On February 8th, 1692, news of a new Massachusetts charter heightened fears of losing colonial independence. As hosts of Salem Witch Trials Daily, we're deeply connected to this history. We, are descendants of Mary Esty and Rebecca Nurse. Today, we delve into the heart-wrenching stories of the Towne sisters—Rebecca Nurse, Mary Esty, and Sarah Cloyce—our own ancestors who faced unimaginable trials during the Salem Witch Trials. Rebecca's wrongful conviction and execution, Mary's courageous and selfless petition, and Sarah's bold defiance in church are chapters of our family history that we feel compelled to share. Through this episode, we honor their legacy and the efforts of the Towne Family Association. We are also motivated by Mary Esty's plea to prevent further innocent bloodshed and continue our work with our nonprofit, End Witch Hunts, to eliminate modern-day witch hunts and trials.

00:00 Introduction to the Salem Witch Trials

00:20 Meet the Hosts: Josh and Sarah

00:26 The Towne Sisters: A Family Tragedy

01:42 Rebecca Nurse: A Shocking Arrest

03:22 Mary Esty: A Story of Self-Sacrifice

04:39 Sarah Cloyce: Defiance and Survival

05:53 The Legacy of the Towne Sisters

06:17 Continuing the Fight Against Witch Hunts

⁠Bernard Rosenthal, ed., Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt

The Thing About Witch Hunts / About Salem YouTube channel

⁠Salem Witch Trials Daily Hub

Salem Witch Trials Daily Course Week 5: The Framework of Death

⁠The Thing About Salem

⁠The Thing About Witch Hunts

⁠Emerson W. Baker, A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience

⁠Marilynne K. Roach, The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege

⁠Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil’s Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692

Peabody Essex Museum Salem Witch Trials Collection