15 episodes

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

The Salem Witch Trials Podcast Greg Houle

    • History
    • 4.4 • 32 Ratings

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

    A New Charter and a New Court

    A New Charter and a New Court

    New governor, William Phips, under the guidance of a new charter for Massachusetts, faces a crisis as the accusations of witchcraft spread and the suspects pile up jails. With no judicial system to handle the chaos, he establishes a new court, led by William Stoughton, and we set the stage for the epic tragedy to come. 
    Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter. and TikTok
    Learn about Greg Houle's forthcoming book, The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials

    • 14 min
    The Hobbs Family

    The Hobbs Family

    William and Deliverance Hobbs, and their teenage daughter Abigail, were among the most interesting families involved in the Salem witch crisis. Having lived on the rugged and dangerous Maine frontier for a decade prior to arriving in Salem, the Hobbs family took center stage on April 19, 1692, when Abigail made some explosive claims before the magistrates.
     
    Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter. and TikTok 
    Learn about Greg Houle's forthcoming book, The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials

    • 19 min
    Giles Corey and a Horrifying Spectacle

    Giles Corey and a Horrifying Spectacle

    Giles Corey's torturous death was a particularly dark chapter in a vary dark tale. With the help of our guest, Rachel Christ-Doane, director of education at the Salem Witch Museum, we dive into Corey's horrific story, and explore the escalation of fear during the crisis.
    Learn more about the Salem Witch Museum
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    Join us on Facebook, Twitter. and TikTok
    Learn about Greg Houle's forthcoming book, The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials

    • 23 min
    The First Execution: Bridget Bishop

    The First Execution: Bridget Bishop

    While she wasn’t the first to be accused, on June 10, Bridget Bishop became the first person to be executed for witchcraft during the crisis. But her conviction by the new Court of Oyer and Terminer planted some initial seeds of doubt.
     
    Join us on Facebook, Twitter. and TikTok 
     
    Learn about Greg Houle's forthcoming novel, The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials

    • 17 min
    Rebecca Nurse: A Visible Saint is Toppled

    Rebecca Nurse: A Visible Saint is Toppled

    Daniel Gagnon is back to discuss the shocking accusations against and prosecution of Rebecca Nurse.
    Dan is the author of A Salem Witch: The Trial, Execution, and Exoneration of Rebecca Nurse and a member of the board of directors of the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, MA.

    • 25 min
    The Tragedy of Dorothy Good

    The Tragedy of Dorothy Good

    On March 23, 1692, a warrant was issued by the magistrates to take into custody yet another accused individual. By now, the magistrates and marshals were getting used to this exercise. The witch hysteria had been building for several weeks, and the accusations were flying. But this time, however, the accused was not one of the usual suspects. 
     
    Watch Rachel Christ-Doane, director of education at the Salem Witch Museum, discuss her research about the life of Dorothy Good.

    • 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
32 Ratings

32 Ratings

redcokebubbles ,

Drop the Background Music

The info is so interesting, but the background music is more than a little distracting and adds too much background noise - makes it hard to enjoy the podcast.

@debrn60 ,

Very interesting

Great job Greg, so interested in this topic
Your podcast is precise and informative
Thanks

RCM Lover <3 ,

Worth A Listen

A very informative and insightful podcast! Makes you realize how much more there is to learn about the Salem Witch Trials. The creator does a wonderful job of unearthing the truths and facts while also providing insight from other sources.

The length of the episodes are perfect. They are long enough to captivate your attention, leaving you wanting more, but not long enough that you feel like you’re sitting in a history class. The music adds a nice layer to the whole theme of the podcast and doesn’t take away from the actual content whatsoever.

This isn’t just another “guy with a podcast”. You can see the time, effort, and attention to detail that is taken with each and every episode.

I look forward to the new releases every two weeks. Keep going!!

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