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
The Unknown
Lack of Wanting to Learn
Satanism/Non-Conforming to Trad. Religious Ideas
Vik , NY / October 24, 2025
Gay People
Trump
LGBTQ+
Anonymous , OH / October 23, 2025
Sickness
COVID
Maskless People
Jon , Mexico City, Mexico / October 23, 2025
Gun Violence
Charlie Kirk Death
Democrats
Charlie , UT / October 16, 2025
Responsibility
Women
All Men
Juliet B. , Dallas, TX / October 14, 2025
Paying for Other People's Privileges
Trump/GOP/MAGA
Immigrants
Kimber T. , PA / October 11, 2025
Children Being Harmed
Criminal Offenses Perpetrated by Teachers
Teachers Who Value Children and Education
Sarah , IL / October 9, 2025
Loss of Gay Rights/Minority Rights
LGBTQ/Liberals/Atheists
Christians
Anonymous , OH / October 8, 2025
Infection
Measles
Unvaccinated People
Tiffany K. , Columbus, OH / October 8, 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Mason H. , New York, NY / October 6, 2025
Losing Controlling Power
Trump
Conservatives
Richard , FL / October 6, 2025
"The Other"
ICE
Immigrants
Amelia , / October 2025
Patriarchy Losing Dominance
Social Media and Men are Trash Discourse
Trans Folks and Women's Rights
Tara , Swansea, Wales / October 2025
Poverty and Loss of Jobs
Recessions or Major Losses in Jobs
Immigrants
Angel , NC / October 5, 2025
Chaos
People Being Overthrown
The Mandate of Heaven/Gods
Riley , Madison, CT / October 2025
Loss of Power
White Nationalism
Immigrants/People of Color
Barbara , SC / October 2025
Catholic Church
Anabaptist Takeover of Munster
Hundreds of Innocents Executed
Avery , Madison, CT / October 2025
Infection
COVID
Chinese/Asian Americans
Aliya , Boston, MA / October 2025
Diversity/White People Being Scared of Change
MAGA/Donald Trump
Immigrants
Nat , Dorchester, MA / October 2025
Feeling Uncomfortable
Learning the Truth about History
History Teachers/Public Education
Chelsey , UT / October 3, 2025
Different Skin Color/Ethnicity
Donald Trump and Stephen Miller
Immigrants
Jeanette , Lexington, KY / October 2025
Immigrants
"Lunatic Leftists"
Democrats
Louise , Sarasota, FL / October 2025
Clostrophobe
Surpopulation
Les Gens Faisant Trop Enfants
Anonymous , Terre / October 1, 2025
Animaux
Chat Prennent le Pouvoir
Chat
Anonymous , Terre / October 1, 2025
Loss of White Privilege/Social and Political Accountability
Increased Recognition of Human Rights
People of Color/Marginalized Communities/Feminism
Sabra , Brooklyn, NY / September 2025
Fascist Takeover
Gains by Conservative Parties in Elections
Conservatives
Carter , MA / September 28, 2025
Getting Sick
Social Media Influencers
Experts
Anonymous , Bronx, NY / September 27, 2025
Reaping What You Sew
Charlie Kirk Shooting
Leftists
Joe , MA / September 2025
Children "Becoming" Gay/Trans
Trump Admin/MAGA
Minority Communities/Women/Queer People
Paige , New Haven, CT / September 2025
Crime
Trump
Immigrants
Cassandra , Sunrise, FL / September 2025
Multiculturalism/Change
Diversification/Poor Economy
Immigrants/Migrants
Tara , UK / September 2025
Loss of Freedom of Speech
Trump's Threats to Silence Anyone Who Disagrees with Him
Cancellation of Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel
Carl , MN / September 25, 2025
Culture
Racist Rhetoric
Immigrants
Priscilla , Mesa, AZ / September 2025
Crosses
Bible
Non-Believers
Isabella R. , MA / September 24, 2025
Trump
ICE
People from Mexico
Steven , NJ / September 24, 2025
ICE Deportations
Economic Inflation
Donald J. Trump
Alfonso , NJ / September 24, 2025
Witches
Greed
Women with Careers
Anonymous , MI / September 23, 2025
Indoctrination
Different Things at School
Teachers
Lorrissa , MI / September 22, 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Neb , New York, NY / September 19, 2025
Honesty and Personal Insecurity
Donald Trump
Democracy
Sue , PA / September 19, 2025
Evil in the World
Democrats/News
Donald Trump
JL , KY / September 18, 2025
Genocide
Trump
Sad Males
Arielle R. , Albuquerque, NM / September 16, 2025
Loss of American Values
Trump
Immigrants
Kurt , Orlando, FL / September 2025
Death
Enemies
Witchcraft
Hailey , MI / September 15, 2025
Spiders
Donald Trump
Gay People
Shanetha , Chicago, IL / September 15, 2025
Crime
Trump's Rhetoric/Laken Riley
Immigrants
Alyssa , Boston, MA / September 2025
Muslims/Religions
9/11
Muslim Americans
Ray , West Orange, NJ / September 2025
A Trans Person Conducting a Mass Shooting
Bigotry and Seeing Yet Another Cis, White, Man Killing Someone
Still Trans People Somehow
Anonymous , MA / September 2025
God's Wrath
The Mistranslated Bible
LGBTQ+ Community
Anonymous , KY / September 14, 2025
Crime and Gun Violence
Donald Trump's Mass Deportation Legislations
Those of Mexican Descent
Anonymous , USA / September 14, 2025
Terrorism
9/11 Attacks
Muslims
Anonymous , USA / September 14, 2025
Die Angst Man Selbst Zu Sein
Menschen
Man Selbst
Martyna , Stuttgart, Germany / September 13, 2025
The Economy and Loss of Power Within Germany as a Whole
Hitler and the Fascist Regime
Minorities; Mainly the Jewish and Communist
Parsons , KY / September 12, 2025
Guns
Trump
Iran
Steven , KY / September 12, 2025
Inequality
President Trump
Wealthy People
Anonymous , / September 2025
Bodily Autonomy
Abortion
Women
Angela and Pacheco , CA / September 12, 2025
Transphobia
J.K. Rowling
Trans Women
Judy , Chicago, IL / September 11, 2025
Death of Livestock
Predation
Grey Wolves
Jacob S. , KY / September 10, 2025
Islam
9/11
Saddam Hussain
Anonymous , / September 2025
Trump
Race and Retaliation
Immigrants
Diane , NY / September 10, 2025
Trans People
J.K. Rowling
Trans Lives
Zoelle N. , / September 2025
Loss of Values and Poverty
Immigration
Donald Trump
Anonymous , / September 2025
Trump
ICE
Everyone and Even White People
Mary , AZ / September 10, 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Middle Eastern People
Roxanne , NYC / September 8, 2025
Differnces
Donald Trump
Anyone That Doesn't Agree W/Him
Anonymous , / September 2025
Crime/Inflation
Immigrants
Hispanics/Latin Americans
Sarahi , West Bountiful, UT / September 2025
WWII
Zoot Suite Riot
Latin Americans
Monique N. , Cherry Valley, MA / September 2025
Past History
Current Left Wing Beliefs
Christians of Today
Anonymous , / September 2025
Job Scarcity
Corporate Greed/Pay Not Keeping Up with Productivity
Women with Careers
Anonymous , Detroit, MI / September 6, 2025
Speaking/Body Image
Parents
Myself
Linda , IL / September 6, 2025
Guns
Mental Health
Gun Owners
Savannah , RI / September 2025
Crime
Trump
Immigrants
Carmen , Chicago, IL / September 2025
War with Iran
Trump
Iran/Democrats
Anonymous , / September 5, 2025
Terrorism
History
People of Color
Ava , CA / September 5, 2025
Crime
Trump
Hispanics and Foreigners
Tobi , Chesterfield, VA / September 5, 2025
Decline of US Economy
Donald J. Trump
Mexican Americans
Donald , America / September 5, 2025
Immigration
Trump
Hispanics
Gio , IA / September 5, 2025
Bodily Autonomy
Abortion
Women
Angela , Pacheco, CA / September 5, 2025
Terrorism
Pearl Harbor
Japanese
Anonymous , HI / September 5, 2025
Immigration
Far Right
Outlander Persecution
JM , TX / September 2025
Job Losses
Immigration
ICE
Paola , NYC / September 2025
Critical Thinking/Rejection of Tradition
Book Bans
Librarians and Teachers
Alana , Branford, CT / August 2025
Bad Economy
Political System/Class Warfare
Trans and LGBTQ/Immigrants/PoC
Janine , New Rochelle, NY / August 2025
Mass Migration
Climate Chagne
Immigrants
Jennifer , Knoxville, TN / September 2025
Loss of Racial Supremacy
Economic Downturn
Immigrant Community
Anonymous , / September 2025
End of the World
COVID-19
China
Tina , MO / September 2025
Crimes
Trump
Immigrants
Anonymous , GA / September 2, 2025
Ghosts
Darkness
Lonely Women
Madhavi , India / September 2025
Economic Precarity
Republican Propaganda
Transgender People
Bev , CA / September 2025
Terrorism
9/11
The Desi Population of America
Tyler S. , Franklin Square, NY / August 2025
Morality
Judgment
Trump
Demitri , CA / August 30, 2025
Extensive Drugs and Terror in the United States
Other Countries and Cultures/Drug Culture in the US
A Church Woman Being Imprisoned/Creating Further Mental Instability
Karin G. , AR / August 30, 2025
Financial Collapse
Government Spending
Elon Musk
AL , TX / August 30, 2025
Health Accountability
Pharmaceutical Industry
Robert Kennedy Jr
Annie , GA / August 30, 2025
Crime
Trump
Immigrants
Maren , Berwick, ME / August 2025
Loss of Control
Knowledge
Women's Rights
Colleen , New Orleans, LA / August 2025
Cost of Living and Wars
Economy Struggling
Migrants and Trans People
Alicia C. , NY / August 2025
Economic Uncertainty
The Right/Trump
Immigrants
Mara , Dallas, TX / August 2025
Inflation/Loss of Place/Status for White Men
Trump and Musk
Immigrants and Government Workers
Maggie , Ipswich, MA / August 2025
Betrayal and Genocide
October 7th, 2024 / September 11th, 2001
Palestine, Muslims, Islam, and Genocide
Anonymous , MA / August 28, 2025
Loss of White Privilege
MAGA
Immigrants
Karen , St. Louis, MO / August 28, 2025
Economic Decline
President Trump
Immigrants/Aliens
Ronald , France / August 2025
Drugs/Crime/Jobs
Trump Re-Elected
Legal Citizens of ICE Raids
Anonymous , NY / August 1, 2025
COVID-19
Origination from China
Asian Americans
Jaden , Chicago, IL / August 2025
Outgroup (Others)
Donald Trump
Immigrants
K. Brewer , OH / August 2025
LGBTQ+ Community
Republicans/Conservatives
LGBTQ+ Peoples
Ace , MI / August 20, 2025
Political Instability
Cultural Differences
Vulnerable Communities
Sophie , Wilmington, MA / August 2025
Changes in Japan
1923 Great Kanto Earthquake
Koreans Living in Tokyo
Mark , CA / August 2025
Climate Change/Refugees
Trump
Immigrants
Claudia , MA / August 2025
Toupees
Bald Men
Men Over 50 with Hair
Anonymous , PA / August 21, 2025
"Crime and Border"
Trump
Hispanic Community
Alayna , Newington, CT / August 2025
Inhumanity/Loss of Reality
Social Media
Everyone Standing by Recording Violent Acts and Doing Nothing to Help Others
Burr , FL / August 20, 2025
Breaking the Sanctity of Marriage
Donald Trump
LGBTQ+ Community
Isabelle , NY / August 2025
Drugs and Criminals
Propaganda by Republicans
Hispanics Profiled by ICE
Anonymous , / August 2025
War, Poverty
Economic Uncertainty
Latin American Immigrants
Jazmine , North Las Vegas, NV / August 2025
Xenophobia/Diversity
Donald Trump and Christian Nationalism
Anti-Immigrant Witch Hunt
Emmy , / August 2025
Immigrants
Trump/GOP
Immigrants
Harlene , Chicago, IL / August 2025
Sexual Abuse in Catholic Church
Reports
Gay Men
Miarella , Chicago, IL / August 2025
Job Loss and Economic Depression
Immigrants
ICE
Anonymous , / August 2025
General Fear
Politics/Trump/Hate Speech
Trans People
Carissa , / August 2025
Endless Crisis
Javier Milei
Pensioners, The Sick, Public Workers, and Social Aid Recipients
Gustavo , Argentina / August 17, 2025
Religious Right Wing
Trump
Trans People
Anonymous , / August 2025
The "Other"
Trump's Election
Immigrants Disappearing
Anonymous , NJ / August 2025
Equality
Trump
Immigrants
Amanda M. , Liverpool, NY / August 2025
Loss of Power
Trump
Immigrants
Joey , / August 2025
Trump Will End Democracy
News/TDS
Trump and Family
Anonymous , / August 2025
Diversity/Identity
Donald Trump and Cis, White, Men
Immigrants/Trans
Shawn , Boston, MA / August 2025
Loss of Governing Power
Trump
Immigrants
Alex , / August 2025
Witches
Devil
Women
Anonymous , Salem, MA / August 13, 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims and Islamophobia
Anonymous , / August 2025
Losing Jobs
AI
Innovative Tech Companies
Jesse , Australia / August 10, 2025
Pedophiles
Individuals in the Church
The Entire Church
Jesse , Australia / August 10, 2025
Gaslighting and Untruth
Media
Trump/MAGA
Anonymous , CA / August 9, 2025
God/White Nationalist
Trump/Stephen Miller
Immigrants/Women
Anonymous , MA / August 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Civilians in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan
Ezra , Harrisonburg, VA / August 2025
Terrorism
October 7th
Palestinians
Ezra , Harrisonburg, VA / August 2025
Loss of Oligarchic Control
Higher Wages Post-COVID-19
Remote Work Culture
K. Marx , MA / August 8, 2025
Gas Emissions
Tesla
Ban On Personal Transportation
Izzy , Nashville, TN / August 2025
Immigrants
Trump
Deportation
Lynne , west Chester, PA / August 2025
Poverty
President Trump's Term
Immigrants
Ezra , Harrisonburg, VA / August 2025
Deportation
Trump
Immigrants
Anonymous , / August 2025
Racism and Inequality
White Fragility and Race Theory
Woke Culture and People Who Refuse to Live in "Victim Mentality"
Anonymous , MA / August 2025
Unknown Disease
COVID-19
Racism Against Asian Americans
Hunter , NY / August 2025
Jobs Taken/Criminal Illegals
Trump/GOP/Fox News
Immigrant Mass Incarceration/ICE
Elizabeth P. , Highland Park, IL / August 2025
Losing Jobs
Government
Immigrants
Evie , OH / August 7, 2025
Loss of Privilege
Trump
Immigrants, Non-Christians, Scientists, Muslims, Knowledge
Jerri , Harrisonburg, VA / August 2025
Economic Crisis/Decline
Unemployment
Immigrants
Miguel , NJ / August 2025
Violence and Job Loss
Trump and MAGA
Immigrants
Steve , Philadelphia, PA / August 2025
God/Women
Trump/Project 2025
Immigrants
Anonymous , MA / August 2025
Being Imprisoned/Exposed
John O'Keefe's Death
Karen Read
Mandy M. , MA / August 6, 2025
Nationalism Getting Lost
MAGA Trump
Hispanic Foreigners
Sonia , Las Vegas, NV / August 2025
Cultural Shift in Values
"Woke-ism"
LGBTQIA+ Community
Jacque , Phoenix, AZ / July 2025
Inflation/Loss of Place/Status for White Men
Trump and Musk
Immigrants and Government Workers
Massie , Ipswich, MA / August 2025
Loss of Jobs/Safety
MAGA Movement
Immigrants
Martha , Philadelphia, PA / August 2025
Inflation
Trump
Brown Migrants in Detention Camps
Rachel H. , NY / August 2025
Individualism and Difference
President Trump
Immigrant Detainment, Deportation, and Some Deaths
Heather H. , Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada / August 2025
Crime/Criminals
Trump
All Immigrants, Even Legal Ones
Jackie , Mesa, AZ / July 2025
Immigrants and Muslims
September 11, 2001
Islam and Islamophobia
Megan , Amherst, MA / August 2025
Crime/Terrorism
Increase in Crime/Hate
Immigration
Matheu , Enfield, CT / August 2025
Inner City/Urban Areas
Manipulated Crime Statistics
Black/Brown People
Isaiah , York, PA / August 2025
Genetic Puns
Sidney Sweeney Ad Campaign
Blond Women in Jeans
Anonymous , Kansas City, MO / August 3, 2025
Enlightened and Independent Thought in the Modern World
Beliefs and People Uninhibited by Societal Preference/The Unknown
Literature and Education
Madison B. , MO / August 3, 2025
Groups/Government/Media
Social Status/Immigration/Differences
Vilify/Persecution/Deportation of Immigrants
Karl , Enfield, CT / August 2025
Difference/Poverty
Trump
Immigrants
Beth , Woodland Hills, CA / August 2, 2025
"Others"
Authoritarians
Immigrants
Barbara , FL / August 1, 2025
COVID
Dr. Fauci
Unvaccinated Individuals
Chris O. , Gatlinburg, TN / July 2025
Female Sexuality
Catholic Church
Single Mothers in the Magdalene Laundries
Tallulah , New York City, NY / July 2025
Success in Business in Bad Economy
Hitler
Jews
Shira , / July 2025
Losing Power
Election
Donald J. Trump
Tom G. , Bangor, ME / July 2025
Inflation or Job Loss
Pandemic
LGBTQ+ and Immigrants
Crystal , Highland, CA / April 2024
Change
Ease of Medical Transition/More Visibility
Transgender People
Olivia , / July 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Anonymous , / July 2025
Invasion
Conspiracy
Aliens
Jack H. , MA / July 2025
Loss of Power/Economic Decline
White Supremacy/Trump
Immigrants
Megan , Columbus, OH / July 2025
Crime/Bad Hombres/Lack of White Supremacy
Trump
Immigrants and Black/Brown People
Lynn M. , Chula Vista, CA / July 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Jaymes , Taunton, MA / July 30, 2025
Losing Jobs and Crime
Trump and Republicans Creating Mistrust and Fear
Immigrants
Jean , Titusville, FL / July 2025
Changing Understanding of Gender
GOP/Musk/Trump
Trans People and Transphobia/Loss of Rights
Marie , NY / July 2025
Browning of America
Project 2025
Immigrants Suffering
Carmel , Ocala, FL / July 2025
Job Loss and Crime
Racism
Immigrants
Amy , Miami, FL / July 2025
Brown Skinned People
Trump Administration
Immigrants and Roundup to Internment Camps
Tanya , TX / July 2025
Losing Safety and Security
Trump
Immigrants/People of Color
Kris , CA / July 28, 2025
Replacement Theory
MAGA/Trump
Immigrants
Carly , Groveland, FL / July 2025
Loss of Power by Privileged White Men
Diversity and Equality
PoC, LGBTQ, Immigrants, Low/Middle Class
Amy , Mt. Shasta, CA / July 2025
Slowing Economic Growth
Trade War
Immigrants
Julia , Hampton, VA / July 2025
Gang Members
Election of Nayib Bukele
85,000 People Imprisoned Without Due Process
Jeannie , / July 2025
Predators
MAGA
Trans Community
Caroline , Novi, Michigan / July 2025
Immigrants Taking Jobs
Unlawful Detainment by ICE
Immigrants
Danielle , Seattle, WA / July 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslims
Darwin , Seattle, WA / July 2025
Decline of US Economy
Donald J. Trump
Mexican Americans
Ethyn , Karnak, IL / July 2025
Loss of Democracy
Trump/MAGA
Non-Christian Nationalists/People of Color/DEI
Tim , TN / July 24, 2025
Different Nationalities
Government
Spanish/Spanish Detainment Centers
Storm C. , Milford, CT / July 2025
Infection
COVID-19
Asian Communities
Michael , Milford, CT / July 2025
Hispanic Immigrants
Gangs and Drug Problems
ICE Tampering With Justice System
Donald , North Babylon, NY / July 2025
Immigrants
Trump
Student Swatting and Elimination of TPS
Barbara , Oakdale, NY / July 2025
"White Replacement"
Trump, MAGA
Immigrants of Color
Sarahi , Williamsburg, VA / July 22, 2025
Terrorism
9/11
Muslim Community
Eric E. , North Liberty, IA / July 2025
US Economic Woes
Little Donny Trump
Most Foreigners/Not White
Anonymous , MA / July 2025
Brown Immigrants
Trump
Muslims
BulBul , Redwood City, CA / July 2025
Diversity
Trump/Republicans
Immigrants
Becky , Dallas, PA / July 2025