Exhibition
The Salem Witch Trials 1692
Previously On View
On view September 26, 2020 to April 4, 2021
The Salem Witch Trials 1692 presents rarely-exhibited documents and objects from the museum’s collection to reveal tragic, true stories told through the perspective of the accused and the accusers. Included in the exhibition is the death warrant for the execution of Bridget Bishop, the first of 19 people to be hanged, as well as petitions from the accused, invoices from the jail keeper, direct testimony from accusers and the physical examinations of the accused.
“My hope is that visitors will encounter these original witch trial documents and objects and recognize that there were real people that are at the heart of this historical drama,” said Dan Lipcan, Head Librarian at PEM’s Phillips Library. “The victims of the Salem witch trials had complex emotions, fears and doubts just like we do. To empathize and understand their experience emboldens us to speak out against injustice and cruelty in our own time.”
Click below to embark on a 360° tour of The Salem Witch Trials 1692. Just click on the rings to move throughout the space and use your mouse or keyboard to zoom in/out and to look all around.
Join exhibition co-curator, Dan Lipcan, for a video tour of the galleries.
Share your impressions with us on social media using #1692witchtrials
The Salem Witch Trials 1692 is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum. Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation, Jennifer and Andrew Borggaard, James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes, Kate and Ford O'Neil, and Henry and Callie Brauer provided generous support. We also recognize the generosity of the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum.
In-Kind Media Partner
TOP IMAGE: Tompkins Harrison Matteson, Trial of George Jacobs, Sr. for Witchcraft, 1855. Oil on canvas. Gift of R. W. Ropes, 1859. 1246. Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Mark Sexton and Jeffrey R. Dykes.