Owensboro Community & Technical College is presenting a student-led exhibit, “The Salem Witch Trials,” through November 1. The exhibit features historical research, art, and performances highlighting the events of the 1692 Salem witch trials.
The exhibit is on display in the lower level of the Learning Resource Center, located on the Main Campus at 4800 New Hartford Road.
The project, led by history professor Matt Alschbach, encourages visitors to explore a pivotal moment in American history.
“The tragic events that took place in Salem in 1692 have always captivated my students more than any other historical topic,” Alschbach said. “I asked my students to look at recent scholarship from some of the excellent female historians in the field, as well as eyewitness accounts, court documents, and even scholarly podcasts. As one of my students pointed out, the Salem witch trials are an example of women’s history and a fascinating example of ‘true crime.’ I’m happy to say that I underestimated just how enthusiastic my students would be when they found out about the project. They’ve done an amazing job with their research, and I’m proud to have the campus and greater community come and see their finished work.”
The exhibit includes art from the college’s printmaking class and scenes from Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, performed by OCTC theatre students. Movie nights and a panel discussion will complement the showcase, concluding with a cat adoption event in a nod to the witch-feline association.
The exhibition concludes with a cat adoption day — a nod to the historical association between witches and their feline companions.
The following events are scheduled:
- Sept. 24: Movie Night, The Blair Witch Project, 5 p.m., Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107).
- Oct. 15: Movie Night, The VVitch: A New England Folktale, 5 p.m., Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107).
- Oct. 21: Lecture, “Examining the Root Causes of Witchmania, 1692,” by Matt Alschbach, 11 a.m., Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107).
- Oct. 21: Theatre performance, Scenes from The Crucible, 12 p.m., Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107).
- Oct. 29: Movie Night, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, 5 p.m., Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107).
- Oct. 30: Panel discussion, “Contemporary Perspectives on Witches,” 11 a.m., Blandford Lecture Hall, featuring OCTC faculty.
- Oct. 30: Cat Adoption Day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., lower level of the Learning Resource Center.
Attendees should note that movies and performances may include adult content and may not be suitable for younger audiences, according to OCTC.
