Emerson Baker

Emerson Baker, a historian and interim dean at Salem State University, delves into the alarming events of the Salem Witch Trials. He explains how Salem in 1692 marked a crisis for Puritan Massachusetts and shaped American history's path. Baker discusses the interpretations of witchcraft, the influence of factionalism, and how societal divisions spurred accusations. He highlights the judges' motivations and the chaotic legal landscape, concluding with a cautionary reflection on the lessons of scapegoating and prejudice from that dark chapter.