overview and chronology of the events, and presents a questionable warrant. Cindy discusses Puritans' role in the colonization of North America, and several historical examples of mass psychogenic illness. Harrison discusses self-appointed "Witchfinder General" Matthew Hopkins, and the speed of phantom clowns.

In this episode:

"A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials" (Smithsonian Magazine)

"Overview of the Salem Witch Trials" (University of Virginia)

"Salem Witch Trials" (Britannica.com)

"Salem Witch Trials Chronology" (Salem Witch Museum)

"Spectral evidence" (Wikipedia)

"TAMUC History Professor Busts Myths About The Salem Witch Trials" (East Texas A&M)

Music used in the episode:

"Mourning Song" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/