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FAQ's About the Salem Witch Trials

History of the Salem Witch Trials

Roger Conant and Salem

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FAQ's About the Salem Witch Trials

1. How was the practice of witchcraft viewed in 17th century New England?
Under British law, the basis for Massachusetts Bay Colony legal structure in the 17th century, those who were accused of consorting with the devil were considered felons, having committed a crime against their government. The punishment for such a crime was hanging.
2. What was the difference between the "afflicted" and the "accused"?
The "afflicted" were those supposedly "possessed" and "tormented"; it was they who accused or "cried out" the names of those who were supposedly possessing them.
3. What caused the girls' behavior?
This is a complex question. There are many theories to explain the "fits" of the young girls who accused so many of practicing witchcraft. Among the theories are adolescent hysteria and ergot poisoning; however, there is no definite answer.
4. What role did Tituba play in the Salem witch trials?
Contrary to popular belief, Tituba was not an African-American slave who lured the young girls into her practice of voodoo. She was an Arawak or Carib Indian from Barbados whose documented role in the trials was marginal. In fact, there is no proof that she practiced any sort of magic.
5. Were only women accused of practicing witchcraft?
Actually, men were accused as well. Five men were convicted and hanged, and one man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to cooperate with the court.
6. Who was executed during the Salem witch trials? With the exception of Giles Corey, who was pressed to death, the following were hanged:

Bridget Bishop
George Burroughs
Martha Carrier
Martha Corey
Mary Easty
Sarah Good
Elizabeth Howe
George Jacobs, Sr.
Susannah Martin
Rebecca Nurse
Alice Parker
Mary Parker
John Proctor
Ann Pudeator
Wilmott Redd
Margaret Scott
Samuel Wardwell
Sarah Wildes
John Willard
victims
The Hanging of George Burroughs

7. Where are the victims buried?
This question remains unanswered. Because of the nature of their alleged crime, victims were not allowed to be buried in consecrated ground. Tradition has it that families came to Gallows Hill to claim their relatives and buried their bodies privately. A memorial honoring the victims of the witch trials was built in Salem in 1992.
8. How long did the witch trials era last?
The witch trials era lasted less than a year. The first arrests were made on March 1, 1692 and the final hanging day was September 22, 1692. The Court of Oyer and Terminer was dissolved in October of 1692.
9. What was the aftermath of the trials?
Jurors and magistrates apologized; restitution was made to the victims' families and a Day of Fasting was instituted. Little is known of the lives of the afflicted girls. Tituba is believed to have been sold and taken out of the Salem Village area. The 300th anniversary of the trials served as an opportunity to bring a sense of reconciliation and an appreciation of the lessons of that time.
10. What are contemporary perceptions of witchcraft?
It is widely understood that witchcraft is a pantheistic religion that includes reverence for nature, belief in the rights of others and pride in one's own spirituality. Practitioners of witchcraft focus on the good and positive in life and in the spirit and entirely reject any connection with the devil. Their beliefs go back to ancient times, long before the advent of Christianity; therefore no ties exist between them and the Christian embodiment of evil. Witchcraft has been confused in the popular mind with pointy black hats, green faces and broomsticks. This is a misrepresentation that witches are anxious to dispel.

More Questions? Ask Alison


FAQ's About the Salem Witch Trials

History of the Salem Witch Trials

Roger Conant and Salem


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Director of Education
Alison D'Amario

facts@salemwitchmuseum.com

Washington Square
Salem, Massachusetts 01970

(508)744-1692

Last updated July 24, 1996