Learn the History of the Connecticut Witch Trials

While the Salem witch trials are well known across the U.S. — and even in other parts of the world — they were not the first trials of their kind to take place in the American colonies. The Connecticut witch trials pre-date events in Salem by more than 30 years. The first accused witch was executed in Hartford, Connecticut, in May 1647. Over the course of the witch panic in Connecticut, at least 34 people were accused of witchcraft, and at least 11 were convicted and executed as witches.

The Connecticut witch trials included events that occurred in Wethersfield, Hartford, and Fairfield, which explains why there is not a single infamous location to visit to learn about the history of these events. However, over the course of a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Albany, this Connecticut road trip takes you past many interesting and historical sites.

Visitors who are intrigued by the history of witchcraft in the U.S. can plan to visit the Salem Witch Trials on down the road.

Wethersfield Village Cemetery

At least three residents of Wethersfield were executed for witchcraft during the 1650s, including John and Joan Carrington and Mary Johnson. Wethersfield was also home to Katherine Harrison, who was tried and imprisoned but eventually released. The Wethersfield Burying Ground and Village Cemetery dates back to 1638, when anyone was allowed to bury their loved ones on what was known as Hungry Hill, wherever space was available.

Although wooden grave markers from that time have long since deteriorated, there is a good chance that people who lived during the Connecticut witch trials were buried in this cemetery. Wethersfield is also the setting for the popular children’s novel Witch of Blackbird Pond, although the events in that book took place after the actual Connecticut witch trials had concluded.

Webb Deane Stevens Museum

While in Wethersfield, tourists may want to visit the Webb Deane Stevens Museum, a colonial history museum with educational programming for guests of all ages. The Webb Deane Stevens Museum is made up of three preserved historic houses as well as period outbuildings and a modern education center. The eight-acre campus also includes the Amy Cogswell Colonial Revival Garden. The houses have been owned and operated by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Connecticut for more than 100 years. Visitors can schedule guided tours or explore the museum on their own.

The Connecticut River Valley Inn

Just outside of Wethersfield is Glastonbury, which is home to the Connecticut River Valley Inn. Guests at this beautiful bed and breakfast enjoy plenty of modern amenities along with historical ambience provided by the 1740’s property. Depending on the room, guests enjoy either a cozy balcony or a private gas fireplace along with plenty of New England hospitality and charm.

Westport Museum for History and Culture

Drivers can keep going on to Westport to fully experience the best of day trips in CT. The Westport Museum for History and Culture was founded as a private museum in 1889 and is dedicated to preserving historical artifacts and stories of America. The Bradley-Wheeler House, which acts as the museum’s headquarters, was built in 1795 and is on the National Register of Historic Places as a historical landmark. The museum grounds also include the Cobblestone Barn and Adams Academy, a former one-room schoolhouse. The Westport Museum for History and Culture occasionally hosts witch-specific exhibitions and events, such as the Connecticut Witch Panic Escape Room.

Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant

After a full afternoon of indulging in Connecticut history, stop by the Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant to unwind. With locations in Westport, New Haven, East Hartford, and Greenwich, the farm-to-table restaurant has a menu to please many palates. Fresh seafood, Italian flavors, and an extensive wine list are all reasons to book a table on your next trip to the Constitution State.

Fairfield Museum and History Center

The Fairfield Museum and History Center includes three historic buildings as part of the Museum Commons: Victorian Cottage, Victorian Barn, and Sun Tavern. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the museum and its exhibits, which in the past have included exhibits specific to the Connecticut witch trials.

On the grounds of the museum, stop by to see the marker for Edwards Pond. Today, the “pond” is just a dip in the ground, but it was once the site of multiple trials by “ducking.” This process involved tying up an accused witch and dropping them in the lake. Anyone who didn’t drown was “proven” to be a witch. Those who drowned were innocent — but dead.

Whether you want to take a complete Connecticut road trip to explore the history of the Connecticut witch trials or just pick and choose the sights that are most interesting to you, you won’t run out of things to do in a state that is fully steeped in American history.