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
Others That are Different
Woke/DEI
Transgender People
Monica , Lincoln, NE / April 2025
Loss of Jobs
Trump
Immigrants/Minorities
Anonymous , MA / April 2025
Spanish Using Their Runaway Slaves
The Slaves Fleeing to the British Colony to Help the Spanish
Slaves and the British Hanging Runaways
Anonymous , UK / April 19, 2025
Society Feared the Economic Instability and Social Unrest
Incidents of Resistance or Rebellion by Enslaved Africans With Stereotypes Depicting Them as Inherently Dangerous or Inferior
Enslaved Africans and Their Descendants Are Scapegoats for Social Unrest and Economic Problems
Misganu Olkeba , WA / April 18, 2025
Violence
Trump
Minorities
Anonymous , MA / April 2025
"Others"
Immigrants Being "Violent"
LGBTQIA+ and Non-Christian
Anonymous , MA / April 2025
Diverse and Growing Population in the Americas and "Heretical" Practices That Challenged Catholic Orthodoxy
Indigenous and African Religious Traditions After Forced Conversions to Christianity
Indigenous Priests, Healers, and Afro-Descendant Spiritual Leaders
Anonymous , MA / April 18, 2025
Economic Oppression
Fascist Politicians
Immigrants "Stealing Jobs"
Leela , Brooklyn, NY / April 2025
Communism/Socialism
MAGA Propoganda
Social Programs like SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare, Social Security
Jenifer Baxter , Salt Lake City, UT / April 16, 2025
Fear of The Devil and Witchcraft Corrupting the Community
Strange Behavior Amongst Young Girls
Women; Especially Outsiders and Non-Conformists
Alex E. , MA / April 16, 2025
Violence
Trump
Immigrants
Kendra , Yuba City, CA / April 2025
China/Communism
COVID-19
Anti-Asian Hate/Violence
Kyla , Gaithersburg, MD / April 2025
Losing Power and Control Over the Kingdom
Conflict Between Charles I and the Parliament
Parliament Blamed King Charles I and Royalist Blamed the Parliament
Ethan N. , WA / April 15, 2025
Rebellion
Native
Native American Tribe
Tonia , WA / April 15, 2025
Facts
Media/Emotional Manipulation
50% of Americans
Molly , PA / April 14, 2025
Trypophobia
Beehives
Bees
D.J. M. , GA / April 14, 2025
Drugs and Crime
Border Crossings
Immigrants
Miranda , NC / April 2025
Biological Accountability
Pregnancy
Unborn Children
Molly , PA / April 15, 2025
Infiltration
Immigration
Immigrants and Anti-Immigration
Haylee , Gaithersburg, MD / April 2025
Autism and Other Disorders
Current Rates in Society
Vaccines
Tyler , Pasadena, CA / April 2025
Loss of Children's Innocence
Books
Leftist/Liberalist/Marxist/Librarians/LGBTQIA+/Drag Queens
Anonymous , FL / April 11, 2025
Divination Abuse
Financial/Anointed One
Privileged White Retiree Female 3rd Generation American
D. Lynch Valente , Corridor of NE, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess Counties / April 10, 2025
Different Cultures
Rise of the Far Right
Illegal Immigrants
Jackie , Pasadena, CA / April 2025
Non-Conformity
Change of Rules
Trans Community
Brittany , New York City, NY / April 2025
Corruption of Children
Growing Conservative Backlash
Transgender and Nonbinary People
Alessandra , NY / April 2025
Changes in Gender Roles
Trump Campaign
Trans Community
Olivia , Williamsburg, MA / April 2025
Child Being "Converted" to Gay
Openly Gay Teachers
Teachers and Firing Teachers With No Cause
Al , Pittsburgh, PA / April 2025
Islamophobia
2024 Southport Murders
Asylum Seekers
Rachel , London, UK / April 2025
Crime
Trump
Immigrants
Anne , Pittsburgh, PA / March 2025
Economic Hardship
Trump
The Rest of the World
Anne , Pittsburgh, PA / March 2025
Immigrants
Trump/MAGA
Foreigners
Anonymous , USA / March 2025
Economic Fear
Racism
Rejection of Immigrants
Sonia C. , Columbus, OH / March 2025
Framing the Innocent
Corruption and Misconduct of Michael Proctor
Karen Read
Anonymous , Canton, Massachusetts / March 31, 2025
Liberal Youth
Dismantling Gender Roles
Transgender/NB People
Ry , NY / March 2025
Unjust Laws
Moral Facts
Exclusive Legal Positivism
Luisa-Bent , MA / March 29, 2025
Nature, Animals, Women
Misogynistic Patriarchy
Project 2025
Marissa J. , Warren, RI / February 2025
Disease
COVID-19
Unvaxed
Anonymous , USA / March 2025
Psychedelics
Counter-Culture
Thomas Leary
Orion , MA / March 28, 2025
Economic Difficulty
Trump
Immigrants
Lisa , St. Paul, MN / March 2025
Violence in US Communities
MS13 Gang-Related Violence
Migrant Workers from Latin America
Luke , Brooklyn, NY / March 2025
Losing Power
January 6th
Anyone Different
Clara , FL / March 2025
Property Damage
Teens Trespass at St. Ann's Retreat and Held at Gunpoint
Teenagers
Emily L.C. , UT / March 26, 2025
Hamas
Netanyahu
People of Gaza
T.B. , Brooklyn, NY / March 2025
Independent Women/Loss of "Traditional" Family
White, Cis Men
Abortion and Bans
Anonymous , USA / March 2025
Being Caught and Going to Jail
DOGE
Elon Musk
Mrs. Robertson , FL / March 25, 2025
Change
Skill
Caitlin Clark
Anonymous , IA / March 25, 2025
Divorce
Unhealthy Relationship
Children
Anonymous , PA / March 25, 2025
Witches
Religion
Women
Anonymous , MA / March 25, 2025
Anyone Who Challenges Status Quo
Trump's Presidency '24-'28
People in Resistance to Authoritarianism
Anonymous , USA / March 2025
"Other" and Islam
9/11
Islamophobia
Christian C. , Milwaukee, WI / March 2025
Lack of Conformity
McCarthyism
Communists and Dissidents
Anonymous , OH / March 20, 2025
Loss of Patriarchy
SCOTUS Nominations
Abuse/Assault Survivors/Women
Anonymous , OH / March 20, 2025
Get Poorer
Globalization
Migrants
Anonymous , USA / March 2025
Culture War
Elections
Trans People
Mary , FL / March 2025
Fall of Nuclear Family
Women Entering Work
Daycare Workers
Mae , MA / March 2025
Loss of Power and Misogyny
Decisions, Diversity, Dissent
Unlawful Executive Orders by Trump
Taylor , Cambridge, MA / March 2025
Famine/Pandemic/Inflation
Hitler
Jewish People
Emily , MA / March 2025
Losing Power White Men
Black President
Poor People
Steve J. , New Haven, KY / March 16, 2025
Infection
COVID-19
Chinese People/Population
Edith , AZ / March 2025
Economic Uncertainty
Trump
Immigrants
Kevin , Providence, RI / March 15, 2025
Pandemic/Inflation
Trump/MAGA
Trans/LGBT
Clare , Germany / March 2025
Sanguma (Witchcraft) in Papua New Guinea
Women's Liberation, Poor Healthcare, Land Disputes, and Exploration
Papuan Women
Paul , Australia / March 2025
Losing the Patriarchy
Trump
Kamala Harris
Rio , MA / March 12, 2025
Going Against Religion
Caricatures
Charlie Hebdo Workers
Waha , Belgium / March 11, 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Kristen , TX / March 2025
Tom Brady
SuperBowl Win
Deflate Gate
Jim , IN / March 11, 2025
The Unknown
Political Uncertainty
LGBTQIA+
Olivia , MA / March 2025
Economic Downturn
Laken Riley Murder
Immigrants
Ana , IN / March 10, 2025
Fear of the Unknown and Out of the Mainstream Understanding
Anything Outside of Mainstream Beliefs, Not Upheld by Mainstream Medicine, Mainstream Religion, Western Medicine
Spiritual Healers, Intuitives, Readers, Energy Workers
Sally , MA / March 9, 2025
Immigrants Becoming Majority
Rise of Alt Right or Drop in Economy
Current Environment Deporting Immigrants
Kristina , Conroe, TX / March 2025
Getting in Trouble
Doing Something Bad
Siblings
Danika , MA / March 6, 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims and Middle Eastern People
Christian , RI / March 6, 2025
Disdain of Christianity
LGBTQIA+
Books and Book Ban
Kassy , United States / March 6, 2025
Black Death
Jews Not Falling Ill
Jews
Heidi , New Zealand / March 6, 2025
Inflation
Gas Prices Rising
Joe Biden
Joelle , PA / March 5, 2025
World Invasion
Racism Against Extraterrestrials
Martians
Anonymous , Mars / March 5, 2025
Losing Power (White Men)
Black President
All Minorities and Women
Julie , Salina, KS / March 2025
Fear of Freedom Loss
Increased Immigration
Immigrant Displacement
Anonymous , USA / March 2025
Loss of Control/Power by the Rich
Trump/MAGA
"Woke" People/Progressives
Gale , Clearwater, FL / March 2025
The Dismantling of White Supremacy and Patriarchy
Religious Values/Nuclear Family
Trans Community
Jessi H. , USA / March 3, 2025
Registered Nurses
Nursing School
Nurses Causing Shortage
Viktoria , Long Island, NY / March 2025
Infection/Death
COVID-19
Chinese Immigrants/Asians
Weronika , Maspeth, NY / March 1, 2025
Hispanic Minorities Growing in the US
Fentanyl Addiction
Migrants
Dr. Salvador , Worcester, MA / March 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims and Middle Eastern People
Christian , RI / February 2025
Accusation
Economic Dislocation
Blacklist/Wurzburg Witch Hunt Victims
Anonymous , Germany / February 26, 2025
Judeo-Christian Morality
Donald Trump Election
Republicans
Cephas , UK / February 25, 2025
Americans Losing Jobs
Rapid Intake of Immigrants
Legal Immigrants
Nivya , Somerville, MA / February 2025
Crime and Loss of Jobs
Lies and Anger by Politicians
Immigrant Population
Laura , Conroe, TX / February 24, 2025
Devil/God
Men Leaving Women for Whaling Industry
Hundreds of Basque Women
Manine , France / February 2025
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Blue-Haired Women
Normal People
Hugh J. , NJ / February 22, 2025
Men
Menopause/Hormones
Hanging the Accused
Holly P. , IL / February 22, 2025
Chinese
COVID-19
Chines People
Bee , Johnson City, TN / February 2025
Losing Privilege/Power
Anyone Who Looks/Sounds Different
Women, Minorities, People w/ Disabilities, Religions Other Than Christian, LGBTQIA+, Tattoos
Leslie Q. , St. Louis, MO / February 21, 2025
People Leaving Me
My Dad Leaving Me
Men
Maxine , Seymour, IN / February 20, 2025
Animal Cruelty
Lack of Experience with Farming and Livestock
Farmers
Mya , IL / February 20, 2025
Property Damage
Teens Trespass at St Ann’s Retreat and Held at Gunpoint
Teenagers
Emily , Logan Canyon, Utah / February 19, 2025
Jews
Israel Existing
Jews
Becca , NJ / February 14, 2025
The World Becoming More Secular
Anne Boleyn
Women
Tanya , MA / February 2025
Crime
Trump
Immigrant Hunting
Anonymous , MA / February 2025
White Men Losing Control of World
Trump
DEI and Minorities
Anonymous , TN / February 11, 2025
Motorcycle Crash
Bad Motorcycle Rider
Car That Hit Rider
Vyom , VA / February 10, 2025
Immigration
Joshua Kasongo Coming to the U.S
Government Regarding Immigration Policies
Joshua , VA / February 10, 2025
Shootings
Gang Members
Police
Kasongo , VA / February 10, 2025
Black Americans
Crime
Police
Hafiz , VA / February 10, 2025
Black People
Robbery
Police
Josh , VA / February 10, 2025
Guns
Mass School Shootings
People With Mental Illness
Roman , CA / February 10, 2025
Witchcraft
Dementia
Elderly
Mary , NH / February 8, 2025
Anti-Vax
COVID
Medical Research
Bharath , NJ / February 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Anonymous , United States / February 6, 2025
Divorce
Unhealthy Relationship
Children
Anonymous , PA / February 6, 2025
Psychedelics
Counter-Culture
Timothy Leary
Shash , MA / February 2025
People Different Than I
Trump Regime
Immigrant Community
Margaret , MA / February 4, 2025
People Different Than I
Trump Regime
Trans Community
Margaret , MA / February 4, 2025
Declining Music Industry
Bad Music
Nettspend
Hoax , USA / February 4, 2025
Losing Pets
Trump's Speech
Springfield
Chris , TX / February 4, 2025
AI Taking Over
Alexa
Robots
Will , VA / February 4, 2025
Conservatives
Patriotism
Trump
Anonymous , MA / February 3, 2025
Death
People
God/Devil
Vyom , VA / January 31, 2025
Robots Taking Over the World
People Using AI for Bad
Anyone Using AI
Flower , VA / January 31, 2025
Health Insurance Rising
Death of Healthcare Global CEO
Bill Clinton
Arnav , Washington D.C. / January 31, 2025
High Medical Insurance
Death of Healthcare Global CEO
Obama
Arnav , VA / January 31, 2025
Gang Violence
Grandson by King Von is Released
Dirty Drill Music
Paul , VA / January 30, 2025
Women's Rights
Dictatorships
Feminista
Anonymous , Italy / January 30, 2025
China Spying On America
TikTok Collecting Data
TikTok/Social Media Bans
Katie , Ian, NY / January 30, 2025
Power
Healing
Women
Martha , MA / January 29, 2025
New Patriots Dynasty
Mac Jones Rookie Season
Matt Patricia
Tim , MA / January 28, 2025
Mass Migration
Mass Deportation
Migrants
KE , MN / January 28, 2025
Tech Sales
Sales Down
Women in Tech
Laura , RI / January 27, 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Middle Eastern Americans
Matthew , IL / January 26, 2025
Terrorism
9/11/01
Islam
Sogol and Sasha , CA and WA / January 2025
Freedom
Trump
Supporters
Anonymous , MA / January 2025
Anyone Differnet
Internet
Groups That are Different
Efrain , MA / January 2025
Non-Traditional Gender Identity
Religious Values/Traditional Culture
Trans People/Drag Performers
Jason , Canada / January 2025
China Spying On America
TikTok Collecting Data
TikTok/Social Media Bans
Ian , NY / January
Loss of Control Over Women
Religion
Pro-Choice Activists
Jaz , GA / January 16, 2025
LGBTQ+
Confusion
Trans People
Anonymous , CO / January 14, 2025
Losing Power
Young People With New Ideas
Massacres and Torture
Fernando , Mexico / January 2025
Death
Crime Rates Increase
Poor People/Lack of Money
Anonymous , CO / January 13, 2025
Young Educated Adults
Department of Education
LGBTQ+
Emily , CA / January 9, 2025
School
Peer Pressure
Parents and Teachers
Angie , NJ / January 8, 2025
Communism
Joseph McCarthy
Government Employees, Suspected Communists, etc.
Anonymous , United States / January 8, 2025
Criticism Online
Cancel Culture
Influencers
Adalina , NJ / January 8, 2025
Loss of Reproductive Rights
Roe v. Wade Overturned
Trump
Alana , NJ / January 7, 2025
Masculinity
Insecurity
Transgender Women/Men
Madison , NJ / January 7, 2025
Minority Religions and Cultures
Economic Instability
Jewish People
Eli , MA / January 6, 2025
Educated Women
Maternal Morbidity/Mortality
Midwives
Lynnet , LA / January 5, 2025
Transgender Community
Religious Right Wing
Human Beings And Legislative Violence
Anonymous , CO / January 2, 2024
Neurodivergence
Alien
People With Autism
Jasper B. , Nashville, TN / December 30, 2024
Italian-Australians
Italy's Axis Power Status
Italians in Internment Camps
Anthony , MA / December 2024
Political Clout
Fake Story On Eating Cats and Dogs
Immigrants
Anonymous , NY / December 2024
Different Religions
Dictatorship: Hitler
Jewish People
Anna-Mai , Wales / December 2024
Racism and Xenophobia
Donald Trump
Haitian Asylum Seekers
Hsu Chen , CA / December 2024
Being Ridiculed
Peers
Humanity/Society's Standards
Lilly-Anne , Earth / December 27, 2025
Lost Jobs
Importing Chinese Laborers
Chinese and Chinese Exclusion Act
Maya , CA / December 2024
Transgender Community
Religious Right Wing
Human Beings and Legislative Violence
Spencer , CO / December 2024
Death
People
God/Devil
Kate , MA / December 2024
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Amy , PA / December 2024
Supernatural
Religion
Witches
Myles , MA / December 23, 2024
No Soul (Idea or Perception)
Eradicating the Different
Native Canadian Medicine Women
Jessica , Canada / December 2024
Misfortune/Misery
Culture (Sorcery)
Albino People in Western Africa
Audrey , UK / December 2024
Poverty/Job Loss
Recession/Inflation
Immigrants
Lindsey , MA / December 2024
Government
Truth
Witches
Cynthia , KY / December 20, 2024
Not Being Able to Afford to Live
Bad Economy/Inflation
Immigrants
Ella , PA / December 2024
Death
Seeing Other People Die
The Devil
Juliana , DE / December 19, 2024
Science/Competence
Donald Trump
Immigrants
AI , NJ / December 2024
War
9/11
Muslims
Warren , VT / December 14, 2024
Free Speech-Critical Questioning of Power
Scarcity Mindset
Neurodivergents-Nonconformists
Hali , CA / December 12, 2024
Hispanics Taking White People´s Jobs
Influx Of Immigrants Into United States
Immigrants
Anya , CA / December 12, 2024
9/11
Inside Job
Muslims
Warren , VT / December 12, 2024
Jewish Conspiracy
War Against Hamas
American Jews/Israelis
Alex , ME / December 10, 2024
Ignorance
Mass Media
Popular Opinion
Jessie , MD / December 2024
MAGA
Trump's Lies
Immigrants and LGBTQIA+ Community
Diane , VA / December 2024
Supernatural
Religion
Witches
Anonymous , Salem, MA / December 6, 2024
Animals
Child Falling Into Pen
Harambe
Harambe , ID / December 6, 2024
Sickness
COVID-19 Pandemic
Asian Communities
Courtney , FL / December 2, 2024
Illegal Immigrants
Donald Trump
Migrant Travel Bans, "The Wall"
Brian , IN / December 2, 2024
Loss of National Identity
Influx of Immigrants
Immigrant Communities
Abbie , Canada / December 2024
Economy
Trump
Immigrants
Tom , ID / December 2024
Accountability
Gospel Preaching
Bible-Believing Christians
Sonny , TN / December 1, 2024
Chinese People
COVID-19
Asian Americans
Brandon , ID / November 2024
Lack of Control Over Kids
Opportunistic Politicians
Trans People/Anti-Trans Laws
Leo , OH / November 2024
UFO Panic in America
Senate Committee Hearing
Innocent Citizens
Lily Rose , Washington D.C. / November 30, 2024
Lack of Control Over Kids
Opportunistic Politicians
Trans People and Anti-Trans Laws
Leo , OH / November 2024
Minority Religions and Cultures
Economic Instability
Jewish People
Alainie , MA / November 2024
Being Judged
Social Media/Cancel Culture
Influencers/People Posting
Marie , MA / November 27, 2024
Chinese
COVID-19
Asian Americans
Brandon , ID / November 2024
Jews Taking Over Germany
Hitler
Jewish People
Aden , Germany / November 26, 2024
Israel's Occupation of Palestine
Protests Against Israel and Palestinian Genocide
Non-Israeli Jews Antisemitism
Anonymous , VA / November 26, 2024
Loss of Women's Rights
Politics
Trump
Rebekah , VA / November 26, 2024
Loss of Interest in Religion
Hateful Government
Women Seeking Abortions
Savannah , IL / November 2024
Fall of Germany
Hitler's Rise to Power
Jewish People
Rebekah B. , Yorktown, VA / November 26, 2024
Democracy
Donald Trump
Minorities
Karen , MA / November 2024
Immigrants/Minorities/Being Elevated Over White Men
Trump
Anyone But White Men
Kim , CT / November 2024
Losing
LeBron Leaving Cavaliers
LeBron James
Justin , GA / November 20, 2024
Immigrants/Education/Economy
Higher Egg Prices
Anybody Not A White Male
Kelly , CT / November 2024
Palestinian Occupation
Israeli Government
Palestinians-Genocide & Ethnic Cleansing
Vanan , CA / November 2024
Death
COVID-19
Non-Vaccinated
Anonymous , MA / November 2024
Indoctrination
Trump
LGBTQ+ (Trans Folks)
Joanna , MD / November 2024
Losing Rights
Donald Trump
LGBTQ+
Teddy , MO / November 2024
Disease
COVID-19
Chinese People
Chloe , England / November 2024