Salem Witch Trials

Old traditions would be laid aside, new ones instituted. Greed, jealousy, and suspicion would persist. Were these at the root of “The Salem Witch Trials?" Innocent residents of Salem, Massachusetts were tried, and many executed, in perhaps the most infamous chapter in early American history. Meet Goode Rebeka, an elderly woman hanged as a witch in 1692 – but was she? Perhaps by the end of the program you will be able to answer that question.   Originally from Pennsylvania, Jessica Michna developed a love of history at an early age. She and her family visited many historic sites throughout the U.S. Her school years would find her appearing in various productions, and, upon graduation, several scholarships were offered to further her studies in theater arts. She opted instead to earn a degree in psychology from the UW system, working several years as a researcher and lecturer. Her love of theater and history eventually led Michna to found her company, "First Impressions." In 2016 she was awarded the Presidential Service Center's Distinguished Service award for her riveting portrayals of First Ladies.   On Thursday, March 31st, beginning at 12:30 p.m., Michna will portray Goode Rebeka in "Trial by Fire – the Salem Witch Trials." This event is part of the Thursdays at the U Lecture Series, which is free and open to the public, thanks to financial support from the campus foundation. It will be in the Blue Hills Lecture Hall (Ritzinger 234) on the UWEC-Barron County campus, located at 1800 College Drive in Rice Lake. Seating reservations and parking permits are not required.