Retired Superior Court Justice Will Discuss Salem Witch Trials
Massachusetts is known for a lot of things. Its history stretches back centuries and is rich and nuanced, containing events—like the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s ride—that are famous historic tales told in classrooms across the country.
But Massachusetts is home to another historic spectacle, one even darker than a harbor inundated with tea: witchcraft.
Everyone knows about the Salem Witch Trials of the early 1690s, during which mass hysteria swept up colonial Massachusetts and resulted in hundreds of accusations, two dozen executions and enough generational trauma to carry witchcraft hysteria into the 21st century.
The trials still capture the public’s attention today, more than 300 years later, but what many do not know is what really happened in 1692. The truth of the events lay buried beneath myth and mystery, but spooky history buffs looking to learn more will have the chance to unpack it all at the Jonathan Bourne Public Library’s upcoming event, “The Salem Witchcraft Trials: What Really Happened.”
The public is invited to join retired Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice Dennis J. Curran at the library on Saturday, October 28, in discussing what led to this perfect storm of events that has haunted New England for centuries.
Justice Curran’s presentation will break down the biggest myths surrounding the trials and what started it all, examine the key players involved and try to determine the root reasons behind such raging mass hysteria.
“Whether we live in 17th century New England or today, people are susceptible to the same dark fears and influences,” the event’s program says. “The Salem Witchcraft Trials serve as a powerful reminder of the frailty of the human condition.”
The event will begin at 1 PM at the library. It is open to the public and free to attend, no registration required.
Justice Curran served as a Massachusetts trial judge for 15 years and is a graduate of Boston Latin School, the University of Pennsylvania (bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees) and the University of Virginia School of Law.