Maryland Witch Trial Exoneration with Elizabeth Pugliese-Shaw

Witch Hunt

"Witch Hunt" explores Maryland's forgotten witch trial history through a revealing conversation with attorney Elizabeth Pugliese-Shaw, who's spearheading efforts to exonerate those accused of witchcraft in colonial Maryland. While the colony saw fewer witch trials than its Puritan neighbors, these cases still resulted in tragedy – including the 1685 execution of Rebecca Fowler and the death of Moll Dyer, who froze to death after townspeople drove her from her home.

Pugliese-Shaw discusses how Maryland's unique status as a Catholic colony with religious tolerance laws may have influenced its handling of witch accusations. She shares promising developments in her exoneration campaign, including a pre-filed legislative resolution to posthumously clear the names of Maryland's accused witches.

Through historical records and enduring local legends – including Moll Dyer's story, which later inspired "The Blair Witch Project" – this episode illuminates a lesser-known chapter of colonial American history while examining modern efforts to address historical injustices.

Maryland House Joint Resolution 2

MD Witch Exoneration Project Website

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