Erected in 1992, the Danvers Witchcraft Victims’ Memorial pays tribute to the twenty-five innocent people who died during the witchcraft hysteria of 1692: nineteen hanged, one pressed to death, and five who perished in jail.
The memorial was dedicated on May 9, 1992 before an audience of more than 3,000 people. It was designed by Richard B. Trask, member of the Salem Village Witchcraft Tercentennial Committee of the Town of Danvers; Robert D. Farley, CSI; and Marjorie C. Wetzel.
172 Hobart Street, Danvers, MA, USA
172 Hobart Street, Danvers, MA, USA
More About Witchcraft Victims’ Memorial
The memorial features a granite Bible box and book, with a pair of large scale reproduction metal shackles. Blacksmith Curtis M. White, staff member of the Saugus Ironworks National Park and resident overseer of the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in 1992, hand-forged the chains.
Behind the Bible box is a three-panel granite wall on which are inscribed the names of those who died, along with the date and circumstance of each death and the town of each victim’s origin. Also inscribed on the walls on each side are quotations from eight of the accused, including this from Elizabeth How (alternate spelling Howe): “If it was the last moment I was to live, God knows I am innocent…”
