Post by jadedsage on Oct 20, 2004 21:00:42 GMT -5
Although witches are clearly a popular icon of the Halloween holiday, the most famous witches were those accused in Salem, Mass., back in April of 1692. Since we are nearly upon the bewitching season, and since Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" begins a run at the Playhouse in the Park on Thursday, I thought a recap of the events of those sad days along with a look at today's more tolerant times might be of interest.
• www.cincyplay.com. Get the details on the play that serves not only to tell the tale of the girls who, by their accusations, set off the infamous Salem witch trials, but also to draw similarities to the events of the 1950s with the McCarthy era and the hunt for communists among the Hollywood elite.
• www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/crucible. Find out all about the book, the author and everything you need to know to pass a test, write an essay or construct a project for school. (Who knows, it might even prompt you to read the play)
• www.salemwitchtrials.com. This site is all about the Salem witch trials. Read the history and some of the actual transcripts from those incredible cases. You'll find biographies of the accused, the accusers, the afflicted and the victims. There's quite a bit about the town today and even a guide to Halloween in Salem. Oh, and if you think you really know about the trials, there's even a brief quiz. I took it before I looked at the site. I didn't get a single question correct. How dumb do I feel? (I must have been bewitched.)
• members.aol.com/WARLOCK92. Read the interesting accounts of two of the accused. The story of Sarah Wildes, is told by her granddaughter, (eight generations removed), Dana Wildes. She also writes of Rebecca (Towne) Nurse, Sarah's sister. It's a fascinating combination of historical fact and family history with some fairly astute personal comments thrown in as well. It certainly makes for an interesting read.
• www.paralumun.com/witchsalem.htm. You'll find a fairly detailed accounting of the major events in Salem as well as links to dozens of sites of interest to those with a fascination of or curiosity about witches and witchcraft. This is another good one for school research.
• www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/salem. Most of what comes from National Geographic is good stuff and this site is no exception. I think any class that studies the trials should view the interactive trials included here just to see what it felt like to be among the accused.
• etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft. You might want to ask why, but one of the best sites about the Salem witch trials comes from the University of Virginia. The documentary archive and transcription project is phenomenal. See photos of actual documents including court records, personal letters, maps of the day and much, much more.
• www.salemweb.com/guide/witches.shtml. If a trip to Massachusetts is in your plans, this site not only delves into the trials, but also gives many details about Salem today. It's particularly complete when it comes to things to do during the monthlong Halloween celebration.
Jan Perry is a Kentucky-based freelance writer for The Post. She welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions, particularly for sites that have to do with Halloween for columns next week. Send your favorites to her at SiteSeer2K@aol.com.
Publication Date: 10-20-2004
• www.cincyplay.com. Get the details on the play that serves not only to tell the tale of the girls who, by their accusations, set off the infamous Salem witch trials, but also to draw similarities to the events of the 1950s with the McCarthy era and the hunt for communists among the Hollywood elite.
• www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/crucible. Find out all about the book, the author and everything you need to know to pass a test, write an essay or construct a project for school. (Who knows, it might even prompt you to read the play)
• www.salemwitchtrials.com. This site is all about the Salem witch trials. Read the history and some of the actual transcripts from those incredible cases. You'll find biographies of the accused, the accusers, the afflicted and the victims. There's quite a bit about the town today and even a guide to Halloween in Salem. Oh, and if you think you really know about the trials, there's even a brief quiz. I took it before I looked at the site. I didn't get a single question correct. How dumb do I feel? (I must have been bewitched.)
• members.aol.com/WARLOCK92. Read the interesting accounts of two of the accused. The story of Sarah Wildes, is told by her granddaughter, (eight generations removed), Dana Wildes. She also writes of Rebecca (Towne) Nurse, Sarah's sister. It's a fascinating combination of historical fact and family history with some fairly astute personal comments thrown in as well. It certainly makes for an interesting read.
• www.paralumun.com/witchsalem.htm. You'll find a fairly detailed accounting of the major events in Salem as well as links to dozens of sites of interest to those with a fascination of or curiosity about witches and witchcraft. This is another good one for school research.
• www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/salem. Most of what comes from National Geographic is good stuff and this site is no exception. I think any class that studies the trials should view the interactive trials included here just to see what it felt like to be among the accused.
• etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft. You might want to ask why, but one of the best sites about the Salem witch trials comes from the University of Virginia. The documentary archive and transcription project is phenomenal. See photos of actual documents including court records, personal letters, maps of the day and much, much more.
• www.salemweb.com/guide/witches.shtml. If a trip to Massachusetts is in your plans, this site not only delves into the trials, but also gives many details about Salem today. It's particularly complete when it comes to things to do during the monthlong Halloween celebration.
Jan Perry is a Kentucky-based freelance writer for The Post. She welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions, particularly for sites that have to do with Halloween for columns next week. Send your favorites to her at SiteSeer2K@aol.com.
Publication Date: 10-20-2004
