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St. Paul, Minn.

Salem witch trials a turning point for freedom of speech

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"Giles Corey of the Salem Farms"
"Giles Corey of the Salem Farms" (1868), in The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1902.
Illustration by John W. Ehninger

The Salem Witch Trials in 17th century America were the subject of a recent History Forum held in St. Paul at the Minnesota History Center.

Emerson Baker, professor of history at Salem State College in Massachusetts spoke about how the trials were a turning point for freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech in America.

Baker is the author of a new book, "A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience."