Death by Witchcraft: Witch Trials and Medicine in 17th Century Connecticut

CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY “3rd THURSDAY OF THE MONTH”BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES

Robert Laughlin, an historical consultant, will present “Death by Witchcraft: Witch Trials and Medicine in 17th  Century Connecticut” Thursday, October 21, 2010, from Noon to 12:45 p.m. at the  Connecticut State Library, 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. Mr. Laughlin will take us back nearly 350 years in the past to investigate the first autopsy recorded in Connecticut and how it is connected to the 17th century witch trials that took place in Hartford, thirty years prior to the events in Salem, Massachusetts. In 1662, Doctor Rossiter of Guilford was asked to determine the cause of death for an eight year old girl named Elizabeth Kelly. The presentation will also uncover the state of medicine in 17th century Connecticut. Borrowing some of the most popular theories used to find the cause of the Salem witch panic, Mr. Laughlin takes a closer examination of the Connecticut girl’s death. Comparing several theories, including that of Dr. Rossiter with his own , he finally, with the aid of modern science, reveals the most likely cause of teh young girl’s death.

Thursday, October 21, 2010
Noon -  12:45
Connecticut State Library ~ Memorial Hall 
231 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut
Free Admission
Bring Your Lunch

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