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OCTC Student Research Exhibit "The Salem Witch Trials"

Sept. 24 - Nov. 1

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (09/24/2024) — Get ready for a captivating journey through history at Owensboro Community & Technical College's new exhibition, "The Salem Witch Trials". The exhibition, located on the lower level of the Learning Resource Center, will run from September 24 to November 1. This student-led showcase promises to be an enlightening experience, blending historical research with creative expression.

OCTC's history students have delved deep into this fascinating period, presenting their findings alongside compelling images and materials that bring the Salem Witch Trials to life. But that's just the beginning of this cross-disciplinary event.

Professor Matt Alschbach commented, "The tragic events that took place in Salem in 1692 have always captivated my students more than any other historical topic. I asked my students to look at recent scholarship from some of the excellent female historians in the field, as well as eyewitness accounts, court documents, and even scholarly podcasts. As one of my students pointed out, the Salem witch trials are an example of women's history, and a fascinating example "true crime." I'm happy to say that I underestimated just how enthusiastic my students would be when they found out about the project. They've done an amazing job with their research, and I'm proud to have the campus and greater community come and see their finished work."

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the themed works from the college's printmaking class, while theatre fans can look forward to performances that dramatize this dark chapter of American history. To round out the experience, the college will host multiple movie nights; Professor Matt Alschbach will give an informative lecture and a thought-provoking panel discussion entitled "Contemporary Perspectives on Witches.

In an unexpected but charming twist, the exhibition concludes with a cat adoption day - a nod to the historical association between witches and their feline companions.

Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just curious about this intriguing topic, OCTC's "Salem Witch Trials" exhibition offers something for everyone. Don't miss this chance to explore a pivotal time in history through the fresh perspectives of talented students.

September 24- November 1

Salem Witch Trials Student Exhibition, lower level OCTC Learning Resource Center

September 24

Movie Night: The Blair Witch Project, 5 p.m. in the Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107) located in the Advanced Technology Center.

October 15

Movie Night: The VVitch: A New England Folktale, 5 p.m. in the Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107) located in the Advanced Technology Center.

October 21

Lecture: Examining the Root Causes of Witchmania, 1692 with Professor Matt Alschbach, 11 a.m. in the Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107) located in the Advanced Technology Center.

October 21

Theatre Performance: Scenes from The Crucible with Professor Grae Greer and OCTC Theatre students at 12 noon in the Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107) located in the Advanced Technology Center.

October 29

Movie Night: The Autopsy of Jane Doe at 5 p.m. at the Chandler Conference Center (ATC 107) located in the Advanced Technology Center.

October 30

Panel Discussion: Contemporary Perspectives on Witches, 11 a.m. in Blandford Lecture Hall, located in the Humanities Building. Featuring OCTC faculty Molly Gibson, Amy Jorgenson, Dr. Chris Cummins, and Matt Alschbach.

October 30

Cat Adoption Day: This event will be held from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the lower level of the OCTC Learning Resource Center.

Supplies for these activities are partially funded through U.S. Department of Education Strengthening Institutions Title III Grand funds. Please note that the movies and performances feature adult content and may not be suitable for younger audiences. For more information, please contact Professor Matt Alschbach at Matt.Alschbach@kctcs.edu or call 270-852-8637.

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Owensboro Community & Technical College is one of the sixteen community and technical colleges that make up the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. OCTC serves the KY counties of Daviess, Hancock, Ohio and McLean. OCTC has three campuses in Daviess County and a Center and Annex in Hancock County. OCTC strives to serve the communities in the service area by providing associate degree education for transfer, state of the art technical education for students focusing on entering the workforce, customized business and industry solutions through the Workforce Solutions division, and adult education and business and industry testing through the SkillTrain unit.

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The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is the Commonwealth's largest postsecondary institution with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses. We also are Kentucky's largest provider of workforce training and online education. Through partnerships with business and industry, we align our programs to meet the needs of local employers. We help students fulfill their dreams of creating a better life through programs that lead directly to jobs or help them transfer to one of our four-year partners.

Connect with OCTC: Owensboro.kctcs | Facebook.com/owensboroctc | Twitter@OCTC_Tweets | Instagram OwensboroCTC

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