Reflection on and Learning from the Lessons of 1692

Presented by The Salem Award Foundation for Human Rights and Social Justice and the City of Salem Witch House

Did you ever wonder who were the real people killed during the Salem witch hysteria? Do you wonder why what happened in 1692 is relevant today?

These questions and more will be answered through a joint venture from The Salem Award Foundation for Human Rights and Social Justice and the City of Salem Witch House on Thursday, September 22 at Salem's Old Town Hall from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Through deepening the understanding of the events of 1692, today's Salem-area residents will better understand today's human rights and social issues.

Leading scholar Marilynne Roach, author of The Salem Witch Trails, a Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege, will illuminate the events leading to the final day of executions during the Salem witch hysteria of 1692. She will focus on the eight individuals who lost their lives on that fateful morning, September 22, 1692, on Gallows Hill. Ms. Roach's talk will help fill in historical gaps while reflecting on who these victims were.

Alison D'Amario, former Director of Education for the Salem Witch Museum, will share the story of the concept and mission behind the Salem Witch Trial Memorial. How and why did this Memorial come to be in 1992?

Meg Twohey, Salem Award Foundation Co-Chairperson, said: "The Salem Award is an effort to bring the lessons learned from the terrible times of the witch hysteria to the attention of today's Salem residents and well beyond. The Award works to highlight social injustices in the global community by keeping the lessons of 1692 in mind."

Elizabeth Peterson, Director of the City of Salem Witch House, heartily agrees with the mission of the Salem Award. She is also pleased to co-sponsor this lecture because, "I feel that it can be so easy to forget the people behind the barrage of facts, dates and overall sensationalism. I believe part of this initial lecture should focus on the victims of September 22, 1692."

All are invited to join this interesting presentation where participants will learn about and reflect on the City's history. Understanding the past can be used to enhance the future.