The Way it REALLY Was: 17th Century Puritan Sexuality

The Way it REALLY Was: 17th Century Puritan Sexuality

Puritans (with the exception of Hester Prynne) have a reputation for
chastity, but how true is this characterization? This talk will take a
realistic look at the intimate, daily lives of these early Americans.
Mary-Ellen Smiley will lecture on the complexity of interpersonal
relationships and courtship in Colonial America. Mary-Ellen Smiley is a
social historian, presently the curator of exhibitions and education
programs at the Salem Museum. She formerly served as director of the
Beverly Historical Society, and was education coordinator at the House
of the Seven Gables. $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Advance registration is requested as the program is limited to 40 attendees. Register online.

The season of ghoulish antics and hocus pocus has arrived at the Andover Historical Society.   The third annual Bewitched in Andover: A Series of Eerie Events will take place throughout the month of October offering a wide variety of spirited and Halloween-themed events for all ages.

Andover was deeply involved in the infamous Salem witch trials and
has long embraced New England’s autumn traditions.  So it is fitting
that the Historical Society draws attention to the Colonial Era and the
traditions that have evolved over the years.