We are excited to partner with Historic Beverly to welcome Michael Cormier, author of the new play Saltonstall’s Trial (running at Beverly’s Larcom Theatre from October 17-27) for a presentation that will cover the infamous witch trials from a local point of view.

Beverly’s historic connection to the witch trials is rich and complex, and Cormier will explore the ways in which names like Hale, Herrick, Rootes and Tookey figured into the tragedy that took more than twenty lives and ruined countless others. This is a rare opportunity to hear the story behind the hysteria through the eyes and minds of Beverly’s forefathers.

Michael Cormier, a Haverhill native, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern University and a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University. He visited Salem at age 12 and has been fascinated with its history ever since. In 2016, Cormier decided the time had come to tell the story of one of the witch trials’ unsung heroes, Nathaniel Saltonstall of Haverhill. Saltonstall was the only judge brave enough to quit the witch court in protest and become a vocal opponent of the trials.

There will be time for a Q&A after the presentation. Free and open to all. Questions? Contact Ona at ridenour@noblenet.org.