Fear, Faith and Women in the Salem Witch Trials

During summer 2026, Jerra Jenrette, retired professor of history, will take interested folks on a "virtual" trip through the history of the Salem witch trials. These trials occurred during the 17th century when neighbors and family members launched a series of witchcraft allegations against people in Massachusetts Bay Colony (MBC).

Founded in 1630 by Puritans seeking religious and economic freedom, MBC leaders sought to establish what was essentially a theocratic government. Beginning in 1688, the small town/village of Salem, Massachusetts, became the focal point of the "American" witch craze. This course will examine the role of fear, faith, and women in this infamous/famous period in our history, considering the impact (short-long term) as well as how it reflected broader and deep themes in the development of this nation. During 1692-93, twenty people were executed and four others died awaiting trial, while 150-200 people were accused of witchcraft in a community whose population was 600!

During her academic career, Jerra taught several courses on the Salem witch trials, the European witch craze, and took students to visit historic sites in Salem and the surrounding area for more than twenty years.

Please RSVP to the Edinboro UMC office at office@edinboroumc.org if interested in participating.