The Salem witch trials of 1692 are a fascinating, and complex event in American history. Each year our museum receives requests from hundreds of students for information about the Salem witch trials for academic projects. This page has been created to better assist both students and teachers, as well those interested is furthering their personal education.
Our FAQ page has been developed to answer some of the most common questions related to this topic. You can find a link to this page here: https://salemwitchmuseum.com/faqs/
A recommended reading list can be found here: https://salemwitchmuseum.com/2020/05/12/recommended-reading-list/
Our YouTube page includes recordings of previous virtual events as well as a series of educational videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzzhxiEO3OCyZesBkxonZmQ
Information and hands-on learning activities about early New England life can be found here:
Useful Online Resources
Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project
The University of Virginia created an exceptional online resource containing primary source, secondary source, and useful resource centers. If you would like to view the original court documents from the Salem witch trials, this website has a selection of digitized documents and transcriptions available for viewing: http://salem.lib.virginia.edu/home.html.
Danvers Archival Center
The Danvers Archival Center houses a rich collection of objects, including several items related to the Salem witch trials. In 1692, what is now the town of Danvers was known as Salem Village. The first afflictions, witchcraft accusations, and examinations took place in this area. Archivist Richard Trask is one of the eminent Salem witch trial historians, and has written extensively on the subject. This website contains a wealth of information including an “Ask the Archivist” FAQ, information about Salem witch trials sites located in Danvers, and information on the Danvers Witchcraft Victims Memorial: https://www.danverslibrary.org/archive/witchcraft-delusion-a-brief-guide/
The Salem Witch Trials Legal Resources
The University of Chicago Library has a resource page specifically focused on the legal foundations for the Salem witch trials. This web page can be found here: https://www.lib.uchicago.edu/collex/exhibits/salem-witch-trials-legal-resources/
National Geographic Salem Witchcraft Hysteria
This interactive, online experience allows you to make choices in the year 1692. An educational and engaging activity, this resource is perfect for both students and researchers interested in learning more about the Salem witch trials.
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/interactive/salem-interactive/
Chronologies
A chronology prior to the Salem trials can be found here: https://salemwitchmuseum.com/chronology-prior-to-salem-trials
A chronology of the Salem witch trials can be found here: https://salemwitchmuseum.com/salem-witch-trials-chronology
A chronology of the city of Salem, illustrating the city’s development from 1626 to the present day, can be found here: https://www.salem.org/salem-history/
Interviews with Historians
Mary Beth Norton- In this interview, Mary Beth Norton discusses her research, both in relation to the role of women in the colonial period, as well as the Native American war’s impact on the Salem witch trials https://www.c-span.org/video/?306497-1/women-colonial-america&fbclid=IwAR1xrTjfCv8JToDJdN3Zj524nhbrxxBu4PwA9M9EVkLiIqJAg1UxSm2Pn2g
Bewitchment in Salem: The Real Story- Local Authors and Historians discuss truths & misconceptions of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Taped in the SATV Studios, this panel is hosted by Kate Fox, and features historians Emerson “Tad” Baker, Richard Trask, Katherine Howe & Marilynne K. Roach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bvbuJs4Jo0
Marilynne Roach- Historian Marilynne Roach discusses her book Six Women of Salem on the Daily Show: http://www.cc.com/video-clips/8xvsnm/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-marilynne-roach
Emerson Baker- Professor Emerson Baker discuss the Salem witch-hunt as part of an all-day symposium held at Salem State University on the 325th anniversary of the Salem witch trials: https://www.c-span.org/video/?429605-4/salem-witch-trials-101
Brian Levack- Historian Brian Levack discusses the early modern period European witch trials, particularly focusing on facts and misconceptions: https://routledgetextbooks.com/textbooks/9781138808102/
Katherine Howe- Katherine Howe, author of historical fiction Conversion, discusses her research process and inspiration to explore the themes of her book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFk1JThA00A
If you have specific questions, please contact our Director of Education at [email protected]