The Magic Tree House is a popular book series written by Mary Pope Osborne. It follows the adventures of two siblings, Jack and Annie, as they discover a magic tree house filled with books and travel through time and space. The series consists of over 50 books, each taking Jack and Annie on a different historical or mythological journey. The books are designed for young readers and offer a unique blend of fantasy and education. They provide valuable knowledge about historical events, famous legends, and different cultures from around the world. Each book is filled with vivid descriptions and memorable characters, making the learning experience enjoyable and engaging for children.
On or before September 18, 1692, Giles Corey was slowly pressed to death in the field next to the jail. In the literature about Giles Corey's tortuous death, there is reference to his famous last words, "more weight." These words were uttered as a final attempt to expedite his death while also showing that not even imminent death could convince him to go to trial. It is even told that the Sheriff took his cane and pressed Giles' tongue back into his mouth just before he died at the end of the two days of being slowly crushed. On September 18, 1692, Giles Corey was ex-communicated from the Village church so that he would not die as a member of the church. On September 21, 1692, Martha, his wife, was hanged on Gallows Hill. It has been speculated that the publicity surrounding the pressing of Giles may have in fact helped to build public opposition to the witchcraft trials.
It is even told that the Sheriff took his cane and pressed Giles tongue back into his mouth just before he died at the end of the two days of being slowly crushed. It is important that people think about real human suffering caused by witchcraft hysteria and the lessons that are to be learned from that dark period in the history of this city and this country -Memorial designers James Cutler and Maggie Smith.
Each book is filled with vivid descriptions and memorable characters, making the learning experience enjoyable and engaging for children. One of the main ideas behind the Magic Tree House series is to inspire a love for reading and learning in children. The books encourage curiosity and exploration, allowing readers to imagine themselves on exciting adventures alongside Jack and Annie.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Located just off Charter Street, on Liberty Street, is Salem’s simple yet dramatic memorial to the 20 victims of the witch trials of 1692. Four foot high granite walls surround three sides, with granite benches representing each victim cantilevered inward from the wall. Etched on each bench is a name, means of execution, and execution date. One can read, on the stone threshold of the memorial, words of the accused taken directly from court transcripts. Visitors will note that the words – among them, “God knows I am innocent” – are cut off in mid-sentence, representing lives cut short and indifference to the protestations of innocence.
24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Salem Witch Trials Memorial Documents
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In the center is a simple patch of grass and locust trees, which are thought to be the type of tree that may have been used for the hangings. A dirt path runs beside the benches for visitors to walk and reflect.
Silently watching from just over the wall are the gravestones in the adjacent Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Salem and one of the oldest in the United States. Among the interred are witch trials magistrates John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney.
The Salem Witch Trials Tercentenary Committee was established by the Mayor of the City of Salem on April 22, 1986, with a principle intention of creating a permanent memorial to the victims of the witch trials.
A public design competition, juried by five noted professionals, resulted in 246 entrants. The winning entry, designed by Maggie Smith and James Cutler of Bainbridge Island, Washington, was presented to the press and public by renowned playwright Arthur Miller on November 14, 1991. Among the notable works by Miller is The Crucible, which used the Salem Witch Trials as an allegory for the McCarthyism of the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial was dedicated on August 5, 1992 by Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor, and author Elie Wiesel, who noted, “If I can’t stop all of the hate all over the world in all of the people, I can stop it in one place within me,” adding, “We still have our Salems.”
This quiet and peaceful memorial, located in the very center of Salem, provides a place for people to pay their respects, to reflect on tolerance and understanding, and to remember the inspiring stories of personal courage revealed in 1692.
Interested in learning more about the Salem Witch Trials Memorial?
In October of 2022, the Salem Witch Museum Education Department wrote “The Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Finding Humanity in Tragedy” for the Smithsonian Folklife Magazine: https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/salem-witch-trials-memorial
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the creation of the memorial, our museum hosted the virtual lecture “Memorializing the Salem Witch Trials”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEup5Pkif7E&t=8s
24 Liberty Street, next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery
"It is important that people think about real human suffering caused by witchcraft hysteria and the lessons that are to be learned from that dark period in the history of this city and this country" -Memorial designers James Cutler and Maggie Smith
24 Liberty Street, next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery
Through their magical journeys, the characters learn important lessons about bravery, friendship, and the power of knowledge. The Magic Tree House series has received widespread acclaim and has been translated into dozens of languages. It has become a staple in many classrooms and libraries, as teachers recognize its educational value. The books offer a fun and accessible way for children to learn about history and culture, sparking their interest in further exploration and learning. Overall, the Magic Tree House books are a treasure trove of knowledge disguised as an exciting and imaginative adventure series. They have captivated the hearts and minds of young readers around the world, inspiring a lifelong love for reading and learning..
Reviews for "Learning about Animals and Habitats with the Magic Tree House Knowledge Books"
1. Jessica - 2/5 - I did not enjoy the knowledge books about the magic tree house. The information provided felt too simplistic and lacking depth. The topics covered were interesting, but I would have preferred more in-depth explanations and analysis. Overall, I was disappointed with the books as they did not provide the in-depth information I was looking for.
2. David - 3/5 - The knowledge books about the magic tree house were okay, but they didn't live up to my expectations. The writing style was too basic and aimed at a younger audience, which made it difficult for me to fully engage with the content. Additionally, I felt that the information was presented in a disjointed manner and lacked coherence. While the books did provide some interesting facts, I didn't find them particularly educational or enriching.
3. Samantha - 2/5 - The knowledge books about the magic tree house were a letdown for me. I had heard great things about the series, but I found the books to be overly simplified. The information was presented in a way that seemed more like a children's book rather than a comprehensive knowledge resource. I was hoping for more depth and complexity, but unfortunately, these books fell short of my expectations. They may be suitable for younger readers, but for someone seeking more substantial content, I would not recommend them.