The Salem Witchcraft Trials: What Really Happened

The Salem Witchcraft Trials constitute one of the most mysterious and fascinating events in American history. Discover the "perfect storm" of conditions that culminated in tragic circumstances that have haunted us for centuries. We will explode five myths behind the outbreak of allegations of witchcraft in colonial America, examine the villains and heroes involved, and try to determine the reasons behind a raging mass hysteria.

Whether we live in 17th century New England or today, people are susceptible to the same dark fears and influences. The Salem Witchcraft Trials serve as a powerful reminder of the frailty of the human condition.

No registration required. Join us in the Grice Community Room at 6pm on Tuesday, October 22nd. 

Presenter Bio: Honorable Dennis J. Curran, Justice, Massachusetts Superior Court (Ret.)

Justice Dennis J. Curran was a Massachusetts trial judge for over 15 years, and presided over 450 civil and criminal trials. As a trial judge, he received four state-wide awards for judicial excellence. 

Justice Curran graduated from Boston Latin School, and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from the University of Virginia.

His lifelong passion has been history. he has been elected a fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 

He is a member of the Board of Advisors of the nationally-respected Lincoln Forum. He has been featured on a panel of Lincoln scholars on C-SPAN-2. last year, he presented his latest scholarship on Lincoln's ancestry before the Lincoln Forum Symposium in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Justice Curran has served as Professor of the Practice at Tufts University, teaches at Brown University's summer program, and lectures widely before historical groups, public libraries, senior groups, and his fellow judges.

For further information, see www.judgedenniscurran.com