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.

Learn More:

• Glebe House Museum

• • Connecticut Witch Trial History
  • End Witch Hunts Nonprofit