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
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
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
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
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 schools
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 paying a liveable wage
Younger generations 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
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
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
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 LGBTQ 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 that had multiple and systemic issues.
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 on 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
Vladimir Putin
NATO / Military "Intervention" at Russia-Ukraine border
Slaughter of Ukrainians
Maya B. , NY / May 24, 2024
Feminism
Religious Paranoia
Women accused of being Witches
Maya B. , NY / May 24, 2024
Sexual Assault
"Men" in womens bathrooms
Trans people
Roman , MI / May 23, 2024
Jewish Genocide
October 7
Palestinians
S , Massachusetts / May 22, 2024
Mistreatment of students
Allowed Criminals or Aliens as Teachers
The American School System
Anonymous , MA / May 22, 2024
Homosexuality
Communism
Gay men in 1950s
Andrew , MA / May 21, 2024
Loss of Power and Control
South African People Defy Apartheid
Nelson Mandela
CP , Connecticut / May 20, 2024
Constitutional Rights
Facts over Feelings
Donald Trump
Elizabeth , Davidson, NC / May 18, 2024
Breaking the Binary
Loss of the Patriarchy
Trans People
N/A , The South / May 18, 2024
Loss of Power/"Think of the Child"
Christian Fascists
Trans/Gay
John , MA / May 2024
People wanting me to kill myself or purposely giving aids
Negative mental affirmations of family and friends
Me-Isolated hopeless
Christina , North Carolina / May 14, 2024
Truth
Politicians
The U.S. Constituion
Bruce , FL / May 13, 2024
Illness
Pandemic
Doctors/Medicine
Bruce , FL / May 2024
Being hung for witchcraft
John Proctor
Tituba
Abigail , MA / May 13, 2024
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
B. , MA / May 2024
Homelessness
Infection
Government
W. , MA / May 2024
China
Covid
Asian Americans
Karol and Ashley , MA / May 2024
Queer People/LGBT People
Queer Acceptance
Queer People
Pascale , Côte Saint-Luc / May 12, 2024
Uncontrolled Border
Joe Biden
USA Citizens
Anonymous , OH / May 12, 2024
Oppression, objectification, and violence toward women
Patriarchal Societies
Women
C. Jacobs , FL / May 11, 2024
Rising Autism Rates
False Unproven
Vaccines
Anonymous , MA / May 10, 2024
Crime
Sensationalist Media
Criminals
Anonymous , MA / May 10, 2024
Grooming of Children
"Woke" Culture
LGBTQIA People
Anonymous , MA / May 10, 2024
Drugs
Nixon
Blacks, Hispanics, Hippies
Anonymous , MA / May 2024
Islam
Israel's Genocide
Muslims and Palestinians
Anonymous , MA / May 2024
Rising Rates of Mental Illness
Conservatives + Fear Mongering
"Woke" Culture and Technology
Anonymous , MA / May 10, 2024
Loss of governmental control
Trump elected
Russia (collusion)
Tom , PA / May 10, 2024
Gang Violence
Racism and Media Sensationalism
Racial Minorities and Immigrants
Anonymous , MA / May 9, 2024
Rising Awareness of Sexual Violence
Media Misinformation
LGBTQ/Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Anonymous , MA / May 8, 2024
Donald Trump
Liberals
MSNBC/CNN Fake News
Abby , Boston / May 8, 2024
Infection
COVID
Non-Vaccinated People
Anonymous , CO / May 5, 2024
Legal punishment
Patriarchal control
Women
Riley , WA / May 5, 2024
Russian election interference
Mean tweets
Donald Trump
Brandon , Delaware / May 4, 2024
Morissey
his voice
Johnny Marr (the GOAT)
Izzy , England / April 30, 2024
loss of control
uncomfortable questions
public education
Shannon , Union Hall, VA / April 29, 2024
MAGA 2.0
Next Presidential Election
Indictments and Trump Trials
Armando , Miami, FL / April 2024
Palestinians
Wanting Freedom and Country
Palestine Genocide by Israeli Govt.
Buddy , NH / April 2024
Non-affordable Rents
Inflation + Greedy Estate Agents
Millenials & Immigrants
Michelle , Germany / April 27, 2024
Infection
COVID
Chinese
Bryce , MA / April 26, 2024
Female Power
Men Insecurities
Women
Kenlen , IL / April 25, 2024
World War III
October 7th Attack
Jews/Iran/Biden
Liesl , NY / April 25, 2024
Palestine/Hamas
Marxist ideology
Jews/Israel
Anonymous , MA / April 23, 2024
Colonization
Land & Resources
Catholicism
Andy , Santa Fe, NM / April 23, 2024
Losing Value (as Provider and Protector)
Women choosing to stay single
Feminists
Ellis , MI / April 23, 2024
freedom
false
trump
Kynlie , TX / April 22, 2024
infection
aids
gay community
Anonymous , MA / April 22, 2024
Drowning
The Film 'San Andreas'
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Moop , MA / Aprill 22, 2024
Overpopulation
Lack of Resources
Pandemic
Farrah and Nicholas , NY / April 20, 2024
a lot of land
free laborers
Black people
Michelle , WA / April 20, 2024
Responsibility of a child
(unwanted) pregnancy
unborn children
Michelle , WA / April 20, 2024
police Brutality
media
police
Val , NJ / April 2024