Connecticut's Witchcraft Trials

The harrowing story of the hanging of witches in Colonial New England continues to haunt our present-day imagination. Most of Connecticut's witchcraft trials and executions predated the more famous Salem witch panic by over 40 years. In this fascinating presentation by the Connecticut Museum of History & Culture, you will hear the stories of the women and men accused, tried, and executed as witches and learn how Connecticut managed to control the spread of witch accusations long before Salem erupted in panic and violence. You will also learn about the final witchcraft trial in New England, which infamously took place right here in Wallingford when, in 1697, a brief resurgence of superstition led to the indictments of Mrs. Winifred Benham and her thirteen-year-old daughter. 

This is a hybrid program; patrons have the option of attending in-person at the library or virtually on Zoom. Registration is required; please sign up below!