Virginia Beach History Museums (VBHM) is hosting a "Conversation with a Curator " featuring a lecture from a returning visiting history professor about the legend of Grace Sherwood, also known as "the Witch of Pungo."
People have shared stories about Sherwood ever since she was ducked in Lynnhaven Bay in 1706 during her trial for witchcraft. Using colonial records, the lecture will dive into the history behind the stories, the life of Sherwood and her accusers, and why many believed the unfounded notion she was a witch.
VBHM will be joined by Scott Moore, a Virginia Beach native and associate professor of history at Eastern Connecticut State University, who is currently writing a book about Sherwood's history and legend. The book, titled "The Witch of Pungo: Grace Sherwood in Virginia History, Legend, and Culture," will be published by the University of Virginia Press in 2024. This event is Moore's second lecture at the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center about Grace Sherwood, as he previously visited in the fall of 2022.
This event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, at the Lynnhaven Colonial Education Center, 4409 Wishart Road. It is FREE and open to the public. Advanced registration is not required, but seating is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Email vbhistory@vbgov.com or call 757-385-5100 if you have questions about this event.
For the latest information about Virginia Beach History Museums events and tours, visit vbmuseums.org.
About the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department:
The Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City's Public Art Program, oversees the Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA, the ViBe Creative District, and the Virginia African American Cultural Center, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.
About the City of Virginia Beach History Museums:
The City of Virginia Beach History Museums include the Thoroughgood House, Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House, and Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum, and are part of the City’s Cultural Affairs Department. As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. Visit www.vbmuseums.org for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.
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