The World of Goody Garlick: Diving Into East Hampton’s Witchcraft History

“The Goody Garlick story is fascinating,” shared Richard Barons, the Executive Director of the East Hampton Historical Society. “And like so much history, is relevant for our times.”

On Saturday, September 26th, the East Hampton Historical Society, along with help from Village Historian Hugh King and his wife Loretta Orion, a retired professor of anthropology, will explore the Village’s “magical” past during “The World of Goody Garlick: East Hampton’s Witchcraft Case 1657.” From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Society will present a series of lectures that explain the story of East Hampton’s famed witch trial, beginning with an overview of the culture that Goody Garlick, the suspected witch, lived in. Daniel Cohen will speak about highlights from the Town’s records, which document Colonial East Hampton as a shockingly litigious location with a remarkably resentful and superstitious community. Hugh King will discuss a paper that he wrote along with his wife which focuses on how the small East End community could become so engrossed in the notion of a witch living within their world.

Following a picnic lunch, Walter Woodward, the Connecticut State Historian, will talk about a similar witch trial that occurred in Connecticut. The lectures will conclude with Hugh King and Aimee Web sharing their new research that further enriches the community’s perception of the social structure of a small Colonial Long Island town.

“The singling out of an individual as different and despicable is a tale that is universal and yes, despicable,” said Barons.

The conference will take place at the Session House of the Presbyterian Church. Reservations are required and admission is $50 per person.

The Session House of the Presbyterian Church is located at 120 Main Street in East Hampton. For more information, call 631-324-6850 or visit www.easthamptonhistory.org.