Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers, is born

The novel "Native Son" by Richard Wright published

Leap day

The Salem witch trials begin

Related Lessons

• 
  Lesson Plan / Art & Culture

  Dramatizing History in Arthur Miller's The Crucible

  By closely reading historical documents and attempting to interpret them, students consider how Arthur Miller interpreted the facts of the Salem witch trials and how he successfully dramatized them in his play, The Crucible. As they explore historical materials, such as the biographies of key players (the accused and the accusers) and transcripts of the Salem Witch trials themselves, students will be guided by aesthetic and dramatic concerns: In what ways do historical events lend themselves (or not) to dramatization? What makes a particular dramatization of history effective and memorable?

  • The Lesson
  • The Basics
  • Resources
• 
  Lesson Plan / History & Social Studies

  Understanding the Salem Witch Trials

  In 1691, a group of girls from Salem, Massachusetts accused an Indian slave named Tituba of witchcraft, igniting a hunt for witches that left 19 men and women hanged, one man pressed to death, and over 150 more people in prison awaiting a trial. In this lesson, students will explore the characteristics of the Puritan community in Salem, learn about the Salem Witchcraft Trials, and try to understand how and why this event occurred.

  • The Lesson
  • The Basics
  • Resources

Related Student Resources

• Student Resource / History & Social Studies

  Launchpad: Salem Witch Trials

  In 1691, a group of girls from Salem, Massachusetts accused an Indian slave named Tituba of witchcraft, igniting a hunt for witches that left 19 men and women hanged, one man pressed to death, and over 150 more people in prison awaiting a trial. Through this launchpad, students will explore the characteristics of the Puritan community in Salem, learn about the Salem Witchcraft Trials, and try to understand how and why this event occurred.

• Student Resource / History & Social Studies

  Launchpad: Understanding the Salem Witch Trials

  Salem Witch Trials-Understanding the Hysteria