Historian Stacy Schiff on the Salem Witch Trials

    Listen 00:48:46

    Guest: Stacy Schiff

    In 1692, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was consumed with fear and paranoia. Its Puritan residents found themselves in a fight against the devil, as young women and children were thought to have succumbed to witchcraft. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian STACY SCHIFF uses historical research to unpack the events surrounding the Salem witch trials in her new book The Witches: Salem, 1692. Schiff gives voice to the mostly women and few men who were convicted and executed and explores how religious fervor and desperation can lead families, neighbors and friends to turn on their loved ones. She also raises questions about how the legacy of the Salem Witch Trials shaped our country. Schiff returns to Radio Times to talk with Marty about this fascinating episode of American history.

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal