Explore the History of Scottish Witch Hunts with Local Researcher Leigh Larson on Tuesday, Oct. 29th

Leigh Larson of Great Falls made a trip to Scotland earlier this year to, in part, research how between 1500 to 1700, at least 6,000 women were brutally tortured and/or killed by the hands of religious extremists during a time of civic distrust, paranoid royal leadership and economic hardships. On Tuesday, October 29 in the Cordingley Room, she will show us her findings. The free presentation is from 6 to 7 pm. If you attend, wearing a costume is encouraged! Larson said for the event, "We will cover royal drama, religion as a political institution, and the stories of those scapegoated during a time of national upheaval. Though Scotland was not the only European country to implement witch hunts, Scotland’s hunts accused and killed significantly more women per capita than that of its contemporaries." Larson describes herself as a storyteller. Whether it’s writing, speaking, filming, or digital designing, She aims to make stories relatable, entertaining, and memorable for her audiences. She completed her undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s in International Relations and minors in Environmental Sciences and World Religion / Philosophy.She worked in Texas politics prior to serving as a minister in the USAFR Chaplains Corps and for a church in Denver. She successfully helped start a recovery non-profit before growing her skills in tech as a web and graphic designer before launching her web and graphic business full-time. She has visited 46 American states and many national parks, as well as traveled in Sweden, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. She also is an avid hiker, explorer, women’s advocate, and collector of stories.Please note: Tuesday's program will include discussion of physical and sexual torture, and may not be suitable for all audiences. For more information, contact Jake Sorich at jsorich@greatfallslibrary.org or 406-453-0349 ex. 220.