In the town of Salem, Massachusetts, a place notorious for its dark history of witch trials in the late 17th century, there exists a unique store dedicated to the sale of souvenirs related to the Salem witch trials. This store, aptly named the "Salem Witch Trials Souvenirs Store," offers a wide array of items ranging from books and clothing to trinkets and artifacts. The main idea behind the Salem Witch Trials Souvenirs Store is to provide visitors and tourists with a tangible connection to the history of the witch trials that unfolded in Salem. The store aims to educate and inform individuals about this dark chapter in American history while also capitalizing on the popular fascination with the supernatural. Visitors to the store can expect to find a variety of items that serve as reminders of the Salem witch trials. Books detailing the events and trials are available for those seeking to dive deeper into the history, while t-shirts and clothing allow for a wearable memento.
Two Boston Post articles from 1901 and 1903 showing Perley in the midst of two big Salem historical “disputes”: “Antiquarians are all up in arms again” is one of my favorite headlines ever.
The site at which the accused and convicted witches of Salem were presumed to have been executed was commonly known as Witch Hill in the later nineteenth century but evolved into Gallows Hill at its end. Likewise, Perley confronted the long-held assertion that the small structure on the grounds of the Essex Institute was in fact the seventeenth-century First Church of Salem, and asserted that it was a Quaker Meeting House from later in the century.
Books detailing the events and trials are available for those seeking to dive deeper into the history, while t-shirts and clothing allow for a wearable memento. For those looking for a more unique keepsake, the store offers trinkets such as keychains, magnets, and postcards, all adorned with images and symbols associated with the witch trials. Additionally, visitors can browse artifacts and replicas related to the witch trials, such as letters, documents, and handmade crafts.
A Souvenir of Salem
Salem has been a tourist city for a very long time, and that identity has inspired the production of countless souvenirs made from every material imaginable: ceramic, metal, cloth, wood, plastic, and a veritable forest of paper. I’ve been a rather casual collector of Salem souvenirs since I moved here many years ago, although I do have my periods of intensity if I come across something I haven’t seen before. I’m a paper girl, and I thought I had seen every bit of ephemera in this genre, but last week a little souvenir book with an embossed red cover popped up on ebay and I pounced. It arrived yesterday, and I was not disappointed: this little souvenir pamphlet contains some of the most beautiful prints of Salem structures I have ever seen. Even with its obvious damage, it is still a gem. There is no title page or publisher–although an advertisement for the Salem stationers Merrill & Mackintire is at the end, so I assume it is their offering. It is also undated, though I can come up with an approximate date just looking at some of the captions, which reflect the work of the tireless historian and “antiquarian” Sidney Perley to get dates and identifications just right at the turn of the last century—and after.
Some historical “facts” are mutable. The site at which the accused and convicted “witches” of Salem were presumed to have been executed was commonly known as “Witch Hill” in the later nineteenth century but evolved into “Gallows Hill” at its end. This is still a Salem neighborhood and park, but from the 1890s Perley identified Proctor’s Ledge below as the site of the executions, and just last year this site was marked with a memorial by the City of Salem. Likewise, Perley confronted the long-held assertion that the small structure on the grounds of the Essex Institute was in fact the seventeenth-century First Church of Salem, and asserted that it was a Quaker Meeting House from later in the century. As you can see, the owner of our little souvenir book, whom I presume is the Charles Heald who signed the back of one of its prints, simply scratched out “First Meeting House” and wrote in “Quaker M.H.” And then Perley took on the “Roger Williams House” and asserted that Roger Williams never actually lived there: it then became the Witch House assertively, though in this first decade of the twentieth century it’s still either/or.
Two Boston Post articles from 1901 and 1903 showing Perley in the midst of two big Salem historical “disputes”: “Antiquarians are all up in arms again” is one of my favorite headlines ever.
The “Old Turner House” has yet to become the House of the Seven Gables, so I think I can date this souvenir booklet to sometime between 1903 and 1909 pretty comfortably. Yet there is not a car or trolley in sight: the cumulative vision is one of “Olde Salem” with the exception of a few “modern” municipal buildings. Seaside Salem endures, and the Pickering House remains ever the Pickering House, unchanged from the seventeenth century except for the acquisition of its Gothic trim in the midst of the nineteenth.
Some historical “facts” are mutable. The site at which the accused and convicted “witches” of Salem were presumed to have been executed was commonly known as “Witch Hill” in the later nineteenth century but evolved into “Gallows Hill” at its end. This is still a Salem neighborhood and park, but from the 1890s Perley identified Proctor’s Ledge below as the site of the executions, and just last year this site was marked with a memorial by the City of Salem. Likewise, Perley confronted the long-held assertion that the small structure on the grounds of the Essex Institute was in fact the seventeenth-century First Church of Salem, and asserted that it was a Quaker Meeting House from later in the century. As you can see, the owner of our little souvenir book, whom I presume is the Charles Heald who signed the back of one of its prints, simply scratched out “First Meeting House” and wrote in “Quaker M.H.” And then Perley took on the “Roger Williams House” and asserted that Roger Williams never actually lived there: it then became the Witch House assertively, though in this first decade of the twentieth century it’s still either/or.
The Salem Witch Trials Souvenirs Store aims to cater to a wide range of individuals, from history enthusiasts and scholars to casual tourists looking to bring home a piece of Salem's history. By providing a comprehensive selection of souvenirs, the store allows visitors to engage with and remember the Salem witch trials in a personal and lasting manner. While the concept of a store dedicated to witch trials souvenirs may be controversial to some, it serves as a reminder of the dark past and the importance of learning from history. The store offers visitors the opportunity to reflect on the consequences of hysteria, injustice, and the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. In conclusion, the Salem Witch Trials Souvenirs Store in Salem, Massachusetts provides visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with the history of the witch trials that took place in the town. Through a range of souvenirs, the store allows individuals to remember and educate themselves about this infamous period in American history..
Reviews for "Remembering the Accused: Souvenirs from the Salem Witch Trials Store"
1. Alice - 1 star
I had heard about the Salem witch trials souvenirs store and was excited to visit during my trip to Salem. However, I was deeply disappointed by what I found. The store seemed to glorify and trivialize a dark and tragic event in history. The items for sale were cheaply made and did not seem to have any historical accuracy. It felt like a cash grab rather than a sincere attempt to educate or commemorate the witch trials. I left the store feeling uneasy and disturbed. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a respectful and informative experience.
2. Christopher - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Salem witch trials souvenirs store, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The store was cluttered and disorganized, making it difficult to find anything of interest. Additionally, many of the products were overpriced and seemed to capitalize on the sensationalism surrounding the witch trials rather than providing an educational or meaningful experience. I was hoping for a more tasteful and thought-provoking approach, but instead, I found myself wanting to leave as soon as possible. I would suggest looking for alternative ways to learn about the Salem witch trials, rather than visiting this store.
3. Emily - 1 star
I would not recommend the Salem witch trials souvenirs store to anyone. It is nothing more than a tourist trap, cashing in on a tragic event in history. The store was filled with tacky and tasteless merchandise that seemed to trivialize the suffering of the individuals involved in the witch trials. It was clear that the focus was on making a profit rather than educating or commemorating the victims. I left feeling deeply disappointed and disturbed by the lack of sensitivity shown towards such an important historical event. There are much better ways to learn about the Salem witch trials than wasting your time and money at this store.