Exhibition
The Salem Witch Trials 1692
Ongoing
Today's hours:
10 am–5 pm
Monday
10 am–5 pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10 am–5 pm
Friday
10 am–5 pm
Saturday
10 am–5 pm
Sunday
10 am–5 pm
Monday
10 am–5 pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10 am–5 pm
Friday
10 am–5 pm
Saturday
10 am–5 pm
Sunday
10 am–5 pm
The Salem Witch Trials are a defining example of intolerance and injustice in American history.
TOP IMAGE: Artist in the United Kingdom, bottle fragment, late 17th century. Glass. Museum purchase, 1946. 126985. Peabody Essex Museum.
This extraordinary series of events between June 1692 and March 1693 has been called "an example of a community at its absolute worst.” The crisis turned the community against itself, leading to the deaths of 25 innocent people and leaving Salem wrestling with its past for centuries. Where did you first hear of the tragic events of 1692? One million visitors per year flock to Salem to learn more — some as curious tourists, and others as descendants of the people involved in the trials. With a dark history that inspires writers, historians, podcasters and filmmakers, the world now knows Salem as Witch City.
The Salem Witch Trials 1692 uncovers the true story of this tragedy as told through the voices and possessions of those directly involved: the trials' victims, accusers and judges. This ongoing installation presents one of the largest collections of original Salem Witch Trials materials in the world. Discover court documents and authentic historic objects as tangible fragments directly tied to 17th-century Salem and nearby communities. A handwritten petition, a carved loom, a walking stick — each illuminates an aspect of individuals who lived through Salem’s witch trials and serves as a reminder of the real people impacted by these harrowing events and what they mean for us today.
The Salem Witch Trials 1692 is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum. This exhibition is made possible by Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation. We thank Jennifer and Andrew Borggaard, James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes, Chip and Susan Robie, and Timothy T. Hilton as supporters of the Exhibition Innovation Fund. We also recognize the generosity of the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum.
Follow along on social media at #1692witchtrials.
Time to explore: At least 30-45 minutes. Short on time? Take our self-guided walking tour.
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