Bryan Mulcahy is a long-time lecturer and friend of the Genealogical Society of Sarasota.  He has been the Adult Reference, Genealogy, and Circulation librarian since 1990.  Bryan received his BA and Master of Library Science from Florida State University in 1984.   We always welcome his knowledge and inspiration in the field of genealogy as he has shared many written articles and guides with us over the years.

The Salem Witch Trials remain one of early America’s most compelling and tragic episodes, where fear and suspicion led to the prosecution of over 200 individuals. Today, genealogy research is shedding new light on this history, allowing descendants to trace connections to both the accused and the accusers. By combining historical records, court documents, and modern DNA analysis, researchers are uncovering personal stories behind the trials—transforming names from the past into real family narratives. This intersection of history and genealogy offers a powerful way to understand not just what happened in Salem, but how its legacy continues to shape families today. This program will explore these issues.