Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast · Fin Dwyer & Damian Shiels

2. The Irish Witch of Boston: The Prelude to Salem

·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

How did an Irish woman's witch trial in Boston set the stage for the infamous Salem witch hunts?

This episode examines the trial and execution of an Irish woman in Boston, which directly influenced the later Salem witch trials. Hosts Finn Dewar and Damian Shields, creators of a podcast exploring Irish-American history, guide the narrative. They focus on the story of Goody Glover, a figure they assert is lesser-known but historically significant. The hosts place Glover's story within the broader 17th-century context of Irish history and transatlantic connections. They reference the recent unveiling of a memorial in Ireland honoring the Choctaw Nation's aid during the Great Hunger. This memorial, located in Middleton, East Cork, was designed by artist Alec Pentick and symbolizes feathers. The discussion notes the Choctaw Nation sent financial donations to Ireland during the famine period. The episode then shifts to its primary subject, the Boston witch trial predating Salem. Goody Glover was an Irish woman living in Boston who was accused of witchcraft. She was ultimately tried, convicted, and executed by hanging in the late 1600s. The hosts argue this specific case had a substantial and direct impact on the legal and social atmosphere leading to the Salem trials. They find it notable that this pivotal Irish figure is often absent from mainstream narratives of American witch trials. The connection between an Irish immigrant's trial in Boston and the subsequent panic in Salem is presented as a crucial historical link. The personal resonance of the story is emphasized, with one host stating it has "really stuck with me." The anecdote about the Choctaw memorial also highlights enduring, lesser-known bonds between Ireland and Indigenous American nations. The tone is educational and conversational, blending historical narrative with casual discussion between the two hosts. The style is investigative, aiming to uncover a forgotten precursor to a famous historical event. Listeners interested in overlooked chapters of early American history and the Irish diaspora would find this episode compelling. Those seeking a deep dive solely into the Salem trials themselves might find the focus on a prior case less immediately relevant.

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