Latest news with #CommunityShredDay
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Witch Panic!' exhibit coming to Springfield Museums, exploring the city's forgotten witch trials
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A new exhibition at the Springfield Museums aims to resurrect an overlooked chapter of history. Long before the infamous hysteria of Salem gripped colonial Massachusetts, Springfield had its chilling brush with witchcraft panic. Thousands of pounds of paper recycled on Pittsfield's Community Shred Day 'Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem' opens May 17 at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History and runs through November 2. The immersive, interactive exhibition explores the 1651 witchcraft accusations against Springfield couple Hugh and Mary Parsons — a full four decades before Salem became synonymous with the term 'witch hunt.' (Courtesy of Springfield Museums) (Courtesy of Springfield Museums) (Courtesy of Springfield Museums) (Courtesy of Springfield Museums) 'This story predates Salem and reveals how fear, isolation, and suspicion can shape a community's response to crisis,' said Elizabeth Kapp, Curator of History at the Museums. 'Witches are an extraordinary historical conundrum, and in the Parsons' story, we explore the truths behind the myths.' Located on the edge of the colonial frontier, early Springfield in the mid-1600s was a small settlement perched on the Connecticut River, where life was shaped by wilderness, uncertainty, and strong religious belief. It was during this tense period that the Parsons, already considered unusual by their neighbors, were accused of witchcraft and murder amid a series of unexplained illnesses and misfortunes in the town. The exhibition is divided into two main sections across two floors. On the first level, visitors will be introduced to daily life in 1650s Springfield–from homes and farms to religious life and local customs. Interactive displays demonstrate how common household objects like broomsticks and cauldrons came to symbolize witchcraft, while children and families can enjoy hands-on activities such as assembling puzzles of so-called 'familiars,' creatures believed to serve witches. Broomsticks Witch Panic! Broomsticks Witch Panic! Broomsticks Witch Panic! Broomsticks Witch Panic! The second level focuses on the Parsons case itself, inviting visitors to step into the role of a 17th-century grand juror. Through firsthand witness testimony, period evidence, and a dramatic re-creation of the courtroom atmosphere, guests will be asked to weigh the evidence and cast a verdict. Running concurrently with Witch Panic! is 'Yōkai: Japanese Ghosts, Demons and Monsters', on view May 17 through July 20. This companion exhibition showcases traditional Japanese woodblock prints and artifacts depicting supernatural entities from Japanese folklore — from shape-shifting foxes to vengeful spirits — and traces their enduring presence in modern pop culture. For more information and tickets, visit Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Thousands of pounds of paper recycled on Pittsfield's Community Shred Day
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The city of Pittsfield held its annual Community Shred Day last Saturday, hosted by Greylock Federal Credit Union and Berkshire United Way. This event allowed members of the public to shred and recycle paper at the United Way headquarters, with shredders provided by VitalShred. Through this initiative, 8,000 pounds of paper were shredded and recycled by the community. City of Westfield limits outdoor water use due to ongoing drought 'We love organizing this event for our community,' said Jordyn Scace, Web Content Manager at Greylock. 'It's a great way to securely dispose of personal documents while also supporting our friends at Berkshire United Way.' Community Shred Day is also held to benefit Berkshire United Way's local initiatives, allowing community members to donate during the event. A total of $2,475 was raised for the organization on Saturday. Courtesy of Greylock Federal Credit Union. 'Each year when we see that truck filled to the brim, it's confirmation that Shred Day continues to be a popular event,' said Tom Bernard, President and CEO of Berkshire United Way. 'We're absolutely thrilled to collaborate with Greylock to provide this service at no cost to our community. We extend our deepest appreciation to those who generously contributed a donation toward Berkshire United Way to support our mission to build a stronger and more equitable community.' Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
