The Witch Dungeon Museum in Salem, Massachusetts is an intriguing attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the infamous Salem witch trials. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the 17th century dungeons where accused witches were held during this dark period of American history. Located in a building that dates back to 1816, the museum takes visitors back in time to the year 1692 when hysteria and paranoia ran rampant in Salem. The museum's main attraction is a reenactment of a witch trial, complete with period costumes and props. Visitors can witness the dramatic proceedings as actors portray the accused witches and the judges who presided over the trials. The reenactment is a chilling reminder of the injustice and fear that fueled the witch trials.
This is an impressive yet easy card trick for beginners. It involves creating a special “trick” card using plastic and super glue. Kids will be able to make the card look like it has levitated off their palm into the air. Because a live audience will want to touch the card, this is a trick that is best performed over video call for cousins or grandparents, but with practice and confidence, kids can even fool a live audience.
Using some basic tape, a twig or safety pin and some books for misdirection, kids will amaze their audience as they make a coin appear out of thin air. What I loved about the Homecoming show we did online was how the virtual medium allows it to be interactive so not only are you watching something amazing but you at home are choosing the outcome of what can happen, said Pesce.
The reenactment is a chilling reminder of the injustice and fear that fueled the witch trials. It highlights the stories of those who were imprisoned and executed for supposed witchcraft, shedding light on the intolerance and mass hysteria that led to their tragic fate. In addition to the reenactment, the Witch Dungeon Museum also features a museum exhibit that explains the historical context of the witch trials.
Magic Show Brings Suspended Disbelief and Theatrics to Zoom
As Homecoming celebrations proceed, professional Magician Tom Pesce enchants the FIU community with a virtual magic show where his various fun magic tricks were presented. Photo courtesy of Tom Pesce website.
Posted By: Cristina Gonzalez October 8, 2020
Valenti Govantes/ Staff Writer
Typically, magic and illusions are best enjoyed as live theatre. Nevertheless, magician Tom Pesce made full creative use of the Zoom platform in order to translate his production into a virtual format.
Placing the audience into the show as if they were the magicians, the interactive magic show presented by the FIU I-75 campus took place on Oct. 6th as part of the commencement of Homecoming festivities.
Appearing in a video parodying Back to the Future, Pesce began his virtual show by telling the audience he wants to put them in control as he attempted to start a new time travel business.
30 participants of the FIU community were visible through the virtual meeting, most of the webcam views showed small children in attendance.
“Magic is appealing to all ages because it allows us to suspend belief–as adults, this is difficult for us to do. It is easy for kids to believe in the impossible but as we get older, that belief in magic is taught out of us,” said Pesce.
Pesce expressed the idea that witnessing magic tricks allows a person to feel as if they were a child again.
“However, when we see something that is unexplainable and stirs emotions inside us, it brings back the feeling of wonder and awe that we all experience as children,” he said.
Pesce began his first trick by revealing tape is wrapped around his mouth and communicating through cards as he had an audience member select what kind of playing card they wanted.
The tape was then removed and he took out a small bag in his mouth containing the card they wanted.
Pesce introduced himself and acknowledged the challenges of 2020 and how we should embrace them, as he punched holes into a playing card and then caused them to mysteriously move around.
The next trick began by choosing another member of the audience and bringing out photos of his own family.
Questions were asked to them concerning where they wanted playing cards to be placed right next to each of the five photos.
The playing cards were revealed to have the exact same images contained in each of the photos. Pesce tied this magic trick to the moments that happen in time that are important to everyone.
The third trick involved asking the audience to pick a number from 1 to 100. He showed his phone which had different lists such as a bucket list, grocery list, and celebrity list from 1 to 100.
Bono wearing cheap sunglasses climbing Mt. Everest. A fun magic trick by Tom Pesce that uses digital mediums to their fullest entertainment potential. Photo Credit: @tompescemagic on Instagram.
Members of the audience read the fourth option of each list which were climbing Mt. Everest, cheap sunglasses, and Bono. The culmination of this was the reveal of a photo on his Instagram account of Bono wearing cheap sunglasses on Mt. Everest.
His last magic act connected to the video from the beginning when he said he wanted to send a video to the television series Shark Tank to pitch his Delorean Time Machine to them.
After playing a mixture of both disparaging and encouraging video messages from Shark Tank judges, Pesce remained determined to parlay his time traveling into a viable business and turned to his audience for help.
The audience was asked to think of a date that he can go to, a place he can go to, and money he can have when he’s there.
Another video was played when he travels to the future and returns with a hoverboard. Each of the selected audience members reveal they wanted him to go to the year 3040, in Jamaica, with $10,000 dollars.
In response, Pesce revealed his box contained a meal from the future and a journal with a story addressed to FIU of his visit to Jamaica in 3040 with $10,000 dollars.
Pesce’ virtual magic show demonstrated the capabilities of the Zoom format for not just communication but for compelling, interactive forms of entertainment.
“What I loved about the Homecoming show we did online was how the virtual medium allows it to be interactive so not only are you watching something amazing but you at home are choosing the outcome of what can happen,” said Pesce.
You can follow the magician through his Instagram, @tompescemagic or website. For more information regarding Homecoming events, visit here.
Magic tricks for kids can be lots of fun and are a great way for parents and caregivers to keep the family entertained. As well as bringing joy, learning magic tricks can help with kids’ development, too. Performing tricks at a young age can help children—especially those who tend to be a little shy—to build confidence and develop their social skills.
The exhibit includes artifacts, documents, and information on the witch trials and the people involved. Visitors can learn about the causes of the hysteria, the methods used to determine guilt, and the impact that the trials had on the community. Overall, the Witch Dungeon Museum provides a captivating experience for those interested in learning more about the Salem witch trials. It offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in American history. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the witch trials, a visit to the Witch Dungeon Museum is sure to leave a lasting impression..
Reviews for "Discover the Salem Witch Trials at the Witch Dungeon Museum"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Witch Dungeon Museum Salem." It felt more like a cheesy tourist trap than an actual museum. The displays were poorly organized and lacked any real historical context. The actors playing the witch trial characters were over-the-top and seemed more interested in entertaining than educating. Overall, I found the experience to be shallow and not worth the price of admission.
- Sarah - 1 star - I visited the "Witch Dungeon Museum Salem" and it was a complete letdown. The whole experience felt incredibly tacky and inauthentic. The reenactments of the witch trials were poorly executed, with obvious scripts and wooden acting. The museum itself was small and cramped, with very little information or artifacts on display. I left feeling like I had wasted my time and money on a subpar tourist attraction. I would not recommend this museum to anyone looking for a genuine historical experience.
- David - 2 stars - I was expecting to learn more about the history of the Salem witch trials at the "Witch Dungeon Museum Salem," but unfortunately, I left feeling unsatisfied. The museum mainly consists of low-budget reenactment shows that felt more like a high school production than a serious historical display. The information provided was limited and lacked depth. It's a shame because the topic of the witch trials is fascinating, but this museum failed to do it justice. I would recommend looking for other, more informative and engaging options in Salem.