Remembering Bridget Bishop

A ceremony honoring the life of Bridget Bishop, the first of 19 accused witches executed during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693, will be held on June 10th starting at 10 am at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Here is a summary of the planned events:

After the short 10 am remembrance at the 1692 Salem Witch Trials Memorial (Charter Street), History Alive is offering a talk on 17th Century clothing by historic costumer Antonio Infante (focusing on Bridget wearing a red bodice and how that did not mean she was a sex worker, ie dispelling myths, etc.) at 10:30 am the Old Town Hall. This will be followed by a special performance of Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop at the Old Town Hall – Bridget’s arrest will occur outside at 10:50 am. An audience Q & A will occur immediately following the performance. In lieu of purchasing a ticket, audience members will be encouraged to donate to HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change). If they present a donation receipt upon arrival for the show, they will have free entry.

Turner’s Seafood (the former site of Bishop’s home) will participate by donating one dollar to HAWC for every “Bridget’s Punch” ordered (including the non-alcoholic version) on June 10.

For further details on this special event, read this article Ceremony to honor Bishop, survivor of abuse, victim of Witch Trials published in the Salem News.