Salem Witch Trials

• The Salem Witch hysteria and trials took place in 1692 in what is now the cities of Danvers, Salem, Beverly and Topsfield. It started with young girls (one a minister's daughter) falling into uncontrollable fits, claiming to be possessed by witches. By the end, 19 people had been hung and 1 man had been pressed to death. The exact location of the hangings in the Gallows Hill area of Salem is still uncertain.

• Eventually, hundreds of residents were accused of witchcraft and more than 100 were arrested.

• The Witch House (310 Essex St.)in Salem was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, know as the Witch Trial Judge.

• In 1711, all the accused were exonerated and their relatives offered retribution. But, whether out of fear or shame, not all the families came forward to accept the apology. So on Nov. 1, 2001, acting governor Jane Swift approved a bill that cleared the five not cleared in the previous amnesty resolutions- Susannah Martin, Bridget Bishop, Alice Parker, Margaret Scott and Wilmot Redd.

• Many primary source documents can be viewed and studied at the Phillips Library of Peabody Essex Museum. They own the court records of the special 1692 Court of Oyer and Terminer more commonly known as the Witchraft Trials.

• For in-depth research, court records, maps and analysis of these happenings, consult the websites below.

See Also

Vertical File in Salem Collection - Salem - Witchcraft

Vertical File in Salem Collection - Witchcraft Trials - 1692

Vertical File in Salem Collection - Witchcraft - Ergotism

Salem Witch Trials Documentary archive by the University of Virginia.

Salem Witchcraft Papers by U. of Virginia

Salem Witchcraft Trials, 1692 by U. of Kansas-City, School of Law.

Danvers Archival Center