Halloween seems like a good time to reveal the skeletons in the closet, and we’ve got a doozy: our 8x great aunt Bridget Bishop was the first victim to be executed during the Salem Witch hysteria of 1692. I’m working on a travel story tracing the progress of some of the pilgrims in my family tree, so on our recent swing through New England we had to visit Salem to pay our respects. 
Bishop is the lead character in “Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop,” an interactive history play we saw based on the transcripts from the case. Spectators are allowed to ask questions of the witnesses, and vote to decide whether the evidence against Bishop warrants a trial. 
(When people get too reverent about what “The Founders” intended, it’s worth remembering that our ancestors believed in demonic possession and allowed spectral evidence into the courtroom. If one of your pig-feuding neighbors claimed to have seen your spirit form choke them in the darkness, well…say goodbye to your red petticoat. Arguments about pigs and rumors of dyed undergarments figure prominently in this tale.)
I’m sorry to report that Nick voted with the majority to move her to the gallows–the kids and I were on auntie Bridgie’s side.