The Peabody Essex Museum is a renowned institution located in Salem, Massachusetts, known for its extensive collection of art, culture, and history. One of the museum's most notable exhibits is centered around the Salem Witch Trials, a dark period in American history that occurred in the late 17th century. The Salem Witch Trials took place from February 1692 to May 1693 in Salem Village, which is now present-day Danvers, Massachusetts. This infamous event began with a group of young girls who claimed to be possessed by witches, accusing several women in the community of practicing witchcraft. The accusations quickly spread, leading to mass hysteria and the arrest of numerous individuals, predominantly women. The trials were conducted in a highly biased and unjust manner, with spectral evidence and dreams being considered as legitimate proof of witchcraft.
The trials were conducted in a highly biased and unjust manner, with spectral evidence and dreams being considered as legitimate proof of witchcraft. During this period, a total of twenty people were executed, while several others died in jail or under harsh imprisonment. The trials eventually came to an end as doubts grew regarding the reliability of the testimonies, leading to a loss of public support for the proceedings.
The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice
Please note: Capacity is limited in the Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice exhibition gallery. Visitors may experience long wait times, especially on the weekends. Please stop by the Witch Trials exhibition entrance to be added to the waitlist. While you wait, listen to our latest PEMcast for a sneak peek of the exhibition with the curators.
Salem’s witch trials are a definitive example of intolerance and injustice in American history. This exhibition examines the extraordinary series of events in 1692-3 that led to the deaths of 25 innocent women, men and children who were wrongfully convicted of crimes. More than 300 years later, the personal tragedies and grievous wrongs that occurred still provoke us to reflect and reckon with the experiences of those involved.
The exhibition tells this story through court documents and authentic historic objects presented as tangible fragments directly tied to people in Salem and nearby communities in the late 17th century. A handwritten petition, a carved loom, a walking stick — each illuminates an aspect of individuals who lived through Salem’s witch trials and serves as a reminder of the real people impacted by these harrowing events.
Many Salem area residents realized the judicial proceedings were flawed and the trials unjust. As early as the late 1690s, victims and their communities took action in attempts to restore the innocence of those wrongly accused and convicted. While the trauma and loss can never be fully repaired, these tangible steps over the centuries have made progress toward healing a deeply fractured community. The process continues today.
The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum. This exhibition is made possible by Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation. We thank James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes, Chip and Susan Robie, and Timothy T. Hilton as supporters of the Exhibition Innovation Fund. We also recognize the generosity of the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum.
Follow along on social media using #1692witchtrials
TOP IMAGE: Tompkins Harrison Matteson. Trial of George Jacobs, August 5, 1692, 1855. Oil on canvas, 39 × 53 in. (99.1 × 134.6 cm). Gift of R. W. Ropes, 1859 (1246).
Photographer Frances F. Denny’s series Major Arcana: Portraits of Witches in America reclaims the meaning of the word “witch” from its historical use as a tool to silence and control women. Her portraits re-envision witchery by celebrating the spectrum of identities and spiritual practices found in today’s witch community.
The Peabody Essex Museum's exhibit on the Salem Witch Trials aims to shed light on this dark chapter in America's history. It presents a comprehensive account of the events leading up to and during the trials, offering insight into the religious, social, and cultural conditions that contributed to the hysteria. The exhibit features various artifacts, documents, and testimonies that provide a glimpse into the lives of those accused and the impact the trials had on the community. Visitors can explore the different aspects of the trials, including the role of religion, gender dynamics, and the effects of fear and superstition. Through the Salem Witch Trials exhibit, the Peabody Essex Museum strives to facilitate a better understanding of this tragic event and its long-lasting ramifications. It prompts visitors to reflect on the importance of justice, tolerance, and the dangers of mass hysteria in society. Overall, the Peabody Essex Museum's Salem Witch Trials exhibit serves as a reminder of the need to learn from history's darkest moments and work towards a more just and enlightened future..
Reviews for "Innocent or Guilty? John Proctor and the Salem Witch Trials at the Peabody Essex Museum"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to visit the Peabody Essex Museum and explore the Salem Witch Trials exhibit. However, I left feeling extremely disappointed. The exhibit was poorly curated and lacked any depth or true historical context. The information provided was basic and could easily be found with a simple Google search. Additionally, the exhibit felt rushed and cramped, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the experience. Overall, I expected a lot more from a renowned museum like the Peabody Essex and left feeling underwhelmed.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The Peabody Essex Museum's Salem Witch Trials exhibit was an absolute letdown. I had hoped to learn more about the infamous trials and gain a deeper understanding of the historical context. Unfortunately, the exhibit was disorganized and failed to provide any real insights. The lack of interactive elements or engaging displays made it feel like a boring history lesson. I had high expectations for this museum, but I left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I had spent my time and money elsewhere.
3. Matthew - 2 stars - As a history enthusiast, I was eager to visit the Peabody Essex Museum's Salem Witch Trials exhibit. However, it fell short of my expectations. The information provided was basic and lacked any in-depth analysis or original artifacts. The exhibit felt more like a generic overview of the trials, rather than a comprehensive exploration of the era and its impact. I would have appreciated more interactive displays or multimedia elements to bring the history to life. Overall, I would not recommend this exhibit to anyone seeking a deep and engaging understanding of the Salem Witch Trials.