The Memorial commemorating the Salem witch trials is a powerful and somber reminder of one of the darkest periods in American history. Located in Salem, Massachusetts, the memorial stands as a tribute to the innocent lives lost during the infamous witch trials of 1692. The main idea of the memorial is to honor the memory of the individuals who were wrongfully accused and executed during the hysteria that gripped the town of Salem more than three centuries ago. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of hysteria, intolerance, and the abuse of power. The memorial is designed to be a solemn and reflective space. The centerpiece of the memorial is a stone bench engraved with the names of the 20 people who were executed as a result of the witch trials.
Sophia was a woman who had many health issues following being given a rattle made of mercury when she was a baby.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial also houses six black locust trees, the tree species some victims were believed to have been hanged from, acting as a memory for the injustice that occurred during the trials. To combat these body snatchers , the Old Burying Point built tabletop tombs above the buried remains of important figures, such as Bartholomew Gedney, another Salem Witch Trials judge.
The centerpiece of the memorial is a stone bench engraved with the names of the 20 people who were executed as a result of the witch trials. The bench is surrounded by a low stone wall that symbolizes the imprisoning nature of the accusations faced by the accused. Engraved in the wall are quotes from the trial transcripts, which highlight the unjust and irrational nature of the trials.
New Memorial Remembers Victims Hanged At Proctor's Ledge During Salem Witch Trials
Proctor’s Ledge was identified last year as an execution site for those convicted during the Salem witch trials in 1692. On Wednesday, a new memorial at the site was dedicated in honor of those killed. (Stephan Savoia/AP)
Residents of Salem gathered Wednesday to mark a shameful chapter of American history and remember the 19 men and women who were accused and convicted of being witches in 1692.
The city dedicated a new memorial at Proctor's Ledge, the exact spot where 325 years ago today five women were hanged for witchcraft.
Area residents attend a memorial dedication at Proctor's Ledge in Salem Wednesday.(Stephan Savoia/AP)
Salem residents and descendants of people put to death gathered in chairs abutting the new memorial for the dedication ceremony. The memorial is a freshly landscaped crescent-shaped plot with plantings, mulch and a swoop of granite wall. Chunky, gray blocks are etched with the names of the victims and the dates they were killed.
The Rev. Jeffrey Barz-Snell, of the First Church in Salem, welcomed the crowd.
"We should not be here today,” he said firmly. "We should not be here dedicating this memorial and setting aside this small patch of rocky earth. We should not be here commemorating the heartbreaking and tragic loss of life, people who were falsely and unjustly accused of being in the snare of the devil.”
Barz-Snell added that in 1692, Rebecca Nurse, who was one of five killed at Proctor’s Ledge on a hot, July afternoon like today, was a member of his congregation. Barz-Snell said his predecessor, the Rev. Nicholas Noyes, helped fan the flames of hysteria that engulfed Salem.
“We would like to think that we've learned from the evil and traumatic choices made 325 years ago. We would like to think we've become better people," Barz-Snell said. "The truth is the lessons of Salem are not just learned once, but must be learned and relearned by each generation.”
Among the descendants was Gail Garda, president of the Towne Family Association and a relative of Rebecca Nurse. Towne was Nurse’s maiden name.
Rebecca Nurse was one of five women hanged as witches 325 years ago today at Proctor's Ledge during the Salem witch trials. (Stephan Savoia/AP)
Garda asked the crowd to imagine how hard it was for the settlers who emigrated from England to Massachusetts, searching for a better life and religious freedom.
“Who could've ever imagined amidst all the other fears they were facing at the time — Indian attacks, invasion of the French, health epidemics — that over a brief period of months, from February to September, that these 19 innocent people would be convicted of witchcraft and brought here to Proctor's Ledge to be hanged," she said. "As far as we can tell from all the records, the accused were just ordinary people, no different than any of us here today.”
Others drew parallels to society today, including Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll.
“Proctor’s Ledge is a place, an object, but it is also an idea and it’s also a memory," Driscoll said. "The legacy of what transpired here crosses into the imaginations and consciousness of our community, our commonwealth and even our country.”
City Councillor David Eppley evoked the names of neighborhoods in Salem -- Witchcraft Heights and Gallows Hill -- as he shared how impossible it was to offer apologies to the affected families and descendants.
“The only way I know that Salem and its political leaders can atone for such heinous acts is to continue to serve as a story of warning for the rest of the nation and this world on what could ultimately happen when you turn your neighbor into 'the other.'"
Karla Hailer, a fifth grade teacher from Situate, makes a video of the Proctor's Ledge memorial. (Stephan Savoia/AP)
Proctor’s Ledge was identified as an execution site in January 2016 by a team of researchers that included Salem State University professor Emerson "Tad" Baker.
“It’s my sincere hope that today marks a new chapter in how Salem treats the witch trials,” the historian said from the stage. “We became the 'Witch City' in 1892 on the bicentennial of the trials. While done largely for commercial reasons, I see the moniker as Salem’s self-imposed Scarlet Letter. After all, the term ‘witch hunt’ is synonymous with Salem and stands as a symbol of persecution, fanaticism, injustice and rushing to judgement.”
Baker added that with that title comes responsibilities.
“So from this time forward I hope that residents and visitors to Salem will treat the tragic events of 1692 with more of the respect they are due," he said. "We need less celebration in October and more commemoration and sober reflection throughout the year.”
Rev. Barz-Snell concluded the dedication ceremony with a "prayer of committal" — usually evoked at funerals to aid the victims to a peaceful, eternal rest.
The Proctor's Ledge memorial is meant to be a place of quiet reflection. It’s situated in a residential area, just a block from a Walgreens. It isn't the first witch trial memorial in Salem — another was unveiled in 1992 to mark the 300th anniversary of the hangings. Even so, some say this new one has been a long time coming.
Listen to the story here:
Andrea Shea Correspondent, Arts & Culture
Andrea Shea is a correspondent for WBUR's arts & culture reporter.
Andrea Shea Correspondent, Arts & Culture
Andrea Shea is a correspondent for WBUR's arts & culture reporter.
These quotes serve as a testament to the hysteria and paranoia that gripped Salem during that time, and the devastating consequences that ensued. They also provide visitors with a glimpse into the hardships endured by the accused individuals and the immense pressure they faced to confess to crimes they did not commit. The use of stone throughout the memorial is intentional, symbolizing the lasting impact and permanence of the events that transpired. The starkness of the stone also serves to evoke a sense of solemnity and reverence, creating a space that encourages quiet contemplation and remembrance. Visitors to the memorial are encouraged to reflect on the lessons of the witch trials and to consider the principles of justice, fairness, and tolerance that are fundamental to a just society. The memorial serves as a reminder that even in the midst of fear and hysteria, it is crucial to uphold the rights and dignity of every individual. Overall, the Memorial commemorating the Salem witch trials is a poignant tribute to the victims of this dark chapter in American history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from the past and promoting a society that values justice, empathy, and understanding..
Reviews for "The Salem Witch Trials Memorial: A Boundary of History and Myth"
1. Robert - 1/5 stars - I visited the Memorial commemorating the Salem witch trials and I must say I was extremely disappointed. The whole experience felt lackluster and poorly executed. The plaques and signs were unreadable and faded, making it difficult to understand the historical significance of the site. The information provided was also very basic, lacking depth and detail. Additionally, the overall maintenance of the memorial was poor, with weeds growing everywhere and broken benches. It's a shame that such an important historical event is not given the respect and attention it deserves.
2. Jennifer - 2/5 stars - I have mixed feelings about the Memorial commemorating the Salem witch trials. While I appreciate the effort to remember and honor the victims, I felt that the design and layout of the memorial were underwhelming. The choice of materials used, such as concrete and metal, gave it a cold and uninviting atmosphere. The lack of seating areas or shaded spots also made it difficult to spend a significant amount of time reflecting on the history. Additionally, the limited amount of information provided made me feel like I was missing out on the full story. Overall, I think the concept of the memorial is important, but the execution could have been better.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - As a history enthusiast, I was looking forward to visiting the Memorial commemorating the Salem witch trials. However, I left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. The memorial lacked any interactive elements or audiovisual presentations that could have brought the history to life and engaged visitors on a deeper level. The information boards provided only basic facts, lacking any in-depth analysis or context. The overall atmosphere of the memorial was also quite somber and unwelcoming. I understand the need to respect the gravity of the events, but it could have been done in a way that also engaged and educated visitors.