The Devil’s Juggles: Witchcraft Accusations in 17th-Century New England

Description

Was the Connecticut River Valley really free of what Cotton Mather called the Devil’s “juggles”? In the latest in our ‘History Bites’ lunchtime lecture series, on Friday, October 19th, Professor Michael Thurston of Smith College will provide a survey into the appearance of witchcraft in the seventeenth-century history of Valley towns and villages, pointing out familiar patterns of accusation and interrogation. Why did the phenomena that resulted in witch hunts in Salem often manifest as spiritual Christian ‘awakenings’ in the Connecticut River Valley? How were accusations of witchcraft handled in our communities when they did appear? History Bites is a series of thirty minute lectures to inform and entertain, covering various aspects of the history of Amherst and the lives of those who once lived here. Bring your lunch, and we provide coffee, tea and cider for you as you listen to the presentations. The programs begin promptly at 12:15 with seating and beverages ready just before noon. The lectures are free and everyone is welcome to attend.