Remembering Alice Young with Author Beth Caruso

Hosts Josh and Sarah welcome back author Beth Caruso to discuss Alice Young, New England's first documented witch trial victim, executed in Hartford, Connecticut in 1647. Beth shares her groundbreaking research that led to Alice's official exoneration by the Connecticut legislature in May 2023, after centuries of her story being nearly lost to history. The conversation explores how Beth pieced together Alice's life through limited historical records, neighborhood land documents, and epidemiological patterns from a 1647 flu outbreak that may have contributed to the accusations against her. They discuss Alice's lasting legacy through her descendants, connections to broader New England witch trial history, and what still needs to be done to honor her memory through exhibits and memorials.

Episode Highlights:

• Alice Young's Story - New England's first documented alleged witch hanging, executed in Connecticut in 1647 (June 5th by modern calendar)

• Historic Exoneration - Connecticut's bipartisan legislative vote in May 2023 officially cleared Alice Young's name after centuries

• Research Challenges - How limited historical records have been  pieced together to share Alice's life 

• The 1647 Flu Epidemic - How neighborhood deaths and epidemiological patterns may have led to Alice's accusation

• Historical Connections - Links between Alice Young's case and broader New England witch trial history, including connections to the Mather family

• Governor Winthrop Jr.'s Role - His alchemical views and connections to people in Alice Young's life

• Alice's Legacy - Her descendants and lasting impact on Connecticut heritage and colonial history

• Ongoing Memorial Efforts - What still needs to be done through exhibits, memorials, and continued awareness

• Beth's Work - Her Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project, CT Witch Memorial Facebook page, and Connecticut Witch Trials Trilogy

• Podcast Promotion - Launch announcement for "The Thing About Salem" podcast and its first episode about TitubaBuy the book One of Windsor by Beth Caruso

Author Beth Caruso's Website 

Article: Between God and Satan  by Katherine A. Hermes; Beth M. Caruso

Buy the book: Prospero's America: John Winthrop, Jr., Alchemy, and the Creation of New England Culture, 1606-1676  by Walter W. Woodward

ConnecticutWitchTrials.org

CT W.I.T.C.H. Memorial https://www.facebook.com/ctwitchmemorial

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