The Salem witch trials exhibit is a captivating and chilling display that sheds light on one of the darkest periods in American history. Located in the heart of Salem, Massachusetts, this exhibit allows visitors to immerse themselves in the hysteria and paranoia that gripped the town in the late 17th century. Upon entering the exhibit, guests are greeted with an expansive collection of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations that tell the story of the witch trials. The main idea behind the exhibit is to educate the public about the events that unfolded during this tumultuous time, while also examining the social, religious, and cultural factors that contributed to the hysteria. One of the striking features of the exhibit is the inclusion of original court documents, personal letters, and diaries that provide a firsthand account of the trials. Visitors can read the chilling testimonies of the accused, the hysterical accusations made by young girls, and the desperate pleas for mercy from those facing execution.
Salem witch trials exhibit
The Salem Witch Trials: Reckoning and Reclaiming
October 7, 2022 - January 22, 2023 ScrollEven after 300 years, Salem’s witch trials remain a defining example of intolerance and injustice in American history. A new exhibition seeks to ask: In moments of injustice, what role do we play?
Even after 300 years, Salem’s witch trials remain a defining example of intolerance and injustice in American history. The extraordinary events of 1692-3 led to the deaths of 25 innocent people, the vast majority of whom were women. Organized by the Peabody Essex Museum, the exhibition includes tangible fragments from the past that illuminate the real lives of Salem’s residents: those accused of witchcraft, their accusers, and those who defended them against legal charges, risking their own lives and reputations in the process. The exhibition seeks to ask: In moments of injustice, what role do we play?
Highlights include John Proctor’s brass sundial; a loom that belonged to Rebecca Putnam, whose family was a major force in the accusations; and materials from New-York Historical’s collection, including a 17th-century account of the trials, alongside contemporary creative responses from Salem descendants. A gown from fashion designer Alexander McQueen’s 2007 collection In Memory of Elizabeth How, 1692 is based on research into his ancestor Elizabeth How, who was condemned and hanged as a witch in July 1692. Portraits from the series Major Arcana: Portraits of Witches in America by contemporary photographer Frances F. Denny—a descendant from one of the presiding trial magistrates—seek to reclaim the meaning of the word “witch” from its historical use as a tool to silence and control women.
The Salem Witch Trials: Reckoning and Reclaiming is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. This exhibition was co-curated by Dan Lipcan, the Ann C. Pingree Director of the Phillips Library; Paula Richter, curator; and Lydia Gordon; associate curator. At New-York Historical, it was coordinated by Anna Danziger Halperin, associate director of the Center for Women’s History.
Exhibitions in the Joyce B. Cowin Women's History Gallery are made possible by Joyce B. Cowin and New-York Historical's Women's History Council.
Visitors can read the chilling testimonies of the accused, the hysterical accusations made by young girls, and the desperate pleas for mercy from those facing execution. These primary sources serve as a powerful reminder of the injustice and fear that permeated the community during this dark period. In addition to the historical documents, the exhibit also utilizes interactive displays to engage visitors and deepen their understanding of the events.
Exhibition Highlights
Stop by our immersive tarot space and snap a selfie using our lush backdrop and tarot-inspired props. Although the practice and symbolism of modern witchery is diverse, tarot has historically been an important entry into the occult. Originally used for games, tarot cards have been used to read fortunes for centuries. Tag us on social media @nyhistory!
The Alexander McQueen gown inside the exhibition. Part of the designer's fall/winter 2007 collection, the gown was created in memory of McQueen's ancestor Elizabeth Howe, who was executed for witchcraft in 1692.
Thomas Satterwhite Noble (1835-1907). Witch Hill (The Salem Martyr), 1869. New-York Historical Society, Gift of the children of Thomas S. Noble and Mary C. Noble, in their memory, 1939.251
Artist in London. Sundial, 1644. Brass. Peabody Essex Museum, Gift of Abel H. Proctor, 1907, 100771. Photo by Jeffrey R. Dykes
Frances F. Denny (b. 1984). Shine, (New York, New York), 2017, from Major Arcana: Portraits of Witches in America series. Courtesy of the artist and ClampArt, New York, NY
Exhibitions at New-York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Evelyn & Seymour Neuman Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.
Visitors can step into a replica courtroom and participate in a mock trial, experiencing firsthand the tension and pressure that the accused must have felt. Interactive touch screens provide access to in-depth information about the accused individuals, their backgrounds, and their ultimate fate. The exhibit also explores the various theories and hypotheses that have emerged in the aftermath of the trials. It examines the role of ergotism, a fungal infection that can cause hallucinations, as a possible explanation for some of the bizarre behavior that occurred during the trials. This inclusion of alternate perspectives serves to challenge visitors to critically analyze the events and consider the complex factors that contributed to the mass hysteria. Overall, the Salem witch trials exhibit serves as a powerful and thought-provoking experience. By highlighting the main idea- the dark and tragic events of the witch trials- it invites visitors to explore the complexities of human nature, fear, and the consequences of unchecked hysteria. This exhibit is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding one of the most chilling episodes in American history..
Reviews for "From Hysteria to History: Exploring the Salem Witch Trials in Our Exhibit"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really looking forward to visiting the Salem witch trials exhibit, but I was sorely disappointed. The exhibit was poorly organized and lacked any real depth or substance. The information provided was basic and did not delve into the complexities of the trials, nor did it provide any new insights. Additionally, the displays were outdated and unimpressive. Overall, I found the exhibit to be a waste of time and money.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
The Salem witch trials exhibit was a bit underwhelming for me. While it had some interesting artifacts on display, I felt that the presentation was lackluster. The information provided seemed very surface level and did not really delve into the darker aspects of the trials. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the accused witches and the hysteria that surrounded them, but was left wanting. Overall, it was an average exhibit at best.
3. Michael - ★☆☆☆☆
I found the Salem witch trials exhibit to be quite disappointing. The layout was confusing and made it difficult to follow the timeline of events. The lack of interactive elements or engaging displays made it a rather dull experience. Additionally, I felt that the exhibit did not do justice to the gravity and complexity of the witch trials. It failed to provide any real context or analysis, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend this exhibit to anyone looking for a meaningful exploration of the Salem witch trials.
4. Elizabeth - ★★☆☆☆
The Salem witch trials exhibit was not as engaging as I had hoped. While there were some interesting artifacts on display, the exhibit lacked a cohesive narrative. It felt as though it was trying to cover too much ground without going into enough detail. The lack of contextual information made it difficult to fully grasp the significance of the trials. Overall, I found the exhibit to be average and not worth the price of admission.