Palmerton’s Little White Church was abuzz with excitement on Tuesday, as residents and visitors gathered to listen to the witch tales of Alisa Dupuy of Newton.

The free event, sponsored by the Palmerton Historical Society, aimed to bring a “little fun and a little history to October,” according to Lynn Shupp.

Shupp’s introductory remarks encouraged the audience to become members of the historical society and to join the Facebook page to learn about upcoming events. However, they also came with a disclaimer. Shupp said, “I want to make it clear that no one in the historical society or the actress presenting tonight is suggesting that anyone practice magic or witchcraft.”

Dupuy, the principal actress of The Ladies of History, has been traveling throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 2006 to present historical lessons to groups of all ages. In addition to her tales of bats and magic, she shares historical information about women like Clara Barton and Martha Washington.

Her first-person narrative was humorous and informative as she discussed Halloween traditions that originated with the Celts thousands of years ago.

The audience learned about the origins of Samhain (pronounced “sow wen”), now known as Halloween.

Dupuy discussed the historical persecution of witches from ancient times until even today, where “half of the murders each year in Tanzania are accused witches.”

Members of the historical society dressed in their finest witchy attire to attend the presentation.

Connie Holland, a member of the Palmerton Historical Society, said, “The program was very informative about witchcraft.”

Another member, Diz Szucs, joked that she “needs to go home and get some hazelnuts” after learning about the Scottish tradition of tossing hazelnuts into the fire to determine a true love match.

Nine-year-old Aubree Shetrompf and her sister Autumn, 11, Panther Valley School District students, attended with their mother, Katelyn McGoldrick. Autumn had recently learned about the Salem witch trials in school and “loved everything” about the presentation.