In many ways, the Salem witch trials have taken on a life of their own over the last three centuries. In this episode, were joined by John Howard Smith, professor of history at Texas A&M University - Commerce, who helps us sort through the myths and

We explore the myth of religious freedom in early American history, addressing the intolerance of the Puritans and the challenges faced by other religious groups. And we see how these aspects begin to evolve following the witch crisis.Join the conversa

Cotton Mather was a third generation minister born into Puritan royalty, a nepo baby long before anyone had ever used the term. But his involvement in the Salem witch trials and defense of the trials afterward led to his eventual vilification. Were j

We often think of the population of seventeenth-century New England as homogenousmade up entirely of Anglo-Puritans and the natives who had been living in America for centuries. Yet there were others in New England as well, including a very small, yet si

We explore the enigmatic figure of Reverend Samuel Parris, the man who sat at the spiritual head of Salem Village during the witch crisis. We trace Reverend Parris' journey to Salem, which is set agai

New governor, William Phips, under the guidance of a new charter for Massachusetts, faces a crisis as the accusations of witchcraft spread and the suspects pile up jails. With no judicial system to ha

William and Deliverance Hobbs, and their teenage daughter Abigail, were among the most interesting families involved in the Salem witch crisis. Having lived on the rugged and dangerous Maine frontier

Giles Corey's torturous death was a particularly dark chapter in a vary dark tale. With the help of our guest, Rachel Christ-Doane, director of education at the Salem Witch Museum, we dive into Corey'

While she wasnt the first to be accused, on June 10, Bridget Bishop became the first person to be executed for witchcraft during the crisis. But her conviction by the new Court of Oyer and Terminer planted some initial seeds of doubt.Join us on Facebo

Daniel Gagnon is back to discuss the shocking accusations against and prosecution of Rebecca Nurse. Dan is the author of A Salem Witch: The Trial, Execution, and Exoneration of Rebecca Nurse and a me