When we think of magic today, the word conjures up fun and interesting images. Perhaps your thoughts immediately go towards Harry Potter, Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, or dozens of different video games where you can summon giants or spit fireballs to take out hordes of angry monsters. However, while today magic is generally seen as something fun and innocent, there was a time when the thought of magic-and more so witches-was anything but a good time!
If you happened to be accused of witchcraft in Salem during 1692, you would be looking at a capital crime that could be punishable by death. Today in society, there are much more pressing concerns than whether or not someone is practicing witchcraft, but if you would like to get a small peek into what such a reality looked like, then you should visit the Salem Witch Museum.
The Events
While having an emphasis on attracting visitors to come visit during the month of October, the Salem Witch Museum is open year-round for anyone wanting to learn more about Salem's notorious history. You are welcome to join a guided tour that will give an extensive overview of witches, witchcraft, and witch hunts throughout history, but with an added emphasis on Salem, which includes the main presentation of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, where many young women were falsely accused of practicing witchcraft.
Additionally, the museum offers exhibits such as Evolving Perceptions, which examines the European witchcraft trials, the evolving image of the witch and the importance of studying witch hunts. Salem Witch Museum also offers a virtual tour where visitors can look at counties in and around Essex and Middlesex and a few locations in Boston that played a role in crafting the notorious history of 1692.
Educational Programs
In addition to providing a slew of educational resources on their site, the museum also offers tours and information sessions for classes. A few examples include:
- The Salem Witch Trials: This presentation will be a general overview and the history of the Salem Witch Trials, with a focus upon exploring why a witch-hunt occurred in Salem, the overall conditions of the area at the time, and how the event has been a notorious period in America's history.
- The Crucible Fact vs. Fiction: This exhibit will explore in-depth Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, and will attempt to separate fact from fiction by comparing and contrasting Miller's writing with the real accounts of the witch trials. A more modern twist to this exhibit is the fact that students will look further into the sociopolitical environment during Miller's time period (the 1950s) which is thought to have largely inspired his writing of the play.
- Experiencing Salem: The Witch Trials through Creative Drama: This fun and interactive exhibit will allow students to learn about the Salem Witch Trials by utilizing the power of theater to act out certain events and historical figures.
A Bewitching Experience
The Salem Witch Museum is a great opportunity to learn more about a notorious time period in American history through fun and interactive exhibits and tours.
You can give them a call or visit their Facebook!
