I saw Colonial Williamsburg's production titled Cry Witch a few weeks back.

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to attend a dramatic re-enactment of Grace Sherwood's witch trial. The performance is an evening event (and that's part of the vibe!) exclusive to Colonial Williamsburg.

Candlelight, history, an immersive experience. You can read the details of my observations by clicking here and opening the post in a new tab.

After writing the above-mentioned blog post, I wanted to see something directly related to Grace Sherwood in person. For me that "something" would be a book and I'd find more in and about that book than planned.

RELATED: Get details on the Cry Witch event here.

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Outbuilding behind Colonial Williamsburg's Capitol, restored.

Special collections had to have something on Grace Sherwood.

I searched on the John D. Rockefeller Library's website. And I was specifically looking for any documents found in their Special Collections. That's how I ran across a transcript of Grace's trial. Or so I thought.

This is a lesson in 1) looking more closely at the description of things and/or 2) why it's soooo valuable to see resources in person. If you've been following along you know I love primary sources, especially having history right at my fingertips by visiting an organization's special collections and archives.

What I got to see, touch, and review wasn't the trial transcript. It was a book chapter about what led to the trial. And also- an exercise in the complexity of historical research.

RELATED: This article about seeing letters written by both Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette.

John D. Rockefeller Library, visited in October 2024

Observations.

The citation.

It's a bit confusing for an amateur like me, so I took a photo. Part of this is because it's a chapter in a volume that also includes topics completely unrelated.

Here's how it broke down so you have it if you decide to check it out yourself: Sherwood, Grace White, Record of Grace Sherwood's trial for witchcraft in 1705, in Princess Anne County, Virginia, Special Collections - Rare c. 001 F 221.V82 v.1 - you can click here if you want to see how it's listed online.

The book itself was very formal.

Since photos aren't allowed to share here, I want to give you a sense of both the solidity and fragility of it. It's one of the few rare books I've handled.

It seemed leather-bound (like many I've seen created and stored with the CW bookbinders trade.) About 1-inch thick with spots and yellowing pages, it was still in good condition, but I didn't dare turn too many pages for fear of "ruining" it!

The chapter covered more than Grace Sherwood's witch trial.

In fact, it covered events leading to the trial. From the case being brought by Luke Hill, who was the accuser portrayed in Cry Witch, to the chilling detailed description of marks on Grace's body by Elizabeth Barnes and others. Elizabeth was also included in Cry Witch.

Surprisingly, the "old" language wasn't too hard to follow and I became a bit entranced with the idea that so much superstition was actually entered into the court records!

The real gold mine wasn't just the glimpse into 18th century fears over neighbors being witches. That's something I've heard about for years.

No- it was the names written down and their dramatic interpretation of Grace's looks and actions. Bringing history to life.

• Have you visited any special collections archives?
• Have you read rare documents related to witch trials?

Please share in the comments or by subscribing and connecting through email! The topics and inspiration I got from attending Cry Witch seem a bit endless, so I'm guessing you'll see more articles. I love following up with every experience I have with history!

Site of Colonial Williamsburg's historic bookbindery trade.

Closing words from history.

Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette, October 22, 1730 - is it true? Grace Sherwood was subject to similar "tests" and it's what I read about in the book.

For the full detail and citation, click here as this is an excerpt.

A Witch Trial at Mount Holly, 22 October 1730

Burlington, Oct. 12. Saturday last at Mount-Holly, about 8 Miles from this Place, near 300 People were gathered together to see an Experiment or two tried on some Persons accused of Witchcraft. It seems the Accused had been charged with making their Neighbours Sheep dance in an uncommon Manner, and with causing Hogs to speak, and sing Psalms, &c. to the great Terror and Amazement of the King’s good and peaceable Subjects in this Province; and the Accusers being very positive that if the Accused were weighed in Scales against a Bible, the Bible would prove too heavy for them; or that, if they were bound and put into the River, they would swim; the said Accused desirous to make their Innocence appear, voluntarily offered to undergo the said Trials, if 2 of the most violent of their Accusers would be tried with them.

I hope you enjoyed this short post about following up on an experience with history! Use my online tip jar to keep me going~ buy me a coffee:

There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.