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      Exhibition

      The Salem Witch Trials 1692

      Ongoing

      Today's hours:

      Closed

      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.

      This extraordinary series of events between June 1692 and March 1693 led to the deaths of 25 innocent women, men and children who were wrongfully convicted of crimes. More than 300 years later, the personal tragedies and grievous wrongs that occurred still provoke us to reflect and reckon with the experiences of those involved. Learn the true story of this tragedy as told through the voices and with the possessions of those directly involved.

      This ongoing installation tells this story through court documents and authentic historic objects presented as tangible fragments directly tied to people in Salem and nearby communities in the late 17th century. 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.

      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.

      TOP IMAGE: Tompkins Harrison Matteson, Trial of George Jacobs, August 5, 1692, 1855. Oil on canvas. Gift of R. W. Ropes, 1859 (1246).


      Please be advised that museum attendance is higher in October, especially on weekends. The gallery may be crowded.

      Time to explore: At least 30-45 minutes. Short on time? Take our self-guided walking tour.

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      Learning from 1692

      Blog

      Learning from 1692

      6 Min read

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      Learning from 1692

      6 Min read

      PEMcast 19: The Legacy of Salem's Witch Trials

      PEMcast

      PEMcast 19: The Legacy of Salem's Witch Trials

      25 min listen

      PEMcast

      PEMcast 19: The Legacy of Salem's Witch Trials

      25 min listen

      PEMcast 32: Restoring Justice after the Salem Witch Trials

      PEMcast

      PEMcast 32: Restoring Justice after the Salem Witch Trials

      24 Min Listen

      PEMcast

      PEMcast 32: Restoring Justice after the Salem Witch Trials

      24 Min Listen

      The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice

      Past Exhibition

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      September 2 to November 26, 2023

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      The Salem Witch Trials: Reckoning and Reclaiming

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      September 18, 2021 to March 20, 2022