Library virtual program will delve into the Salem Witch Trials

NEWS RELEASE
LONGMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
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More than three centuries later, the infamous witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts continue to intrigue and confound us. They are held up as the worst kind of crowd groupthink, a sad and tragic example of religious zealotry gone amuck. Yet, so many questions remain unanswered that we can’t seem to look away. Archivist and historian Mickey DiCamillo brings all those questions — and some answers — to a new program for the Longmont Public Library.  “When There Were Witches: The Salem Witch Trials” will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 8 via Webex.

In January of 1692, a strange illness seized control of five young girls. When medical professionals couldn’t identify the illness, the girls were believed to be possessed. But, did the girls bring this trouble upon themselves or were people in the community casting black magic across the town? Clergy, politicians, and other community members all attempted to answer this question, and their answers sent the region into hysteria.

The Salem Witch Trials are one of the most iconic events in United States history and remain relevant more than 300 years after the final accused witch hanged on Gallows Hill. However, the events surrounding the trials and the motivations of the participants remain habitually misunderstood. DiCamillo unravels the events of 1692 with help from archival documents from the period. Guests also will have the opportunity to interact with transcripts from the early interrogations of people accused of witchcraft and see firsthand the difference between presumed innocent and presumed guilty.

DiCamillo has worked for The University of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Historical Society, and currently works at the Hagley Museum and Library, a Smithsonian affiliated research library in Wilmington, Delaware. He has written for the Journal of Film and History, The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, and has given numerous lectures on United States and New Jersey History.

This talk will be held via Webex and is free to the public.

Registration is required and is limited to 195 participants. Once registered, participants will receive an email confirmation with information on how to join the Webex meeting.

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