Witch Trials, Blue Laws, and the Tooth Fairy: The Legacy of Colonial Connecticut

What do Halloween, witch hunts, an English King, pallbearers, Leviticus, and public education have in common?

The answer to that puzzle will be the focus of the Ridgefield History Club on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House, 4 Sunset Lane. Susan Kweskin will lead an illustrated group discussion on Connecticut’s dark past, its own witch trials, the people who fueled them, and their enduring impact. Deeply ingrained beliefs, fears, and cultural habits of the Connecticut colonists didn’t vanish with the 18th century — they continue to shape our laws, holiday traditions, and even our daily lives in Ridgefield.

The Ridgefield History Club is an informal community storytelling program of the Ridgefield Historical Society. The group meets for an hour on the third Tuesday of every month to explore a specific topic in Ridgefield’s history through shared conversation.

Each session is recorded and cataloged in the Historical Society’s archive to preserve these stories for future generations. The program is also streamed live on Facebook and uploaded to the Society’s YouTube channel. Everyone is invited—just bring your curiosity and love of history. Some attend every month, while others join when a topic holds special meaning for them. Longtime Ridgefield residents and newcomers alike are welcome. This free program is a wonderful way to connect with others and discover new insights into the town’s heritage.