Salem Secrets: Unraveling the Witchcraft Crisis of 1692

Salem Secrets: Unraveling the Witchcraft Crisis of 1692

From Invisible Histories by Cari Simson Elke Hautala

September 9, 2025 · 1h 31m · Season 5 · Episode 1

About this episode

This episode explores the Salem Witch Trials, focusing on the societal and historical contexts that led to this infamous episode of mass hysteria.

In this enthralling episode of Invisible Histories, we delve into the dark and complex narrative of the Salem Witch Trials, exploring the societal and historical contexts that led to one of America's most infamous episodes of mass hysteria. Join us as we navigate through the summer of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. We examine the lives of the women accused, including Cari’s ancestor Margaret Skillings Prince. We discuss the intersection of religion, gender, and class, revealing how these factors contributed to the witch accusation crisis that resulted in the execution of 20 individuals and the imprisonment of many others. This episode is a compelling reminder of the importance of understanding history to prevent the repeat of its darkest chapters. Time Stamps: :00-34.59 - Catch up and Upcoming Events 35:00 - Salem Secrets: Unraveling the Witchcraft Crisis of 1692 Show Notes: Salem Witch Trials Overview Salem Witch Museum Essex National Heritage Area   Legends of America - The “Witches” of Salem   The Gloucester Leagers In the Devil’s Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692: Mary Beth Norton Six Women of Salem: Marilynne Roach Ergot Poisoning Native Americans of the…

People in this episode

Hosts: Cari Simson, Elke Hautala

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: In the Devil’s Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692, Six Women of Salem

Places: Salem, Massachusetts

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