The Salem Witch Trials Podcast

Dec 03 2024 30 ep. 20 mins 58
The Salem Witch Trials Podcast artwork

The Salem Witch Trials Podcast takes a fast-paced and episodic examination of the witch hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The brief yet insightful episodes harness the knowledge of experts to help illuminate both the chronology of events as well the deeper context surrounding the witch crisis, giving listeners a better understanding of this fascinating and tragic event in early American history.

  History  Society & Culture
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The Infamous Susannah Martin

Dec 03 2024 21 mins  
An early settler of Salisbury, Massachusetts, Susannah Martin's reputation, as well as a series of accusations made against her earlier in her life, meant that she was destined to become a target of the witch hunt. Learn more about host Greg Houle's new novel: The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials.

The Mayhem Spreads West

Nov 19 2024 32 mins  
We discuss how the frontier town of Andover, MA, located a dozen miles west of Salem, gets caught up in the growing witch hysteria in 1692. We're joined by Martha Tubinis, director of programs at the Andover Center for History and Culture, and Toni Armstrong, a PhD candidate in the History of Art and Architecture at Boston University, and a Weekend Research Assistant at the Andover

Martha Carrier’s Fierce Defiance

Nov 04 2024 21 mins  
We explore the life and legacy of Martha Carrier, the first Andover resident accused of witchcraft in 1692. We’re joined by Carrier’s descendant, Alice Markham-Cantor, author of The Once and Future Witch Hunt: A Descendant’s Reckoning from Salem to the Present. Learn more about Alice Markham-Cantor and her book at her website. Be sure to check out host Greg Houle's new novel

Going Viral: The Future of Salem's Past

Oct 17 2024 18 mins  
The way we learn history today is evolving. In this episode, we're joined by Emily Wolff, a history grad student who shares videos about the Salem witch trials on TikTok (@history_with_Emily). We discuss the challenges and opportunities of educating audiences on social media, and what it might mean for the future. Be sure to check out host Greg Houle's new novel: The Putnams of Sal

Anniversary Episode: An All-Star Panel Discussion from Danvers

Oct 01 2024 54 mins  
It’s our one year anniversary and we’re celebrating with a great discussion, recorded before a live audience at the Danvers Historical Society’s Tapley Memorial Hall in downtown Danvers, MA (formerly known as Salem Village) on September 30, 2024. The panelists include: Emerson Baker is a historical archaeologist and professor of history at Salem State University who has done

The Tragedy of the Toothakers

Sep 18 2024 23 mins  
The Salem witch trials are filled with strange and tragic stories. But few are as strange or as tragic as that of Roger and Mary Toothaker and their family. Join us for a live broadcast: On Monday, September 30 at 3pm we'll be broadcasting live at Tapley Memorial Hall. Sponsored by the Danvers Historical Society, our panelist for this episode include: Emerson Baker, Rachel Christ-D

BONUS: The Putnams of Salem - The Novel

Sep 01 2024 7 mins  
Host Greg Houle's book, The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials, is now available. In this short bonus episode, he talks about the novel. Learn more at theputnamsofsalem.com Buy the book: Amazon, Bookshop.org, BN.com

The Putnams

Aug 22 2024 29 mins  
Host Greg Houle explores the role his own ancestors, the Putnam family, played in fueling the witch crisis, investigating the complex motivations behind their actions and reflecting on how this history still resonates with us today. Join host Greg Houle on Friday, August 30 at 7pm EDT for a virtual discussion about his book The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During

The Dissenters

Aug 07 2024 22 mins  
While the majority of people living in Salem in 1692 were completely swept up in the witch hysteria, there were more than a few brave souls who cast a skeptical eye at what was going on. We tell some of their stories. Preorder Greg Houle's book, The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter. and TikTok

The Twisted Tale of John Willard

Jul 16 2024 22 mins  
John Willard was both an outsider and a bit of a hustler, looking to earn wealth through land speculation. These qualities didn’t serve him well when the witch hysteria struck Salem in 1692 and John Willard found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Preorder Greg Houle's book, The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials Join the co