Trial by Fire The Salem Witch Trials

It was a new world. The settlers from England had gained a foothold in the verdant land called “Amerika”. Old traditions would be laid aside, new ones instituted. Greed, jealousy, suspicion would still persist. Were these at the root of “The Salem Witch Trials”? Innocent residents of Salem, Massachusetts were tried and many executed in perhaps the most infamous chapter in early American history.

By historical impersonator and actress Jessica Michna, First Impressions, Racine WI

About the presenter

Jessica Michna, originally from Pennsylvania, developed a love of history at an early age. She and her family visited the many historic sites throughout America. Her school years would find her appearing in various productions, in addition to costume design and construction. Upon graduation several scholarships were offered to further her studies in theater arts. She would opt to earn a degree in psychology from the UW system working several years as a researcher and lecturer. Her love of theater and history would eventually bring Jessica to found her company, “First Impressions”. Since its’ founding in the year 2000, Jessica has expanded her repertoire to include seventeen historic figures.

In 2016 she was awarded the Presidential Service Center’s Distinguished Service award for her riveting portrayals of First Ladies. While she has appeared before a wide range of audiences, including appearances at the National Churchill Museum, the Lincoln Boyhood Home National Site, and Valley Forge, Jessica is particularly fond of performing for senior groups and communities. The life experiences of those in her senior audiences enhances her understanding of life stories. She often reminds her audiences that everyone has a history and encourages them to record their own life stories. “History is not a litany of which general died under which tree. It is the story and life experiences of each human life.”