From astrology to necromancy and back again, the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century British colonies of New England and elsewhere seemed awash with sorcery. This is a talk about the ideas of magic which early modern English colonists brought with them to the Americas: from their preconceptions about Native ritual and heathenry, to almanacs of star-lore and prognostication, and from common forms of folk magic and divination to high-brow treatises on alchemy and handbooks based on medieval spirit conjuration.
This talk is presented by the historian and diviner Dr. Alexander Cummins, himself an English magician now living in these United States. Dr Cummins will lead us on an exploration of what early American magicians did and how they went about doing it. Along the way, we will learn about how shadowy colonialist fears were projected onto indigenous peoples and their cultures, as well as much of the necessary background and context of "everyday practical magic" and arch occult philosophy alike that preceded the Salem witch-trials.
Tickets $10.00
EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Salem Historical Society collaborates with others in the support, development and sponsorship of key events helping to promote Salem’s history. We are involved with events such as the annual re-enactment of Salem’s resistance to the British during the Revolutionary War - Leslie’s Retreat, the newly conceived Ancestry Days, the First Day Walk and Lecture. We participate in the annual Essex Heritage Trails and Sails weekends as well as Historic Salem’s Christmas in Salem and many other events throughout the year. Check Destination Salem’s website, linked below, for a complete calendar of events happening in Salem.
DESTINATION SALEM
The Office of Tourism & Cultural Affairs for Salem, Massachusetts
Check Destination Salem’s website for up a to date calendar of events happening in Salem. As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Salem, Destination Salem cooperatively markets Salem as one of Massachusetts’ best destinations for families, couples, domestic and international travelers who are seeking an authentic New England experience, cultural enrichment, American history, fine dining, unique shopping and fun. The organization is a nonprofit, public-private partnership funded by both the City of Salem and the businesses that invest in advertising in the annual Salem City Guide & Map and the annual Guide to Haunted Happenings https://www.salem.org/.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WOMEN’S HISTORY DAY AT THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES
“The Women of The House of the Seven Gables and their Community”
Virtual lecture - March 27 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
March is National Women’s History Month and we are excited to participate in Salem Women’s History Day on March 27. The House of the Seven Gables board member Robin Woodman is presenting a lecture titled “The Women of The House of the Seven Gables and their Community.” Woodman’s lecture will focus on the Turner women who occupied the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion from 1668 until 1782 when the house was purchased by Captain Samuel Ingersoll. She will also touch on the Ingersoll women and The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association founder Caroline Emmerton. All of these women played a significant role in the Salem community and witnessed many important moments in history.
Robin is a local historian who grew up on Forrester Street in Salem. She attended after-school programs at The Gables Settlement Association. “I became interested in the women of the house because very few, if any, historians were researching them,” says Woodman. “Researching women's history, especially in a place like Salem where the men are well researched and famous in their own right, is very difficult. You have to spend a lot of time chasing circles around the women to get at them.”
We hope you will join us virtually on March 27 at 6PM to explore the complex lives of the women of The House of the Seven Gables.
EVENT PRICE: FREE
Zoom Lecture!
Sunday, March 13 — Dr. Donna A. Seger
The Practical Renaissance
Presentation at 1:00 p.m.
$10.00 members
$ 15.00 non-members
Payable here or by sending a check to the house.
Please register below or via e-mail at pickeringhouse1@gmail.com.
What sort of information did people in early modern England seek? In The Practical Renaissance: Information, Culture and the Quest for Knowledge in Early Modern England, Professor Seger explores the diffusion and reception of prescriptive publications over the 16th and 17th centuries. Published in an age of dynamic religious and political change, these texts demonstrate the universal desire for health and wealth, a fortified body, and an orderly household.
Donna Seger is Professor of Medieval & Early Modern History at Salem State University and author of the popular blog, Streets of Salem.
2022 LESLIE’S RETREAT SALEM RESISTANCE CELEBRATION
ST. PETER’S / SAN PEDRO CHRISTMAS FAIR
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2021
9am — 3pm
Race and Slavery in New England Symposium
Monday, October 11, 2021 | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Governor’s Academy, 1 Elm Street, Byfield, Mass.
Writers and historians will explore the lives and work of Black New Englanders and abolitionists through a fresh examination of the historical record and recent research.
On Monday, October 11, 2021, the Museum of Old Newbury presents the Race and Slavery in New England Symposium at The Governor’s Academy, 1 Elm Street, Byfield, Mass. Writers and historians will explore the lives and work of Black New Englanders and abolitionists through a fresh examination of the historical record and recent research.
Register and see the complete agenda here. Pricing levels to include Museum of Old Newbury & Historic New England member/non-member, student and optional donations for virtual attendance.
Sunday, September 19, 3:00PM
Trails and Sails Virtual Zoom Lecture!
Unheralded and Unknown They Sleep:
Salem's Forgotten Almshouse Burial Ground
presented by Jennifer Ratliff
Please register at salemhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Salem is often celebrated for its history of millionaire merchants and their mansions, but there is another side to the city’s past, that of Salem’s poorest residents: the aged, disabled, ill, or transient, that were relegated to a harsh life at the City Almshouse.
The last almshouse built in Salem, opened in 1816 on Collins Cove to provide housing and support for the city’s impoverished, many of whom were expected to work the adjacent City Farm to offset the cost of their stay. This site was active for over a century and included a small burial ground which would have served as the only option for those who were unable to afford a funeral or that had no family to claim their remains. Unfortunately, few know of this land’s former purpose and significance, as there is very little evidence of the Almshouse or its burial ground. Join us to learn more about the important history of this site and how we can preserve its memory.
Salem historian Jen Ratliff has dedicated herself to uncovering and sharing the forgotten stories of our collective past. While earning a B.A. from Salem State University in Public History, she created multiple exhibits and digital projects for both Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Salem State University, spotlighting items from their archives and the unique stories behind them. Jen is currently pursuing an M.S., concentrated in Archives Management, from Simmons University. She shares her love for local history on her blog, History by the Sea, as well as her Facebook group, Salem History Exchange.
SEPTEMBER 13-14, 2021
KEEPING HISTORY ABOVE WATER 2-DAY CONFERENCE
The City of Salem, Salem Preservation Partners, and the Newport Restoration Foundation are excited to announce the first event to raise awareness of and discuss adaptation strategies to address climate change impacts on the region’s historic buildings, landscapes and neighborhoods.
Keeping History Above Water: Salem
September 13 - 14, 2021
Morse Auditorium at the Peabody Essex Museum or Livestream
161 Essex St, Salem, MA
Registration: Free This two-day workshop will include both in-person and live-streamed events and a keynote address by Erin Minnigan of the Preservation Society of Charleston who will discuss adaptation strategies employed in Charleston to protect that community’s history and culture. You can view the program schedule here and sign up to attend in person (first come first served) or virtually.
Direct link to the flyer: https://mailchi.mp/newportrestoration/keeping-history-above-water-salem
Exclusive Members Only Event July 15, 2021 7:15pm
As a special thank you for your continued membership and support of The Salem Historical Society, you are cordially invited to a unique performance by History At Play™, LLC which has garnered nationwide acclaim for their one-woman living history productions, chronicling the lives of legendary women who changed society. In MADAM SARAH TM, HAP, LLC transports viewers to 18th Century Hingham, Massachusetts, on the eve of an American Rebellion, and the internment of Dr. Ezekiel Hersey, regionally renown physician and husband to Madam Sarah, whom, amongst his patients, counted the South Shore attorney and future president John Adams. Upon Hersey's death, Sarah married into the Derby family beginning her life in Salem.
History At Play™, LLC revives Madam Sarah Langlee Hersey Derby, an auspicious visionary with a lasting legacy, in this livestream Immersive Living History Experience. Running time is approximately 30 minutes, followed by a post-performance talkback and real-time audience Q&A. Suitable for all ages.
SALEM ANCESTRY DAYS
April 30 - May 3, 2021
GO TO https://www.salem.org/ancestry/ FOR THE FULL CALENDER OF EVENTS TO PLAN YOUR WEEKEND!
Celebrate genealogy and ancestral connections to Salem, Massachusetts, during a weekend of lectures, tours, and research. Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate their ancestral and immigrant connections to Salem, Massachusetts during the first annual Salem Ancestry Days celebration, which will be held April 30-May 3, 2021. The weekend will feature lectures, tours, research opportunities, and information on the people who connect us all to Salem.