SPOOKIER THAN HALLOWEEN
Everyone has heard of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but did you realize the first witch trials and executions actually began in colonial Connecticut decades earlier?
In 1642, the law was enacted and in 1647, the first hanging took place. The law simply stated “If any man or woman be a witch (that is) hath or consulted with a familiar spirit, they shall be put to death”, and only one eyewitness was required for a conviction.
Of course, you were entitled to a trial and a jury of your “peers”. Of eleven documented executions, nine were poor women. Reading the court records, you can see the jurors, “peers”, so to speak, were likely a Mr Phelps, Mr Wadsworth, Mr Talcott, Mr Bacon, Mr Grisswold, Mr Dickson, Mr Whiting, Mr Deming, Mr Clark, Mr Allyn, Mr Steele, and Mr Moore. The only two men ever convicted in Connecticut, were convicted along with their wives.
In 1662, Governor Winthrop established that each act of alleged witchcraft must have two eyewitnesses for a conviction and no witches were executed in Connecticut after that time. In total 35 residents were accused. Some were acquitted, but some fled, fearing for their lives.
Were your colonial ancestors part of this witchcraft frenzy, as one of the persecuted, as an accuser, or on a jury? Be sure to check out the Tip-of-the-Week in this edition for links to some great resources on published court records for the early Colony of Connecticut.
A CALL FOR ARTICLES
Since most genealogists love sharing their research and family story, and SGS is always looking for interesting articles for the semi-annual Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society, why not consider writing something for publication?
Suitable subjects would be original compositions detailing your research experiences, maybe an unusual research problem and how you solved it, hints and tips for fellow researchers, or even reviewing a genealogically based tour. No one is probably better able than yourself to convey the family history story you have compiled from letters, diaries, scrapbooks, family Bibles, community and public records. Would your story interest others?
The Journal of the Seattle Genealogical Society editorial staff would certainly welcome your submission. Help is available for inexperienced writers. All submissions will be reviewed and edited for style and length as needed. Submissions should include citations on how and where you found the information. Please check the SGS website for writing guidelines. Original manuscripts cannot be returned, so keep a copy for your records. Previously published material will be considered if the sources, date of publication, and the publication’s address are noted.
Interested or have questions? You may contact the editorial staff or the Director of Publications via email at :
publications@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org
NEW EXHIBIT AT NAAM
Lisa Myers Bulmash, a genealogy buff, mom of two, and artist who explores African American heritage through her work, will have an exhibit of her art at the Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachussetts St, Seattle, WA 98144. It will run from November 5, 2017 through April 8, 2018.
The exhibit, “You’re Not From Around Here, Are You?”, explores topics that are top-of-mind for many:
•historical images, including people of color
•gentrification
•feeling targeted or excluded for who we are
•looking for a “safe space”
•what it means to be a person of color in the Northwest
For more info on Lisa’s exhibit and to see what all NAAM has to offer, visit the website at :
www.naamnw.org
The mission of NAAM is to spread knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the histories, arts and cultures of people of African descent for the enrichment of all. The museum presents and preserves connections between the Pacific Northwest and people of African descent. NAAM also investigates and celebrates Black experiences in America through exhibitions, programs and events.
Lisa Myers Bulmash is the winner of a 2016 Sustainable Arts Foundation grant, an award to support artists with children under age 18. Her work and commentary have been highlighted in five books as well. Myers Bulmash exhibits her work in group and solo shows throughout the Seattle metro area.
Second Saturdays at SGS
On Saturday, November 11, following a short SGS membership business meeting, our Second Saturday program will be Mary Kathryn Kozy presenting “Using Social Media for Family History: Why Bother?” With the popularity of social media, sites like Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube, as well as webinars, blogs, and podcasts, can be invaluable for meeting new cousins, sharing research ideas, records, photos, and genealogical education. Come learn how social media can help you further your genealogy research goals.
SAVE THE DATES
2017 Washington Family History Fair,
LDS – the Bellevue Stake Center,
14536 Main St,
Bellevue, WA
Saturday, November 4, 2017
It’s time again for the annual Washington Family History Fair. Always free, always informative, a different venue.
Early registration is encouraged so they can plan resources accordingly. The classes schedule is listed at the bottom of the online registration form. You can also pay for and order your lunch and order a printed syllabus on the registration form.
Speakers include our Jean A Roth.
Registration for the Family History Fair is at:
https://www.wafamilyhistory.com/2017/registration.html
Overview of Scandinavian Resources,
Stillaquamish Valley Genealogical Society,
6111 188th Pl NE,
Arlington, WA 98223
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Jill Morelli, CG and president of SGS, is presenting an Overview of Scandinavian Resources which introduces three major record sets of Sweden, Denmark and Norway in a two part series. Part one was on Tuesday, October 10th. Part 2 will be Tuesday, November 14th at 1 pm. This will be held at the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society Library, and is free to the public. It will be followed by the regular meeting of the SVGS. Jill lectures and writes about her research and discoveries as a family historian. She is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, Association of Professional Genealogists and numerous societies.
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. The SGS Library will be closed from November 23 through November 27 and from December 22 through January 1, 2018, for the holidays.
NOVEMBER
Saturday, November 4, 1:00p m – 3:00 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this new special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.
Tuesday, November 7, 12:30pm-2:30pm, DNA Tech Tuesday, with Cary Bright.
Saturday, November 11, 1:00p m – 3:00 pm, Fall Membership Meeting & Second Saturday Speaker Series, a short membership business meeting will be followed by Mary Kathryn Kozy presenting “Using Social Media for Family History: Why Bother?”
Sunday, November 12, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group, Karen Knudson, leader. A workshop for your Scandinavian genealogy.
Saturday, November 18, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, November 18, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, Women in WWI, presented by Lisa Oberg
Sunday, November 19, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.
DECEMBER
Saturday, December 2, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.
Saturday, December 9, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group, with Reiley Kidd and Betty Ravenholt, leaders
Sunday, December 10, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group, Karen Knudson, leader. A workshop for your Scandinavian genealogy.
Saturday, December 16, 10:15am – 12:15pm, Irish SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, December 16, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, German SIG, with Jean Roth
