The Thing About Witch Hunts Glebe House Museum on Moll Cramer and Witchcraft in Connecticut
In this episode, Josh and Sarah speak with the creative team behind "The Witch of Woodbury," a theatrical production at Connecticut's Glebe House Museum that brings 17th-century witch trial victims to life through performance.
Featured Guests:
Linda Barr-Gale - Actress portraying Moll Cramer for 13 years and production writer
Loriann Witte - Director of Glebe House Museum, portraying Rebecca Greensmith
Maribeth Cummings - Actress portraying Katherine Harrison for 5 years
Vail Barrett - Actor portraying accuser Thomas Allyn
Key Topics:
The legend of Moll Cramer, the "Witch of Woodbury" who was banished to Tophet Road
Connecticut's witch trial history from 1647-1663, including 11 executions
How Governor John Winthrop Jr. transformed Connecticut's approach to witchcraft accusations
Accused Witch Katherine Harrison's well-documented case and its role in changing spectral evidence standards
Executed woman Rebecca Greensmith's role in the Hartford Witch Panic of 1662
The perspective of accusers like Thomas Allyn and the climate of fear in colonial Connecticut
Using theatrical performance to make history accessible and memorable for modern audiences
Historical Context: The performance emphasizes the stark differences between Connecticut's evolving legal standards under Winthrop and the later Salem trials.
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