The First Person Accused of Witchcraft in Salem in 1692

In our February 26, 1692 episode of Salem Witch Trials Daily, we look at the moment the Salem Witch Trials escalated when the first specific accusation of witchcraft was made. We discuss how neighboring ministers and gentlemen visited Samuel Parris at the Salem Village parsonage, witnessed Betty and Abigail’s afflictions, and concluded Satan’s hand was involved while advising caution. We also cover what was learned from Tituba during this visit, including her connection to the witch cake attempt and what she said about learning methods to discover witches. Finally, we follow how the afflicted girls’ finger-pointing began in the Parris household, setting the stage for arrests that would soon follow.

00:00 Late February Recap

00:45 Ministers Visit Parris

01:31 Tituba And The Witch Cake

02:00 First Accusations Begin

02:44 What Happens Next

02:49 Where To Follow

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⁠Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil’s Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692

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⁠Marilynne K. Roach, The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege

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