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June 2019
In the Shadow of Salem
Join us for a night with author and historian Richard Hite, as he discusses his new book "In the Shadow of Salem." This fascinating work focuses on the witch hunts that broke out in Andover in 1692, where more people were accused of witchcraft than in any other area, including Salem. Join us for an hour talk given by the author, followed by questions and a book signing. This event is free and we will have books available for purchase…
Find out more »October 2019
Salem Witch Museum Presents: An Evening Lecture and Screening of the Wizard of Oz
Calling all Wizard of Oz fans! Join us for an evening lecture about the fascinating story behind the creation of The Wizard of Oz, immediately followed by a screening of the film. Location: The Salem Witch Museum Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 Tickets available at the door. Admission: $10 per person* Time: Lecture begins at 7:00 Movie screening at 7:45 *Free admission for anyone who attends dressed in Wizard of Oz costume!
Find out more »An Evening with Gregory Maguire
We are thrilled to announce a very special evening with bestselling author Gregory Maguire! Author of hit novels such as Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Son of a Witch, and Confessions of an Ugly Step Sister, this exciting event will consist of a talk regarding the inspiration for the novel Wicked, followed by a Q&A and book signing. The 1995 publication of Wicked sparked a new wave in the perception of the infamous "wicked"…
Find out more »May 2020
The Life and Death of John Proctor, 1692 -POSTPONED
THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR NEW DATES. ANY TICKETS PURCHASED WILL BE REFUNDED. THANK YOU. Join us for a fascinating lecture given by Peabody Historical Society curator Kelly Daniell. In 1692, John Proctor was 60 years old, was a successful business man, had sired seventeen children by three different wives, and was outspoken about his feelings against the witchcraft hysteria. Now infamous as one of the primary characters in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, this lecture provides an interesting window into the real life and untimely death of one of the most well-known figures of the Salem witch trials.
Kelly Daniell joined the Peabody Historical Society staff in early April of 2016. At the PHS, she maintains the extensive decorative arts and research collections, as well as eight historic buildings in the city of Peabody. She lectures regularly on three Salem witch trials families (who lived in modern day Peabody), including the Proctors, Coreys, and Feltons.
Find out more »Family Reunion Mixer – Postponed
Can you trace your ancestry to Essex Country, 1692? Stop by our after-dinner mixer for conversation, drinks and desert! Historian Marilynne Roach will be present to answer questions and chat about the Salem witch trials. All are welcome!
Find out more »October 2020
Halloween Through History
Why do we tell ghost stories, dress in costume, and trick-or-treat on October 31st? Join Salem Witch Museum Director of Education, Rachel Christ, and Assistant Director of Education, Jill Christiansen, for a spooktacular night of Halloween history! During this hour-long virtual event we will talk about the origins of Halloween, tracing this fascinating holiday through the ages and into our modern-day celebration. Do you love Halloween? This is an event for you! We are very excited to offer this…
Find out more »Stranger than Fiction: Chilling and Thrilling Stories
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Ghost stories have been associated with Halloween celebrations for hundreds of years. If you have ever visited Salem, you will know this city is home to many, many spooky stories- some based in real historical events, and some not. Join Salem Witch Museum Assistant Director of Education, Jill Christiansen, and Director of Education, Rachel Christ, for this very special virtual event! We will be discussing our favorite spooky stories related to the…
Find out more »February 2021
Race and the Salem Witch Trials
Many are already aware one of the first people to be accused of witchcraft in 1692 was a woman of color, a slave named Tituba Indian. However, race deeply informed many other aspects of the 1692 trials and has dramatically contributed to the public memory of this event over time. Led by our Director and Assistant Director of Education, this presentation will examine the role of race in the context of the 1692 witch trials, as well as in the…
Find out more »April 2021
“Thrown into pits”: how were the bodies of the nineteen hanged Salem “witches” really treated?
What happened to the individuals once they were executed in 1692? This is a mystery that has haunted historians for centuries. Nineteenth-century historian Charles Upham stated that the deceased were “undoubtedly all thrown into pits dug among the rocks” after the hangings. In addition, more recent popular accounts and all too many walking tours of Salem tend to enlarge on the more gruesome aspects of the 1692 witch trials tragedy with tales of bodies carelessly disposed of far from consecrated…
Find out more »May 2021
The Life and Death of John Proctor
Join us for an afternoon virtual lecture given by Peabody Historical Society curator Kelly Daniell. In 1692, John Proctor was 60 years old, was a successful business man, had sired seventeen children by three different wives, and was outspoken about his feelings against the witchcraft hysteria. Now infamous as one of the primary characters in Arthur Miller’s play "The Crucible," this lecture provides an interesting window into the real life and untimely death of one of the most well-known figures…
Find out more »