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
Immigrants
Racism
ICE
Anoymous , / August 2026
Violence
Crime
Immigrants
Anonymous , / August 2026
Fear Of Communism
Socialism
Trump
Maria S. , Windham, NY / July 2026
Changing Social Morals
Transgender Advocacy & Misinformation
Anti-Transgender
Grace , Danville, VA / July 2026
Changing Employment Landscape
Rise Of A Particular Politician
Persecution Of Immigrants & Removal Of Immigrant Rights
Nell , Ann Arbor, MI / July 2026
Losing Culture & Opportunities
Trump & MAGA
Immigrants & PoC In America
Gavin , Solon, OH / August 2026
Job Losses & Crime
Government Failure To Manage Immigration
Immigrants
Kate , Arlington, VA / August 2026
Infection
Covid-19
Chinese People
Alex , Port Chester, NY / August 2026
Inflation
Covid-19
Immigrants
Maria , Norwood, MA / August 2026
Pedophilia
QAnon & MAGA
Trans People & Teachers
Mary , Madison, WI / August 2026
Crime & Violence
Republicans & Trump
Immigrants
Edward , Herndon, VA / August 2026
Layoffs In Tech Sector
Microsoft And Google CEOs Layoff Workers
Indian Americans
Ashwin , Los Angeles, CA / August 2026
Disease
Covid
China
Lincoln , / August 2026
Replacement
Internet Commentators
Women & Minorities
Sean , Riverside, CT / August 2026
Autism
Fraudulent Study
MMR Vaccine
Nancy , Chatham, NJ / August 2026
Sickness
Covid
Asian Community
Alexandra , Ontario, Canada / August 2026
Racism
Economic Unrest
Immigrants
Anonymous , / August 2026
Rapist Criminals
MAGA
Hispanic
Juan C. , McCordsville, IN / August 2026
Affordability
Rising Costs
Immigrants
Anjani , Somerville, MA / August 2026
Not Being First Power In The World
Economic Crisis
Immigrants
Chloe , France / August 2026
'Foreign' Religion & 'Pagan' Religion
War On Terror
Muslims
KC , Alexandria, VA / August 2026
Foreigners
Worsening Economic Conditions
Immigrants (ICE Terror Campaign)
KC , Alexandria, VA / August 2026
Other Cultures
9/11
Muslims
Lorin B. , Dallas, TX / August 2026
Mass Shootings
2025 Annunciation Catholic Church Shooting
Transphobia
Steven , Sauk Rapids, MN / August 2026
Economic Instability
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Allison G. , Mentor, OH / August 2026
Economic Disparity
Trump & MAGA
Immigrants
Anonymous , / August 2026
Economic Insecurity & Crime
D. Trump & ICE Policies
Immigrants
Bella P. , Bordentown, NJ / August 2026
Bringing Drugs & Violence Into The US
Donald Trump
Hispanic & Brown Civilians
Analycia , MA / August 2026
Unfairness In Women's Sports/Confusion
Republicans
Trans People
David I. , Media, PA / August 2026
Different Religion
Gaza War
Jewish People
Michelle , Detroit, MI / August 2026
Economic Uncertainty
Trump & MAGA
Immigrants
Jason , State College, PA / August 2026
Unknown, Illness, & Weather
Religion
Women
Anonymous , / August 2026
Immigration
Trump Administration
All Non-White
Crimson , Cranston, RI / August 2026
Muslims
Zionists
Genocide Of Palestinians
Ana , / August 2026
Economic Fear
Trump
Immigrants
Melanie , / August 2026
Terrorism
Islam
Arabs & Muslims
Yudelka , Norwich, CT / August 2026
Muslim People
9/11
Islamophobia
Anonymous , / July 2026
Stealing Jobs
Dehumanization
Deportations & ICE
Ally , Jersey City, NJ / July 2026
Political Change
Trump
Immigrants Being Detained & Killed
Caitlyn S. , Dallas, TX / July 2026
Immigrants Threat
ICE Raids Turned Political
Innocent Detained Or Deaths
Jacqueline L. , Los Angeles, CA / July 2026
Change & Xenophobia
Trump
ICE Murders
Mark , Albany, NY / July 2026
Xenophobia
Economic Instability
Immigrants
Colleen C. , Dallas, TX / July 2026
Muslim People & Different Religions
9/11 Attacks
Islamophobia
Hayley , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Communism
Mr. Trump
Democrats & Liberals
Joe , Hope, RI / July 2026
Other Countries
Trump
ICE V. Immigrants
Autumn , NY / July 2026
Non-Binary Ways Of Living
Trans Normalization
Transgender People Losing Rights
Madison , Fayetteville, AK / July 2026
Equality & Multiculturalism
Liberalism
Democratic Party
Everett , San Antonio, TX / July 2026
The Unknown
ICE Raids Nationwide
Immigrant Exile
Berenice D. , Whittier, CA / July 2026
The Devil & Companions Of The Devil
Mass Hysteria
More Than 100 Accused Salem Townsfolk
Frances , Austin, TX / July 2026
Candy
Costumes
Halloween
Aria L. , Concord, NC / July 2026
Increase In Crime & Losing Resources
Increase In Immigrants
Immigrants
Ilse , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Disease
Covid
China
Christian , UK / July 2026
Decline Of Quality Of Life
Election Of DJT
Immigrants
Anastasia , Pittsburgh, PA / July 2026
Sickness
Covid
People Blame Chinese
Henry C. , CA / July 2026
Differences In Sexuality
Trump Administration
Trans People
Laura , Albany, NY / July 2026
Money & Financial Turmoil
War
Jews Being Blamed
Galit M. , / July 2026
Loss Of Jobs
Trump
Immigrant
Gennifer K. , / July 2026
Loss Of Livelihood & Privilege
Trump Administration & Racism
Immigrants
Marie , St. Clair, MD / July 2026
Infection
Covid
Immigration
Julie , Houston, TX / July 2026
Islam
9/11
Muslim People
Alara , FL / July 2026
Anarchists
Trump Administration
Trans People
Brett F. , MD / July 2026
Financial Instability
Recession & Job Loss
Immigrants Taking Jobs
Amy , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Economic & Financial Instability
Corrupt Governments & Radical Idealism
Immigrant Communities
Pri , Laurel, MD / July 2026
ICE
Trump
Any Dark Skinned Person
S. Ladd , Etna, ME / July 2026
Kids Won't Succeed In School
Kids Don't Do Well In School
Teachers
Caroline , Albany, NY / July 2026
Going Against The Binary
JK Rowling
Trans Community
Hannah , Bristol, UK / July 2026
Terrorism
9/11 Tragedy
Muslim People
Michael , NJ / July 2026
Violence
Propaganda
Immigrants, Especially PoC
Ari , Pittsburgh, PA / July 2026
Government Waste/Money
Fraud With Healthcare In MN
Muslim-Americans
Anonymous , / July 2026
Infection
Covid
Vaccinated Vs. Unvaccinated
Jess , Topeka, KS / July 2026
Infection
Coronavirus
Chinese People
J.K. , CA / July 2026
Job Market Over Saturation
Bad Economy
Immigrants
D’Nasia , Groton, CT / July 2026
Retaliation & Violence
Slavery
Black People
Genevieve G. , Aurora, CO / July 2026
Germany Getting Defeated
Adolf Hitler & Kristallnacht
Jewish Population
Kellan , Hillsborough, NJ / July 2026
Spy Fear In WWI
War In Europe
German-American Citizens
Logan , Butler, PA / July 2026
Massive Death & Disease From Covid
Vaccines
Unvaccinated
Dennis G. , Lake Geneva, WI / June 2026
Covid
Dr. Fauci
American People Without Masks
Anonymous , / July 2026
White Privilege Shrinking
Donald Trump
Immigrants & Antifa
John W. , Fort Wayne, IN / July 2026
Losing Jobs
Weak Economy
Immigrants
Rocio , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Poverty
Recession
Immigrants
Megan , Marshall, VA / July 2026
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
Inability To Colonize Palestine
People Not Wanting Genocide
Palestinians
Esme P. , Palestine / May 2026
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