Lecture: A Real Witch Hunt and Other Ghostly Delights

A Real Witch Hunt and other Ghostly Delights is a presentation in 3 parts. Part one is the adventure of three teachers at West Valley Central School from 1979-81 who explored the legend of Sophia Disch, the legendary Witch of West Valley. Over 3 years we researched the true story of the Disch family and why Sophia, in life and in her afterlife was considered a witch by many of the local citizens. Part 2 is a short journey through Chautauqua County and some of the unsolved stories and legends of ghosts and spirits that have haunted our villages and towns nearby and a challenge to our audience to perhaps go on their own adventure to solve these mysteries with todays modern technology. Finally, there will be a short discussion of the role of our modern day witches here in Western New York. (i.e. The Witchy Women of the Finger Lakes). Presented by Rick DeKay, who is a middle school teacher.
The 2026 Fenton History Center Lecture Series features evening lectures between April and October. This event is free and open to the public. Lectures are held in the dining room at the Gov. Reuben Fenton mansion. They are also streamed via YouTube. Donations are appreciated to support the Fenton History Center’s mission to preserve local history and provide educational opportunities.
Thank you to our sponsor: Rodgers Land Surveying.