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
Infection
Covid
Unvaccinated & Unmasked
Leo , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Covid
Fauci
Bat
Anonymous , OH / July 2026
Undocumented Immigrants
New Age ICE & Trump Administration
Non-White Community Members
Dave T. , FL / July 2026
Changing Economic Environment
Losing A Foothold Of Power
Naturalized & Other Immigrants
Valerie , Swanzey, NH / July 2026
Economic Inequality
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Jessica L. , Dover, NH / July 2026
Sin
Eve Eating The Apple
Women Being Perceived As 'Weak'
Madelyn , York, PA / July 2026
Job Loss
Trump & ICE
Immigrants
Avery , Gilbert, AZ / July 2026
Infection
Covid
Asians
Trystin , Baytown, TX / July 2026
Crime
Radical Right Politics & Trump
Immigrants
Emma , Boston, MA / July 2026
Boston Citizens
British
Boston Massacre
Gavin , Boise, ID / July 2026
Immigration
Trump & ICE
Immigrants
Drowne , Killingly, CT / July 2026
The Economic Depression
The Nazi Party
The Jews In Eastern Europe
Gabriellla , Lake Worth, FL / June 2026
Men
Violence Against Women
All Men
Genesis , NJ / July 2026
The Matriarchy
Feminism
Women In Power
Genesis , NJ / July 2026
Gods Turning Against Rome
Oracle Of Apollo
Christians
Brian , Carlisle, PA / June 2026
Disease
Bacteria
Migrant
Anais , Provins, France / June 2026
Inflation
Immigration
Mass Deportation
Collin , El Paso, TX / June 2026
Economy
Trump
Immigrants
Anonymous , / June 2026
Staying Poor
Treaty Of Versailles
Hatred Of Jews & WWII
Ethan , South Lyon, MI / June 2026
Out Of Control Teens
Rise Of Rock Bands
Boycott/Hatred Of Rock
Ethan , South Lyons, MI / June 2026
Non-Conformity
Transgender Inclusion
Trans Community
Claire , Palmdale, CA / June 2026
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Adam F. , DeWitt, MI / June 2026
Infection/Disease
Covid
Unvaccinated
Laura , Frankfurt, Germany / June 2026
Infection
Covid-19
Chinese People
Wyatt , San Francisco, CA / June 2026
Crime
ICE
Immigrants
Dena , Columbus, OH / June 2026
Economic Stress & Unemployment
Trump Presidency
Immigrants Targeted By ICE
Stephanie , Los Angeles, CA / June 2026
Conservatives
Leftist-Owned Media
Trump
Megan , Reading, PA / June 2026
Covid-19 Pandemic
Government Discounts Evidence
Scientists & Doctors Become 'Liars'
Rachel , Reading, PA / June 2026
Drugs
Increased Opium Use
Asian Americans
Steve F. , PA / June 2026
Black People
Ronald Reagan
Education Costs
Loren , / June 2026
Illegal Immigration
Locals Attacked By Illegal Immigrants
All Immigrants, Including Legal Ones
Jim , Northern Ireland / June 2026
Ottomans Lose WWI
Losing Battles Against Russia
Armenian Genocide
Kyle , Mechanicsburg, PA / June 2026
Crime & Drugs
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Saumya , Somerville, MA / June 2026
Language
Henry VIII
People Of Wales
Ashlei-Jane , Wales / June 2026
Infection
Covid
Modern Day Medicine/Research
Brittany , / June 2026
Immigrants Taking Jobs
Trump
Anyone Not White
Anonymous , / June 2026
Troubled Economy
Migrants Coming Across Border
Blame Black & Brown Immigrants
Mia B. , MI / June 2026
Immigrants & Xenophobia
October 7
Jews, Arabs, & Immigrants
Stephane A. , Watertown, MA / June 2026
Red Scare
McCarthyism
Political Opponents Of Truman Accused As Communists
Nikram , Mumbai, India / June 2026
Covid-19
Trump Calling it 'The Chinese Virus'
Anti-Asian Racism
Chris , Dallas, TX / June 2026
Loss Of Safety, Jobs, & Stability
Political Rhetoric & Border Crisis
Immigrants
Daniela M. , FL / June 2026
No Jobs
Mexicans Working Hard
ICE
Josephine , West Covina, CA / June 2026
Same Sex Love
Religion
Gay Community
Ella , Columbus, OH / June 2026
Covid-19
Vaccines
Progressive Doctors
Peter , CT / June 2026
Crime & Loss Of Jobs
Rhetoric Of Trump
I.C.E. & Detainment Centers
Casey , Scotland / June 2026
Change
Mainstream Media
Trump
Ruth , Kingsland, GA / May 2026
Immigrants
Crime
I.C.E.
Heather R. , North Little Rock, AK / June 2026
Criminals
Immigration
I.C.E.
Ella , Fowlerville, MI / June 2026
Pandemic
Covid-19
Chinese & Anti-Masker
Drew , Menasha, WI / June 2026
Infection
Covid-19 Origins
Anti-Asian Hate
Loren , / June 2026
Islamophobia
9/11
Muslims
Saskia W. , England / June 2026
Immigrants
Trump
Anyone Not White
Jose , Miami, FL / June 2026
Economy
MAGA
Immigrants
Jake , Fowlerville, MI / June 2026
Men In Women’s Space
Transphobia
Transgender Individuals
Megan C. , NY / June 2026
Terrorism
Shooting At DC
Banning Immigrants Who Come To The US From 39 Countries
Hesam , South Bound Brook, NJ / June 2026
Poverty In America
Declining Economy
Immigrants
Brandon , Liberytville, IL / March 2026
Political Violence
Charlie Kirk Killing
Transgender People
Abby A. , Providence, RI / September 2025
Heavy Metal
Possessed Teens
Judas Priest
Tom C. , Sparks, NE / June 2026
England Winning World Cup
1966
Scotland Fans
Neil , Scotland / June 2026
Racism/Immigrants
Open Borders
ICE Raids
Juna M. , Salem, MA / June 2026
Ignorance Of Differences
Donald Trump
Anyone Different From Him
Katy , Philadelphia, PA / June 2026
Communists
Joe McCarthy
Americans In Government, Entertainment, Academia, and Military
Anonymous , / June 2026
Societal Change
Fights In Public Spaces
Teens
Brianna , St. Louis, MO / June 2026
Diversity
Government Propaganda
Immigrants
Zoe , Baltimore, MD / June 2026
Sexuality
Drag Shows
Queer Community
Maggie C. , Annapolis, MD / June 2026
Fear That Immigrants Are "Stealing" Jobs
ICE
Deportation Of Innocent People
Finn , UT / June 2026
Mexico
Trump
Mexican-American Detention Centers
Jasmin M. , Las Vegas, NV / June 2026
Bad Economy
War
Jew/Israel
Anonymous , / June 2026
Immigration & Racism
Donald Trump
Immigrant Community & Inclusion Programs
Lauren V. , Frankford, DE / June 2026
Death
Covid
Non-Vaxxers
Anonymous , / June 2026
Loss Of Jobs
9/11 & Terrorist Attacks
Immigrants
Bella , Madison, WI / June 2026
Crime In Southwestern US
Influx Of Immigration
Border Wall & ICE
Celeste , Tucson, AZ / June 2026
White Supremacy Falling
Immigration
Immigrants
Bella , Chicago, IL / June 2026
Rising Costs/Political Lines
Trump Administration
Transgender People
Kaitlin , Grand Rapids, MI / June 2026
Death
Religion
Witches
Micah , Baltimore, MD / June 2026
Heliocentric Theory
Giordano Bruno
Ill Treatment Of Scientists
Anonymous , / June 2026
Financial Insecurities
Hitler
Jews
Ethan , CA / June 2026
Darkness
Yelling
Mother
Nathan , MN / June 2026
Being Of Hispanic Heritage
ICE
Being Deported
Anonymous , NJ / May 2026
Unemployment & Poverty
Trump, Misogyny, & White Supremacy
Immigrants
Madhura , Durham, NC / May 2026
Rapid Changes, AI & Climate
Billionaires & Trump
Trans People & Immigrants
Irene , Strafford, NH / September 2025
Democrats
Charlie Kirk's Assassination
Mass Firing Of Citizens Speaking Out
Madeline , Mobile, AL / May 2026
Displacement/Loss Of Power
White Supremacy
Immigrants
Danielle L. , Denver, CO / June 2026
Rising Crime & General Uncertainty
Mass Deportations
Immigrants
Will , New York, NY / June 2026
Different & Dangerous People
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Josephine , Fullerton, CA / June 2026
Pandemic & War
President Trump
Immigrants
Carl B. , MD / June 2026
Economic Worries & AI
Billionaires & Trump
Immigrants
Irene , Strafford, NH / September 2025
Losing In 2028
Donald Trump
Americans Who Disagree
Eric C. , AK / September 2025
Flood Control
President Marcos
DPWH
Roniel J. , Philippines / May 2026
Infection
Covid-19
Asian Community
Haley , Lakeland, FL / May 2026
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Keane , / May 2026
Taking Jobs & More Crime
Politicians
Immigrants
Laurie , PA / October 2025
Social Standing
Economic Loss
Immigrants
Chase , Anchorage, AK / May 2026
Women
Sex Work
Feminism
Lauren , Cypress, TX / May 2026
Disease/AIDS
AIDS/HIV
Gay Men
Anonymous , MD / May 2026
WWIII
Trump's Actions
All Other Republicans
Sawyer F. , CA / May 2026
Losing "Promised Land"
Genocide
Palestinians
Sofia , Chicago, IL / May 2026
Covid Infection
Media Conspiracies
Chinese
Kim , Chicaw, FL / May 2026
Dog Bites
Dogs Displayed On TV
Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Looking Dogs
Monica W. , Palos Hills, IL / May 2026
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Megan , Fairport, NY / May 2026
Covid
Wuhan Origin Story
Racism Against Chinese Americans
Anonymous , Boston, MA / May 2026
Economic Challenges
Trump Elected
Immigrants, People Of Color, & LGBT+
Pennie B. , Apple Valley, MN / September 2025
Patriarchy Challenged
Changes In Gender Dynamics & Expressions
Trans & NB People Targeted
Sarah , Salem, MA / September 2025
Child Abuse
Conservative Opportunists
LGBT People
Jacob , Oak Park, CA / October 2025
Infection
Covid
Unvaccinated
D. Johnson , Chardon, OH / September 2025
Abuse Of Girls/Women
Asian Grooming Gangs
Immigrants
Anonymous , London, England / May 2026
Being Killed In WWlll If It Happens
Trump's Actions
America & Iran
Nolan F. , Huntington Beach, CA / May 2026
Economic Fear
Trump
Immigrant Raids
Mariana , / May 2026
Disease
China Being The Birthplace Of Covid-19
Asian People Being Hated/Feared
Axel , Visalia, CA / May 2026
Basic Human Rights
The Government
Minorites Are The 'Problem'
Tessa , Bethel, CT / May 2026
Crime
Immigration
ICE's Abuse Of Power
Morgan , Reno, NV / May 2026
Rules & Regulations
President Trump
Conservative Republicans
Debra , Florence, MA / May 2026
Immigrants
Political Rhetoric
Undocumented Immigrants
Juli , MA / May 2026
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Omar , Boston, MA / May 2026
Difference
Rapid Social Change
Trans Community
Christine D. , WA / May 2026
Difference
Economic Uncertainty
Immigrants
Christine D. , WA / May 2026
Declining Job Market
2016 Election
Immigrants
Skyelar , Huntington, WV / May 2026
Fall Of Nuclear Family & Values
Trans People & LGBT
People Living Normally
Riley , / May 2026
Change
Republican Party
Trans People Persecuted
Amber , Denver, CO / May 2026
Men Fearful Of Losing Power
Women Gaining Power
All Women
Nancy , Tyler, TX / May 2026
Loss Of Property
Economic Recession
Immigrants
Mario S. , Wooster, OH / May 2026
Lack Of Economic/Employment Opportunities
Economic Decline
Immigrants
Anna , Worcester, MA / May 2026
Cultural Wars
Far Right Media/Influencers
Those With Opposing Views
Anonymous , USA / May 2026
Lawsuits/Fines
2 Dead Plovers
Dogs On Beaches
Holly , Truro, MA / March 2026
National Weakness Of France
Military "Gordereau" Leak
Alfred Dreyfus & French Jews
Daniel , Washington, DC / April 2026
Conspiracy Theories
Social Media Disinformation
Conservative Christians Labeled As Extremists
Anonymous , PA / May 2026
Economic Fear
Job Loss
Immigrants Blamed For Taking Jobs
Steven , Jacksonville, FL / May 2026
Covid 19
Trump
Chinese People
Anonymous , / May 2026
Economic Hardship
Trump
Persecution Of Immigrants
Jessica , NY / May 2026
Non-Christians
9/11
All Of Islam
Travis , Plainville, CT / May 2026
Crime
Trump
Hispanic Community
Amir , Irvine, CA / May 2026
Declining Social Cohesion
Rapid Cultural Change
Christians Portrayed As Intolerant Or Dangerous
Anonymous , PA / May 2026
Homelessness
Housing Crisis
Immigrants
Deli , CA / May 2026
Undocumented Immigrants
MAGA Propaganda
Hispanic Community
Karley , CA / May 2026
Terrorist
911
Muslims
Jodi , SC / May 2026
Inflation & Tariffs
Trump
The American Consumer
Lael W. , NY / May 2026
Lack Of Access To Resources
Hyperinflation
Independent Companies
Anna , CA / May 2026
Immigration
Trump
Deported
Anonymous , / May 2026
Progressive Ideology
Transphobia
2024 Trans Ban On Military Service
Brianna , Fort Drum, NY / May 2026
Losing Christian Tradition
Rise Of Alternative Living Styles
Persecuted/Discriminated Minorities
Brenden , Madison, WI / May 2026
Multiculturalism (Moors, Jews)
Spanish Inquisition/Alhambra Decree
Jews, Muslims, Other Non-Christians
Jordyn , Fitchburg, WI / May 2026
Crime Increase
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Sierra , / May 2026
Infection/Drug Overdose
Opioid Epidemic
Homeless/Unhoused Individuals
Blu , Vancouver, WA / May 2026
Economic Uncertainty
Donald Trump
Immigrants and Hispanics Harassed And Persecuted
Anonymous , / May 2026
Muslims
9/11
Islamophobia
Abby , Long Beach, CA / May 2026
Loss Of Power
Diversity
Anyone Not White/Male/Christian
Kristi , FL / May 2026
Illness
Covid
Killing Of Asian Women
Anonymous , / May 2026
Epidemic
Covid-19
Chinese/Bats
Simon , / May 2026
China
Covid-19
Asian Americans
Berny , Union, NJ / April 2026
Covid
Propaganda
Unvaccinated
Anonymous , / April 2026
Racism
Trump
ICE
Anonymous , / April 2026
Nuclear War
Donald Trump/MAGA
Trans People
Anonymous , / April 2026
Fear Of Change
Trump
Immigrant
Anonymous , / April 2026
Loss Of WW1
Hitler
Jews
Jack , / April 2026
Economic/Moral Collapse
9/11, Trump, Rise Of Christian Nationalism
Anyone Who Isn't White, Straight, Christian
Amanda , Kenosha, WI / April 2026
Minorities
President Trump
Mexican Illegal Immigrants
Isabel L. , Tyler, TX / April 2026
Crime
Recession
Immigrants
Michelle , Concord, NH / April 2026
Misunderstanding
Fear
Disability Community
Ally K. , Westminster, CO / April 2026
Minorities
Trump
Current Events
J. R. , CA / April 2026
People That Look Different
Political Motive
Immigrants Being Targeted
Yaoca , / April 2026
Technology
Disruption Of Economy
Demonization Of Immigrants
Mara , NY / April 2026
Poverty
Right-Wing Media
Immigrants
Steve , NY / April 2026
A Changing World
Internet Lies
Immigrants
Wyatt , Quakertown, PA / April 2026
Undocumented Get Special Treatment
Donald Trump
Anyone Not Male/White/Rich
Ali , Payson, UT / April 2026
Illegals
Bad People
People Who Are Black
BJ , CA / April 2026
Covid-19
Media
Unvaccinated
Josh , CA / April 2026
Frogs
Economy
Anything Slimy
Logan R. , Goose Creek, SC / April 2026
Losing Wealth Opportunities From Fossil Fuels
Global Warming And Efforts To Stop Or Reverse It
EPA, Climate Scientists, Liberals, Progressives
CC , San Diego, CA / April 2026
Mass Hysteria
Accusations
Everyone
Anonymous , Salem, MA / April 2026
Climate change
Droughts And Storms
The Ultra Wealthy
Sapphire , New Zealand / April 2026
Immigrants Are Evil
One Percent Brown People Commit a Few Crimes
Non-White
Tuyet , Nashville, TN / April 2026
God/Devil
Jesus Christ
Jesus Is Crucified
Cooper , AL / April 2026
Public Shame
J. Walk
Report Community
Isaac , / April 2026
Ignorance/Brown Bodies
Shrinking Middle Class
Killing Palestinians, Iranians, & Lebanese
Anonymous , / April 2026
Colonizers/Settlers
Resistance To Colonization
Indigenous People "Primitive"
Sharise , Brooklyn, NY / April 2026
Witchcraft
Child Reports Abuse To The Police
Parents
Steve , Scotland / April 2026
Immigration
Economy
Education Level
Rachel , Beverly, MA / November 2024
White Culture Being Forgotten
Donald Trump
Immigrants & POC
Alexis , Hyde Park, NY / November 2024
Palestinian Occupation
Israeli Government
Genocide & Ethnic Cleansing Of Palestinians
Janan , San Francisco, CA / April 2026
Disease
Covid-19
The Asian Community
Anonymous , / April 2026
Anyone Who Doesn't Go Along With MAGA Movement
Trump & Conspiracy Theories
Immigrants & Anyone Who Doesn't Agree
Anonymous , / April 2026
Immigration
Donald Trump
Wrongful Deportation
Anonymous , / April 2026
Economy
Trump
Jews
Anonymous , / April 2026
Racism
Immigration
ICE Kidnapping Brown People & Non-English Speakers
Amy , CA / April 2026
"Facism"
President Trump Elected
Conservative Republicans
Anonymous , / April 2026
Indigenous People
Colonization and Disputes
Indigenous Land Stolen and Forced Assimilation
Hugh , / April 2026
Financial Turmoil In Germany
Adolf Hitler
The Holocaust
Eli , / April 2026
Taking Jobs
Trump
Immigrants
Ben , / April 2026
Being Arrested
ICE
Immigrants
Ian , Cambridge, MA / April 2026
Nuclear Bombs
Air Strikes
Trump Attacks Iran
Ishaan , / April 2026
Immigrants
Trump/ICE
Brown People
Anonymous , / April 2026
Kidnappers
Bad People
People Who Are Black
Amanda , / April 2026
Illegals
Trump
Brown People
Amanda , / April 2026
Illegal People
Trump/ICE
People Of Color
Anonymous , / April 2026
Illegal
Trump and ICE
Brown People
Anonymous , / April 2026
Illegals In Our Country
Trump & His Ideas
People Of Color
Anonymous , / April 2026
Illegal People
Trump & ICE
People Of Color
Charlotte , / April 2026
Communism
McCarthy
Lavender Scare
Jo , Windsor, CT / April 2026
Economic Insecurity
Recession
Migrants and Foreigners
Alexander , Pittsburgh, PA / April 2026
Change
Trump
Immigrants
Cindi , Euless, TX / April 2026