The Connecticut State Library, across Capitol Avenue from the Capitol, will hold a program on 17th Century witchcraft on Thursday October 21.
Here’s their release:
“Robert Laughlin, an historical consultant, will present “Death by
Witchcraft: Witch Trials and Medicine in 17th Century Connecticut”
Thursday, October 21, 2010, from Noon to 12:45 at the Connecticut State
Library, 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. Mr. Laughlin will take us back
nearly 350 years in the past to investigate the first autopsy recorded
in Connecticut and how it is connected to the 17th century witch trials
that took place in Hartford, thirty years prior to the events in Salem,
Massachusetts. In 1662, Doctor Rossister of Guilford was asked to
determine the cause of death for an eight year old girl named Elizabeth
Kelly. The presentation will also uncover the state of medicine in 17th
century Connecticut. Borrowing some of the most popular theories used
to find the cause of the Salem witch panic, Mr. Laughlin takes a closer
examination of the Connecticut girl’s death. Comparing several
theories, including that of Doctor Rossister with his own, he finally,
with aid of modern science, reveals the most likely cause of the young
girl’s death.
Mr. Laughlin is currently completing an M.A. in American Studies at
Trinity College. He has conducted research and developed programs for
the Old State House, the Stanley Whitman House in Farmington and served
as Education Coordinator at Old Sturbridge Village.
The Connecticut State Library which includes the State Archives and the
Museum of Connecticut History contains some of the most primary source
documents on witchcraft in Connecticut. The Library is open free to the
public Tuesday – Friday 9-5 and Saturday from 9-2. The Museum of
Connecticut History is open Monday – Friday 9-4 and Saturday from 9-2.”