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Description
In 1692 fear broke out in Salem, Ma. Accused by young girls and tried in a court that allowed visions, dreams, and spirit visitations to prove as testimony, 200 people, both men and women, were sentenced as Witches by their Puritan neighbors. Twenty were executed. What happened? How could Puritan Christians set about to judge and convict so many innocent people? What can we learn in the aftermath of this horrifying event?
Join Dr. Lori Wagner on May 1, 2024, May Day (Beltane in the ancient tradition), in exploring the "religious fervor and fear" that stoked the Salem Witch Trials. Learn about the Puritans, the intertwining social and political influences that allowed for the trials. Hear the horrifying stories of innocent people put to death. Explore the roots of the ancient/modern nature religion followed by many current day Wiccans who live and work in modern day Salem.
Copies of Nathaniel Hawthorne's chilling short story, "The May-Pole of Merry Mount", and 2024 Salem Visitor Guides (compliments of the town of Salem) will be available free of charge to attendees as copies last.
Dr. Lori Wagner is an author, book editor, ghostwriter, and adjunct professor of Religion and Philosophy at Penn State Brandywine. She is currently interim pastor as Lima Church, Media, Pa. An aficionado of cultural and historical lore, she has visited Salem multiple times throughout the years and continues to be fascinated by the phenomenon of the trials, as well as the way that religion, when stocked by fear, can too easily become harmful rather than healing.
Tickets for this event are $15.00. Widener students are free.
Date & Time
Wed, May 1, 2024 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Venue Details
Widener University Communication Studies Department
Freedom Hall, Widener UniversityChester, Pennsylvania 19013
