Hebron Historical Society

State Historian to Speak on Witchcraft

Many aren’t aware that Connecticut’s witch trials are sometimes considered the catalyst to the Salem, Massachusetts witch hysteria. Connecticut witch trials occurred about 50 years prior to Salem’s.

According to Connecticut State Historian Walter Woodward, "Connecticut was the fiercest witch prosecutor in New England. From 1647 to 1662, everyone tried as a witch was convicted and executed." By 1662, executions for witchcraft ceased, after Gov. John Winthrop Jr. changed the standards for evidence in witchcraft trials.

Woodward will be talking about the Connecticut witch phenomenon at Hebron Historical Society’s October 22 meeting in his multimedia presentation “Witch Hunting in Colonial Connecticut.” The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at Hebron’s Old Town Hall.

Woodward, a graduate of the University of Connecticut and state historian for the past six years, plans an in-depth discussion of the Hartford witch trials. After providing a background on the tradition of European witch hunting, Woodward will discuss the English development of the phenomenon, explain the genesis for the belief in magic and lay out the early pattern of prosecution in Connecticut.

Woodward believes that there are distinct parallels between the 17th witch trials and modern issues. “Take the war on terror, a conflict that in many ways has its roots in the same type of fear that made the witch hunt possible," he said.

"We have this tendency to vilify people who look like they could possibly be suspected of terrorism," he said. "There's not much difference between 17th and 21st century Connecticut, so studying 17th century witchcraft can be very productive."

Hebron’s Old Town Hall is conveniently located just east of the intersections of Routes 66 and 85. Plenty of parking is available. Light refreshments will be served. While admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted so that Hebron Historical Society can continue to provide programs of interest.