On March 4, the Salem College Historical Society (SCHS) hosted a conspiracy theory event, where people could make and decorate tin foil hats, discuss their theories about various topics, and be judged on the plausibility of their theories. After presenting, the presenters took questions and attendees had a choice to decide whether or not the presenter was “cooking” or “cooked.”
Alex Angelini (left) and Lyn Bailey (right) pelt Emma De Noble (far left) with bubbles. Photo Credit: Kassidy Decker via SCHS Instagram.
The variety of topics made for a hysterical and fun time! Alex Angelini, a junior, chose the conspiracy about the moon landing being fake. However, they creatively claimed that the fake moon landing was filmed — on-site — by Steven Spielberg. She was, of course, “cooking.” One of the more bizarre theories shared by Carrie Reagler was that Anderson Cooper, since the ‘80s, has been dying his hair white in order to host the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve television special hosted by ABC, as well as to distract everyone from noticing that he’s gay.
Sticking with the unintentional gay theme of the event, Samara George theorized a romantic relationship between Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, with the title of the presentation being “Gay or Nay.” Another theory presented by Kassidy Decker discussed the potential relationship between Napoleon and Czar Alexander I. She claimed that the two historical figures were the “OG enemies to lovers,” and brought primary sources to back up their claims.
(Left to right) Summer Burchett, Carrie Reagler, and Wes Sanchez judge a theory being presented. Photo Credit: Kassidy Decker via SCHS Instagram.
It wouldn’t be a conspiracy theory night without an Illuminati theory, but the presenter put a spin on it and based it on the book, “Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown, which is a fictional story about the Illuminati’s existence and conspiracy against the Catholic Church. The presenter was, however, deemed to be part of the Illuminati and was subsequently “cooked.”
Audrey Smith enthusiastically proposes a crabby conspiracy theory. Photo Credit: Kassidy Decker via SCHS Instagram.
Dr. Andrew Thomas, SCHS Advisor, popped in for a moment to join in on the fun. Photo Credit: Kassidy Decker via SCHS Instagram.
