Each year, the museum is visited by hundreds of individuals who trace their ancestry to the Salem witch trials. The New England Historic Genealogical Society estimates there are 15 million people who can make these connections, and with the advent of ancestry.com and other family research options, more and more descendants are learning about their history.
Museum Resources:
Each packet contains information and resources for 28 individuals involved in the events of 1692.
- Detailed biography with a list of related locations.
- Correlated reading and information of court documents.
- Genealogical resource list and additional descendant information (if available).
- A descendant questionnaire.
Witch Trials Online Sites Tour
This virtual tour allows you to view sites related to the Salem witch trials in Essex County, Middlesex County, and the greater Boston area. Select a town or city to learn about relevant locations and to view pictures. Included are original houses, foundations, grave sites, historical markers, and approximate locations of homes that are no longer standing.
The bookstore offers several books written by authors descended from people related to the Salem witch trials. These titles include works by Emerson Baker, Mary Beth Norton, Kathleen Kent and many more.
Other Resources:
Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project
A wide selection of digitized Salem witch trials documents compiled by the University of Virginia under Project Director Benjamin Ray.
Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt edited by Bernard Rosenthal
The most complete compilation of records regarding the 1692 witch trials available for purchase digitally or physically.
New England Historical Genealogical Society
“We are located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, and are America’s leading research center for genealogists of every skill level. Visitors have access to millions of documents, manuscripts, records, books, microfilms, photographs, artifacts, electronic resources, and other items that preserve and reveal our nation’s history. NEHGS genealogists, archivists, and librarians are available to assist patrons with their research inquiries and provide orientations to the library collections.”
Massachusetts Historical Society
“Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is an invaluable resource for American history, life, and culture. Its extraordinary collections tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures.”