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

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James Symonds, Valuables cabinet, 1679. Oak, maple, iron, and paint. Museum purchase, 2000. 138011. Photo by Dennis Helmar.
James Symonds, Valuables cabinet, 1679. Oak, maple, iron, and paint. Museum purchase, 2000. 138011. Photo by Dennis Helmar.
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.
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.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial. © 2020 Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Kathy Tarantola/PEM.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial. © 2020 Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Kathy Tarantola/PEM.
Artist in London, Sundial, 1644. Brass Gift of Abel H. Proctor, 1907. 100771. © Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Jeffrey R. Dykes.
Artist in London, Sundial, 1644. Brass Gift of Abel H. Proctor, 1907. 100771. © Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Jeffrey R. Dykes.
John Smibert, Portrait of Judge Samuel Sewall, 1733. Oil on canvas. Gift of the estate of George Rea Curwen, 1900. 4134.4 Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by John Koza.
John Smibert, Portrait of Judge Samuel Sewall, 1733. Oil on canvas. Gift of the estate of George Rea Curwen, 1900. 4134.4 Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by John Koza.


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.

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Press \\ Press Release

PEM opens two new exhibitions focused on Salem’s rich and storied history, publishes collection guide book