Witches in Waterford? Rumor takes a bite from Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society donations
WATERFORD — The Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society is battling a rumor more commonly credited four centuries ago — about witches being active in the community, specifically on historical society grounds.
The rumor is that witches are meeting on the Historical Society campus along Waterford’s High Street, according to a post on the society's Facebook page on Tuesday:
"It seems that someone is spreading rumors that there are Wiccan or witch meetings being held weekly on Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society property," the post said.
The rumor is "simply not true," the society said in the post.
But it's costing local historians donations needed to maintain and operate the nonprofit Fort LeBoeuf French & Indian Museum, Eagle Hotel, Judson House and other properties in an area that was key in England and France's struggle to claim and control colonial America, according to the post.
"There were people enjoying our FREE event last weekend who refused to donate money (and told others not to) due to this rumor," the society said. Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society hosted its annual Colonial Christmas celebration Dec. 1-3.
“The Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society works very hard to raise funds to not only maintain our buildings, but provide FREE events for the community and preserve our local history. We do this without government help... All monies are raised through fundraising events, donations, our gift shops, memberships and sometimes we received grants,” the post explained.
'We don't have time for witches'
Most people will realize that the "witches' meetings" are nonsense and that rumors won't divert the society from its mission, Historical Society President Jim Edwards said Wednesday. Edwards had not yet heard the witches rumor.
"Negativity like that is brought forth by people who don't know what they're talking about," Edwards said.
Historical Society members last year focused on improving the Washington Park garden and bringing new attractions to its museums and just finished their annual Christmas events.
"We don't have time for witches," Edwards said. "I can't believe something like that is even coming up in this century."
Witches' Teas at the Judson House
The witches rumor may have its roots in an annual Halloween event at the Judson House, historians said. The Historical Society hosts Witches' Teas at the Judson House each October to raise money to operate the building. Participants dress as witches.
"It's all done in fun," Edwards said.
It’s not that the Historical Society has anything against witches, according to the Facebook post:
"To be clear, the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society does not have anything against anyone's personal beliefs, religions, values or lifestyle choices."
Comments on the society's social media post range from incredulity to indignation.
"Nothing has ever made me want to support you more," one woman wrote. "Just let me get my broom."
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Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Rumor of 'witches' in Waterford is 'simply not true,' historians say
