The Distaff Podcast
This conversation explores the historical significance of the distaff as a symbol of women's work, delving into the life of Mary Burt and the witch trials of Puritan society. It examines the dynamics of community relationships, the role of religion and superstition, and the lasting impact of these events on gender narratives. Through a detailed discussion, the speakers highlight the complexities of women's experiences and the societal fears that fueled the witch trials. This conversation delves into the historical context of the Salem Witch Trials, exploring the roles of key figures like Tituba and John Willard, the dynamics of power and hysteria in the community, and the impact of these events on women's history. The discussion highlights the complexities of the trials, the motivations behind accusations, and the societal implications of such mass hysteria, ultimately leading to reflections on the healing process within the community and the significance of women's contributions throughout history.
The Distaff Podcast
Distaff Podcast: Dear Prudence. S1: E4
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Dear Prudence…”"Surely these were Amazonian times when women had strength."
This conversation delves into the historical narrative of Prudence and Miles Morgan, exploring their journey, family connections, and the significance of the Bay Path. The speakers discuss the challenges of historical research, the role of women in early settlements, and the romanticized view of history. Through their exploration, they highlight the importance of communication and connection in the past, ultimately painting a vivid picture of young love and adventure in a historical context.
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Upcoming Episodes
Join us for Episode Five where we explore the Agawam peoples who have inhabited the Connecticut Valley since 12,000 BC.
Sources & Resources:
Hall, David D. . Witch-Hunting in Seventeenth Century New England: A Documentary History, 1638-1693. Second Edition, Duke University Press, 1991.
Gaskill, Malcolm. The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World. Alfred A. Knopf, 2022.
Hawke, David Freeman. Everday Life in Early America. Harper-Collins Publishers, 1988.
Lockridge, Kenneth A. “Stephen Innes. Labor in a New Land: Economy and Society in Seventeenth-Century Springfield . Princeton: Princeton University Press. 1983. Pp. Xxi, 463. Cloth $35.00, Paper $7.95.” The American Historical Review, vol. 89, no. 3, Jun. 1984, pp. 840–41. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1086/ahr/89.3.840.
Morgan Genealogy
by Nathaniel H. Morgan [This has Titus’ writing about Miles Morgan and Prudence]https://openlibrary.org/books/OL24189989M/Morgan_genealogy
William Pynchon Papers, Mss 236. Courtesy of Phillips Library, Peabody Essex Museum, Rowley, MA. https://pem.as.atlas-sys.com/repositories/2/resources/203 Accessed October 24, 2025.
The Miles Morgan family of Springfield, Massachusetts, in the line of Joseph Morgan of Harford, Connecticut, 1780-1847. Frank Farnsworth. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89061980793&seq=20