Salem’s witch trials were the last frenzy of witchcraft accusations in colonial New England. But what was the first? Join us for a free virtual lecture with Elizabeth Kapp, Curator of History at the Springfield Museums, on Thursday, September 25th at 6:00 pm EST.

Discover the story of Mary Lewis and Hugh Parsons featured in Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem, an exhibition at the Springfield Museums. A married couple living in Springfield, the Parsons faced accusations of witchcraft in 1651, over forty years before the events of Salem. Listen to their neighbors’ testimony and explore how evidence came from aspects of everyday colonial life. Uncover how their alleged witchcraft involves one of the first banned books in English North America and learn how the edition on display connects Springfield to the Salem Witch Trials. The exhibit Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem is on display at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History through November 2, 2025.

Registration is required for this event. Please register here.