The Salem witch trials, which occurred in 1692 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, are a dark chapter in American history. During this time, a wave of hysteria swept through the town of Salem as accusations of witchcraft were made against numerous individuals. Over the course of several months, 20 people were executed and many more were imprisoned. Today, the events of the Salem witch trials are remembered as a tragic example of mass hysteria and a violation of basic human rights. The accused witches of Salem were primarily women, though some men were also targeted. They came from diverse backgrounds, with some being slaves, widows, or poor farmers.
On or before September 18, 1692, Giles Corey was slowly pressed to death in the field next to the jail. In the literature about Giles Corey's tortuous death, there is reference to his famous last words, "more weight." These words were uttered as a final attempt to expedite his death while also showing that not even imminent death could convince him to go to trial. It is even told that the Sheriff took his cane and pressed Giles' tongue back into his mouth just before he died at the end of the two days of being slowly crushed. On September 18, 1692, Giles Corey was ex-communicated from the Village church so that he would not die as a member of the church. On September 21, 1692, Martha, his wife, was hanged on Gallows Hill. It has been speculated that the publicity surrounding the pressing of Giles may have in fact helped to build public opposition to the witchcraft trials.
It is even told that the Sheriff took his cane and pressed Giles tongue back into his mouth just before he died at the end of the two days of being slowly crushed. It is important that people think about real human suffering caused by witchcraft hysteria and the lessons that are to be learned from that dark period in the history of this city and this country -Memorial designers James Cutler and Maggie Smith.
They came from diverse backgrounds, with some being slaves, widows, or poor farmers. The accusations against them were often based on mere hearsay or personal grudges. Once accused, these individuals were subject to a flawed legal process that relied heavily on spectral evidence and forced confessions.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Located just off Charter Street, on Liberty Street, is Salem’s simple yet dramatic memorial to the 20 victims of the witch trials of 1692. Four foot high granite walls surround three sides, with granite benches representing each victim cantilevered inward from the wall. Etched on each bench is a name, means of execution, and execution date. One can read, on the stone threshold of the memorial, words of the accused taken directly from court transcripts. Visitors will note that the words – among them, “God knows I am innocent” – are cut off in mid-sentence, representing lives cut short and indifference to the protestations of innocence.
24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Salem Witch Trials Memorial Documents
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In the center is a simple patch of grass and locust trees, which are thought to be the type of tree that may have been used for the hangings. A dirt path runs beside the benches for visitors to walk and reflect.
Silently watching from just over the wall are the gravestones in the adjacent Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Salem and one of the oldest in the United States. Among the interred are witch trials magistrates John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney.
The Salem Witch Trials Tercentenary Committee was established by the Mayor of the City of Salem on April 22, 1986, with a principle intention of creating a permanent memorial to the victims of the witch trials.
A public design competition, juried by five noted professionals, resulted in 246 entrants. The winning entry, designed by Maggie Smith and James Cutler of Bainbridge Island, Washington, was presented to the press and public by renowned playwright Arthur Miller on November 14, 1991. Among the notable works by Miller is The Crucible, which used the Salem Witch Trials as an allegory for the McCarthyism of the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial was dedicated on August 5, 1992 by Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor, and author Elie Wiesel, who noted, “If I can’t stop all of the hate all over the world in all of the people, I can stop it in one place within me,” adding, “We still have our Salems.”
This quiet and peaceful memorial, located in the very center of Salem, provides a place for people to pay their respects, to reflect on tolerance and understanding, and to remember the inspiring stories of personal courage revealed in 1692.
Interested in learning more about the Salem Witch Trials Memorial?
In October of 2022, the Salem Witch Museum Education Department wrote “The Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Finding Humanity in Tragedy” for the Smithsonian Folklife Magazine: https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/salem-witch-trials-memorial
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the creation of the memorial, our museum hosted the virtual lecture “Memorializing the Salem Witch Trials”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEup5Pkif7E&t=8s
24 Liberty Street, next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery
"It is important that people think about real human suffering caused by witchcraft hysteria and the lessons that are to be learned from that dark period in the history of this city and this country" -Memorial designers James Cutler and Maggie Smith
24 Liberty Street, next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery
These witch trials were marked by a lack of due process and a disregard for the presumption of innocence. Although the accused witches of Salem did not receive justice during their lifetime, their memory lives on in our collective remembrance of the event. Efforts have been made to memorialize the victims of the witch trials and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial, located in Salem, Massachusetts, honors those who were executed, offering a space for quiet reflection and remembrance. The memorial serves as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of upholding individual rights, even in times of fear and uncertainty. The remembrance of the accused witches of Salem serves as a call to examine the power dynamics and societal factors that contributed to the witch hunt. It challenges us to recognize the ways in which prejudice and fear can lead to the persecution of innocent individuals. By remembering the victims of the Salem witch trials, we are reminded of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect and uphold justice, even in the face of adversity..
Reviews for "Reclaiming the Narrative: Commemorating the Accused Witches of Salem"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I really wanted to enjoy "Remembrance of the Accused Witches of Salem" as I am interested in witch trials and historical events. However, I was disappointed by the lack of depth in the storytelling. The author merely presented the facts without delving into the emotions and motives of the accused witches. It felt like reading a history textbook rather than a captivating novel. I was hoping for more character development and a stronger connection to the events, but unfortunately, it fell short.
2. David - 3/5 - "Remembrance of the Accused Witches of Salem" had the potential to be a gripping account of the tragic witch trials in Salem. However, I found the writing style to be dry and monotonous. The book lacked a certain flair that would have made the events come alive. While the historical accuracy was commendable, I felt that the author missed an opportunity to create a compelling narrative. I would recommend this book for its historical value, but not for its storytelling.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I found "Remembrance of the Accused Witches of Salem" to be a tedious and slow-paced read. The author seemed more focused on providing an exhaustive list of events and names rather than creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. The lack of dialogue and character development made it difficult to connect with the story, and I often found myself losing interest. While I appreciate the effort to shed light on this dark period in history, I believe the execution could have been better.