What is a witch-hunt? When studying the history of witchcraft, it is important to understand that witchcraft was a crime created and imposed on innocent people. No individual actually had the power to cause hailstorms, spread mass disease, or fly through the night to a gathering of evil beings. This was a crime imposed on innocent people during times of mass fear and hysteria. While the legal prosecution of witchcraft came to an end in the eighteenth century, the pattern of behavior that caused witch-hunts can be identified throughout history and in the modern day.
The Salem Witch Museum’s mission is to be the voice of the innocent victims of the witch-hunt of 1692, while also bringing awareness to the root cause of witch-hunts and how they continue to impact our society today. In our second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, we present a formula that can be used to describe the pattern of behavior responsible for sparking witch-hunts, with examples from 1692 through the twentieth-century.
This formula is “fear + a trigger = a scapegoat.”
A scapegoat is defined as a person who is unfairly or irrationally the object of blame.
Over the years, many of our visitors have made suggestions to our staff, offering examples of what they feel qualify as an instance of a witch-hunt. There are so many examples of witch-hunts that have taken place throughout history, that we couldn’t highlight all of these suggestions in our exhibit. Since August 2017, we have been asking our visitors to fill out this formula with examples they believe fit this pattern, and to submit these suggestions to our museum. This webpage is a place to share these examples. Within this project, our Department of Education is currently actively imputing and updating these pages so as to display as many submissions as we are given, in their entirety, without alteration or interpretation.
The goal of this project is to give our public a voice to interact with the concept of a witch-hunt. Please note, the views and opinions expressed on the witch-hunt website are those of our visitors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Salem Witch Museum.
You may view these examples month to month, or thematically by scapegoat. If you wish to add a submission, please enter your example into the blank spaces below.
Search Witch Hunts by Date
Submissions may be viewed month to month by selecting a date below.
Fear
Trigger
Scapegoat
People With Mental Illness
A Rare Number of Violent Crimes
All People With Mental Illness
Samantha , NE / October 2, 2024
Inflation/Economic Hardship
Pandemic
Immigrants
Divine , MA / September 2024
Economic Downturn
Presidential Election/Trump
Immigrants
Anna , MA / September 2024
Eating Cats and Dogs
Hatians
Trump
Destiny , GA / September 30, 2024
Being Raped
Rapists
All Men
Briana , SC / September 30, 2024
Losing A Successful Future
Pregnancy
Baby
Anonymous , USA / September 29, 2024
Fear of All Illegal Immigrants Trafficking Our Children, Causing Crimes, etc.
Harris and Walz Continuing to Leave Our Border Open, etc.
Trump
Robin , Chicago, IL / September 29, 2024
Men Losing Social Power
Fetuses
Pregnant Women
Susanne , AZ / September 29, 2024
Eating Cats & Dogs
Hatians
Trump
Marla , NY / September 2024
Infection
COVID-19
Asians
Kimberly , PA / September 28, 2024
Spectrums & Ambiguity
Increased Media Representation of Gender Diversity
Trans & Nonbinary Lives
Ray , NV / September 28, 2024
Lose of Parental Authoritarian Control
Children Learning & Forming Their Own Opinions
Public Educational System
Anonymous , IA / September 29, 2024
Fear of Haitian Immigrants Taking Jobs and Spreading Disease
Trump and Vance blaming Haitians in Springfield Ohio, Colorado, New Orleans
Haitian
Gail , OH, LA / September 27, 2024
Independence of Women
Debates About Abortion
Women
Deborah , TX / September 27, 2024
Fear of the Truth
Trump & MAGA
The American People
Joyce , RI / September 2024
Infection
COVID-19
Asians
Sam , Michigan / September 24, 2024
HIV/AIDS
Reagan
Gay Men
Anonymous , MA / September 26, 2024
Loss of Supremacy (Racial)
Donald Trump
Anti-Immigrants/Refugees
Anonymous , United States / September 26, 2024
Plane Crash
9/11
Islam
Cassie , NYC / September 24, 2024
Feminazis
Feminism
Attacking Women
Meg , PA / September 24, 2024
Eagles Super Bowl Loss
2023
Nick Sirianni
Dylan , PA / September 24, 2024
Eagles Being Good At Football
Carson Wentz
Doug Pederson
Dylan , PA / September 24, 2024
Donald Trump
Republicans Winning 2020 Election
COVID-19
Dylan , PA / September 24, 2024
COVID-19
2019
China
Lisa , USA / September 23, 2024
Loss of Reproductive Rights
Anti-Abortion Bans & Other Legislation
Abortion Patients and Providers
Donna , Cleveland, Ohio / September 23, 2024
Being Treated Fairly Despite Bad Behavior
Something Not Being Done Your Way In Restaurant
Your Poor Server
Alysa , TX / September 23, 2024
Destruction of American Values and Culture by Immigrants
Lies of J.D. Vance in Campaign: Haitan Immigrants Eating Pets
Haitian Immigrants Integrating Into Springfield, OH
Jean , WI / September 23, 2024
Crime
Trump
Immigrants
Graham , London, UK / September 20, 2024
Not Being Seen As Wanted In Society
Misgendering
People Who Don't Accept Gender As Valuable Human Categorization
Justin , GA / September 18, 2024
Seeing Gay/Trans People Will Turn Kids
Inclusive/Banned Books
Gay or Trans Parents/Families
Heather , MI / September 18, 2024
Children Being Shot
School Shootings
Guns
Justin , GA / September 18, 2024
Unintentional Disrespect
Cultural Ableism
People With Disabilities
Brittney , ME / September 18, 2024
Not Feeling Safe
Homeless
California
Witches , MA / September 17, 2024
Immigrants
Trump
Haitians
John , IN / September 17, 2024
Change
Gay People Existing
LGBTQIA+
Karina , CA / September 2024
Eating Dogs and Cats
Springfield, OH and Trump/Vance
Haitians Being Targeted
Rosales , OK / September 17, 2024
Demonic Possession
Familiar Spirits/Animals
Schizophrenia Patients
Caroline , NC / September 16, 2024
Change/Normalization of Trans People
Bigotry
Trans People Oppression/Violence
Anonymous , CA / September 2024
Religion
Liberal Ideas
Gay/Trans Community
Kristin , CA / September 2024
Cat Eating
Political Agenda
Haitian Americans
Nick , VA / September 15, 2024
Loss of White Power
BLM
People of Color
Anonymous , MA / September 14, 2024
Donald Trump's Fascist Dictatorship
2020 Election Coup On Government
Kamala Harris
Anonymous , MA / September 14, 2024
Immigration
Springfield Pet Eating Rumor
The Hatian Community
Yulitza , Miami, FL / September 14, 2024
Minorities Overtaking Majority
Affirmative Action
Non-White Women, Immigrants, LGBTQIA+
L. Metter , CT / September 2024
Indoctrination of Children
Conservative Views, Lack of Education
Drag Queens
Hannah P. , PA / September 12, 2024
Being Scammed
Scam Calls Made By Fake Company
Elderly People
Elijah , OR / September 10, 2024
COVID-19
Vaccine
Non-Vaccinated
Tami , CA / September 2024
Loss of Supremacy (Racial)
Donald Trump
Anti-Immigration/Refugees
Morrey , NE / September 2024
Different Religion
October 7th Attacks
Muslims/Jews
Salma , MA / September 2024
Social Change
Trump Admin
Trans Folks
Melissa , PA / July 2024
Being Oppressed
Being Different
Republicans/Conservatives
Anonymous , MA / September 6, 2024
Women Losing Rights
Trans Women Joining Women's Sports
Trans Community and Supporters
Artie , IL / September 6, 2024
Economic Crisis
Hate Speech
Immigrants
Alexandra and Francisco , Mexico / September 2024
Dying
Overly Popular But Few Stories
Sharks
Lala , VA / September 5, 2024
Inflation
Veterinary Costs
Veterinarians
Yumeko , Minneapolis, MN / September 5, 2024
Husband Leaving Me
Baby Momma Drama
Step Children
Nicole , Nebraska / September 5, 2024
Middle East-Islam
9/11
Middle Easterners
Jackie , Ca / September 2024
Infection
COVID-19
Asians
Jackie , CA / September 2024
Losing His Position and Reputation In the Community
Illness of His Daughter
Witchcraft
Parris , Salem, Massachusetts / September 4, 2024
Make America Great Again
Democrats
Trump
Anonymous , MA / September 2024
Change
Covid/Economic Difficulties
Democrats
Penelope , Canada / September 2024
Terrorism
Gaza Bombing
Palestinians
Saunya , MA / September 2024
Impregnated by Enemy
Dehumanize Baby
Innocent Baby from Rape
Susie , MD / August 2024
Irrational Madman
Holocaust
Jews
Anonymous , MA / August 2024
Immigrants Crossing Border
Negative Impact on Economy
Immigrants are Problem
Marialejandra , MA / August 2024
Assassination Attempt
Secret Service Incompetence
Donald Trump
Chuck , NH / August 2024
COVID-19
2019
China
Daniel , NY / August 2024
white people
not being allowed to be racist
"because of woke"
Hardavius , Flint, Michigan / August 30, 2024
Kids Getting Stupid
Phones In School
The Interwebs
Burns , Blacksburg, VA / August 30, 2024
Communism
Biden/Harris
Trump
Caylin , Las Vegas, NV / August 30, 2024
Younger Generations Being Able to Afford to Live
A Lot of Jobs are No Longer Paying a Livable Wage
Younger Generation's Lack of Effort
Chance , VA / August 29, 2024
Education Becoming A Chore Not Privilege
Donald Trump Becoming President and Stripping Education Rights
Previous Educators
Anonymous , VA / August 29, 2024
Over population
border hopping
Mexicans
frankie , Sioux City / August 29, 2024
Covid
Trump
Asian Americans
S , VA / August 29, 2024
Dying
Overly popular but few stories
Sharks
Max , VA / August 29, 2024
Immigrants In the USA
Trump
Muslim People
AT , VA / August 29, 2024
Men Losing Rights / Dominance
Women Gaining Rights
Women
Isis , VA / August 29, 2024
Patriarchy
feminist communist jews & sexual revolution
White Men
Faith , MA / August 29, 2024
Terrorism
9/11
Arab Americans
Luis , CA / August 2024
Political Ideologies/Interpretations
Misinformation/Media Polarization
Trump
Jennifer , OK / August 28, 2024
Terrorism
9/11
Muslim Community
Aisha , NY / August 2024
Globalization
COVID
Asian Americans
David , MA / August 2024
Ocean
Sharks
Not Going In Ocean Because of Sharks
Addison , Utah / August 26, 2024
Xenophobia
Random Attacks
BIPOC Communities
Clara , GB / August 26, 2024
Sounds
Blowing Nose
Ceirra (Me)
Ceirra , MA / August 25, 2024
Crime
Radical Politics
Immigrants
Josalyne , MA / August 2024
Immigration
Trump
Immigrants
P. , MA / August 2024
Losing Jobs/Economy
Media
Immigrants
Laura , CA / August 2024
Tigrayans
Abiy Ahmed and Isaias Afwerki
Tigray People Genocide
Mahlet , NY / July 2024
Sexist Violence/Patriarchy
Confident Speech/Communication
Well-Intentioned Men
Anonymous , MA / August 24, 2024
Not Fitting In
Knowledge of Someone Doing Wrong
Canceled People (James Charles/David Dobrik)
Gaby , MA / August 2024
Immigration
Donald Trump's Rhetoric
Immigrants
Elizabeth , MD / August 2024
Violence
Falsely Blaming Those With Mental Illness
Those With Mental Illness
Randal , MN / August 2024
COVID
Hysteria of Asia/China
Misinformation of Asians
Eleni , Australia / August 2024
Crime
Disgust
No-Vax People
Polly , MA / August 20, 2024
Rituals; Unorthodox Religious Practices and Treatments
Protestant Reformation (1560)
Midwives
Anonymous , Scotland / August 19, 2024
Jews
Attack On Israel
Palestine
Anonymous , MA / August 2024
Men Losing Their Power and Control
Feminine Things Become Popular (i.e. Taylor Swift or Barbie)
Women
Kori , CA / August 18, 2024
The Other
Lots of Immigrants at the Border
Demonization of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish Speakers
Meghan , TX / August 2024
Homosexuality
Communism
Gay/Lesbian Gov. Employees
Anonymous , MA / August 2024
Terrorism
9/11
Muslim Community
Ace , MA / August 2024
Disease
Covid
Asians
Maria , TX / August 2024
The Other
Economic Uncertainty/COVID
Others, Aliens, Immigrants
Alyssa , TX / August 2024
Change
Pressure On Services
Immigrants
Jan , UK / August 2024
Another War From the Jews
Hitler's Paranoia/Fear/Jealousy
Jewish People
Jade , Canada / August 2024
Politics
Democrats
Trump
Pam , OH / August 13, 2024
God/Satan
Satanism
Satanists or Different Beliefs
Xena , NH / August 13, 2024
America first
Donald Trump
Middle class americans
Doug , CT / August 13, 2024
inability to find a job
economic recession/depression
Immigrants
Don , LA / August 13, 2024
Crime
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Anonymous , MA / August 2024
Straight People Will Become LGBTQ+
Ignorance-Superiority-Disgust-Resentment-Heartlessness-Inclusiveness
LGBTQ+
Anonymous , USA / August 10, 2024
Immigration
Trump
Immigrants
Wade , Amsterdam / August 8, 2024
Harm From Vaccinations
Illness
CDC, Political Figures, and Medicine
Micahjah , USA / August 8, 2024
Immigrants in Small Boats
Right-Wing Politicians
Asylum Seekers
Della , UK / August 7, 2024
Societal Change
Mass Immigration
Immigrants
Asmaa , NRW, Germany / August 6, 2024
Economic Security
Global Warming
Liberal Policy
Kendra , CO / July 2024
Losing Control in Dominant White Male Society
Abortions
Democrats
Kendra , CO / July 2024
Covid
Fauci
No-Vax People
Tommy , Canada / August 2024
Losing Power
Medias
Freedom of Speech
Rosalia , NY / August 2024
Demonization of Refugees
Immigrants
Foreigners
Steve , England / August 2024
Interwar Loss of German and Austrian Glory
Versailles Treaty
Jews
Elizabeth , AK / August 2, 2024
Fog Batches
Gravity Insight
Moon and Cloudy Humor
C.J. , Akron, OH / August 2, 2024
Death in Schools/Public Places
Gun violence in schools
Guns
Anonymous , MA / July 31, 2024
Financial Trouble from Great Depression
German Great Depression/Propaganda
Jewish People
Zoe , WA / July 2024
White US Population Replaced
Climate/Political Crisis South of US
Immigrants
Alice , MA / July 2024
Losing French Language in Quebec
Statistics On Language/Law to Restrict English
English and Immigrants
Dayle , MA / July 2024
Sharks
Steven Spielberg
Shark Species
Carolane , Canada / July 2024
Immigration
Trump
Immigrants
Jane , MO / July 2024
Communists
Rise of the Soviet Union
Hollywood Stars and the Military
Tammy , PA / July 25, 2024
Loss of Control
Bodily Autonomy
Women
Deanna , AL / July 25, 2024
Economic Challenges
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Sonia , MN / July 2024
Hamas
Israel
42K Palestinian Civilians
Anonymous , MA / July 2024
COVID-19
Media Coverage and Government Communication
Facemasks and Social Distancing, Vaccines
Willem , Amsterdam / July 20, 2024
Des Plaies Sur La Peau
Psoriasis
La Victime
Melanie , Montréal, Québec / July 20, 2024
Unknown
Racism
Palestine
Anonymous , MA / July 2024
War With Germany
WW2
German Immigrants
Payden , NY / July 2024
Violence
Violent Actions
Video Games
Raina , VT / July 2024
Chaos in America
Social Movements
Liberal People Speaking Out
Rebecca , VT / July 2024
Quality of Life
Ignorance
We the People
Tarik , NC / July 2024
Change
Political Ambition
Immigrants
Jeff , CA / July 2024
Loss of Identity as Christian Nation
Stonewall, Legalization of Gay Marriage, Trans People
LGBTQIA+
John , TX / July 2024
Economic Crisis
Hitler
Jewish People Genocide
Nick , Belgium / July 2024
Infection
COVID
Asian (Chinese) Community
Anonymous , CA / July 2024
Non "Christian" Family Structure
Trump Administration/Cult
Queer, Gay, Trans Folks
Melissa , PA / July 2024
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Kiera , MA / July 2024
Immigrants
Trump/MAGA
Hispanics and Non-White
Anonymous , MA / July 2024
Groomers and Child Predators
Crazy People
Trans Discrimination and LGBTQIA+ Hate
Anonymous , U.S. / July 14, 2024
Babies Dying
A Spike In the Number of Deaths of Premature Babies In a Neonatal Ward in the UK
A Young Female Nurse; Lucy Letby
Belinda , Woy Woy, NSW, Australia / July 14, 2024
Border Crisis
Political Narrative
Hispanic Immigrants
Annette , MO / June 28, 2024
COVID
Originated in China
Asian People
Julie , The Netherlands / July 2024
Financial Security
Immigration
All Immigrants
Jason , CO / July 2024
Endoctrination of Children
Right Wing Extremists
Transgender Americans
Alexander , Lincoln, NE / July 12, 2024
Middle East
9/11
Arab/Middle Eastern People
Melissa , CA / July 2024
COVID
Fear of Infection
Asian Americans
Dane , GA / July 2024
Loss of perceived control
Oct. 7th, 2023
Jewish people
Rhonda , Canada / July 10, 2024
Loss of White Power
Trumpism (MAGA)
Democrats and Opponents
Cat , Illinois / July 9, 2024
Immigrants
Politics/Politicians
MAGA
Sita , Denmark / July 2024
Infection, Sickness, and Death
COVID-19 Virus
Asians (ex. Chinese)
Maya B , NY / July 7, 2024
Addiction/Overdose
Big Pharma
Disabled Folks, LGBTQIA+, POC
Danielle , PA / July 2024
Infection
COVID
Chinese/Asians
Anonymous , MA / July 2024
Infection/Death
COVID-19
Anthony Fauci/Doctors
Renee , MA / July 2024
Conspiracy Theories
Death of John O'Keefe
Karen Read
Erica M. , Massachusetts / July 4, 2024
Sharia Law
2001 Al Qaeda Attacks
Muslims
Murtaza , TX / July 2024
Economic Anxiety
Trump
Immigrants
Jeff , WA / July 2024
Loss of Democracy
Biden
Trump
Patrick , IL / July 2024
Sudan's government fearing loss of power
RSF turning against Sudan's government
Sudanese civilians
Zahra , TX / June 30, 2024
Loss of homeland for Israelis
Balfour declaration
Palestinians
Zaynab , TX / June 30, 2024
Another Race Getting Ahead
A Successful Black Person
Hatred and Injustice of the Black Man
Amaiya , SC / June 29, 2024
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Louis , NY / June 2024
Perceived Victims
Woke Media
All Republicans
Danielle , PA / June 2024
Losing Jobs
Immigration/Trump
Immigrants/Refugees
Emily , CA / July 2024
Fascism
WWII
Afrikaners
Louise , South Africa / June 25, 2024
Grooming Children
Media
Drag Queens, LGBTQ+
Thomas , Canada / June 24, 2024
Sickness
Covid
Government
Dillon , CA / June 2024
Loss of Jobs
Trump
Illegal Immigrants
Allen , NE / June 2024
Israel
October Massacre
Jews
Linda , NJ / June 2024
Disease
Covid
Asians
Olive , Trinidad and Tobago / June 2024
Fear of Falling
Trip On Sidewalk
People Who Made Sidewalk
Ben , PA / June 2024
Souther States Losing Their Slaves/Control of African Americans
MLK Standing Up
African American Community
Addison , FL / June 2024
Loss of Christianity
"Bigger than Jesus" - John Lennon
The Beatles
Elizabeth , MA / June 17, 2024
Islamophobia
9/11/2001
Muslims and Arabs
Genevieve , CA / June 16, 2024
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Heidi , NY / June 2024
Infection
COVID
Chinese
Heidi , NY / June 2024
Communism/Prejudice
Hitler/Nazism/Differences
Jewish People
Tina , TX / June 2024
Cults
Swifties
Taylor Swift
Raylon , KY / June 2024
Ottoman Loss of Power
WWI & Fall of Ottoman Empire
Armenians
Lindsey , MA / June 2024
The Devil/Witchcraft
Crop Failure/Illness
Women
Anna , AB / June 10, 2024
Banning Books
Ignorance
Teachers
Jessica , MA / June 5, 2024
Political (in) Correctness
Bravo TV/ Hollywood
American Patriots MAGA
Brandon , LA / June 4, 2024
Slavic Independence from Austria-Hungary
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Serbia
Adam , MA / June 2, 2024
Violence
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Kelley , MD / June 2, 2024
LGBTQIA+
Christian Extremism
Transgender People in Sports
Anonymous , MA / May 2024
Expansion of German Army PreWWI
Irish Independence Movement
Celtics and Anti-Celtic Sentiment
Anonymous , MA / May 2024
Covid
Trump
Asian/Chinese Community
Barbara , MA / May 2024
Spread of Covid Virus
News of the Disease from China
Asian American Hate Crimes
Vivian , CA / May 2024
Retribution for Acting Out
Teenage Actions
Teachers
Annie , CA / May 2024
Unknown Infection
Ebola
Africans
Judy , Kenya / May 2024
Loss of Power by Germans
WWI and Depression
Jews
Howard , NJ / May 2024
Decline of Christianity
Equal Rights and "Wokeism"
Others and New Satanic Panic
Benito , Canada / May 2024
Covid
Dr. Fouchi
Trump
Joe , IL / May 24, 2024