
In the Shadow of the Hartford Witch Trials (Guided Tour)
Join Richard Ross III for a guided tour of the Ancient Burying Ground to hear the stories of the individuals connected to the 17th century Hartford Witch Trials including townspeople, officials, and clergy. Dr. Ross recently contributed his scholarship to a new brochure for ABG, Connecticut Colony Seventeeth-Century Witch Panic, which will be available at the tour.
Ross is the author of Before Salem Witch Hunting in the CT River Valley, 1647-1663.
This history examines the outbreak of witch hysteria in the Valley, focusing on accusations of demonic possession, apotropaic magic and the role of the clergy. Although the hysteria was eventually quelled by a progressive magistrate unwilling to try witches, accounts of the trials later influenced contemporary writers during the Salem witch hunts. Amazon.com
Free; please pre-register here, donations are welcome. Meet at 11am at the Gold Street gates, near 60 Gold Street corner of Main Street. Comfortable shoes and bottled water recommended.