Surname Secrets: Unraveling the Mysteries of Salem Witch Trials Family Names

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During the infamous Salem witch trials, which took place in Massachusetts in the late 17th century, numerous families were affected by the hysteria and accusations of witchcraft. These families, whose names have become synonymous with the trials, faced intense scrutiny and persecution during this dark time in American history. Some of the most well-known family names linked to the Salem witch trials include the Proctors, the Putnams, and the Nurses. One of the most prominent families impacted by the trials was the Proctor family. John Proctor, a farmer, and his wife Elizabeth were accused of practicing witchcraft in 1692. John Proctor steadfastly maintained his innocence and denounced the proceedings as fraudulent.


Newcomer Izabela Rose and Siena Agudong (“No Good Nick”) star in “Upside-Down Magic,” a Disney Channel Original Movie based on The New York Times bestselling fantasy-fiction children’s books of the same name. Vicki Lewis (“Finding Nemo,” “Newsradio”), Kyle Howard (“My Boys”), Elie Samouhi (“Bizaardvark”), Alison Fernandez (“Once Upon a Time”) and Max Torina (“Raven’s Home”) will also star. Suzanne Farwell (“The Holiday,” “Something’s Gotta Give”), Susan Cartsonis (“Descendants 3,” “The Duff”) will executive produce, along with Joe Nussbaum (“Just Add Magic,” “Gabby Duran & The Unsittables”), who also serves as director.

Reina s ability to expertly harness the power of fire lands her at the top of her class of Flares, but Nory s wonky magic and proclivity for turning into a Dritten a half-kitten, half-dragon lands her in a class for those with defective, Upside-Down Magic, otherwise known as UDM. Disney has released a sneak peek at the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie, Upside-Down Magic, which is coming to the Disney Channel this summer.

Upside fown magic trailer

John Proctor steadfastly maintained his innocence and denounced the proceedings as fraudulent. Despite his efforts, however, both he and his wife were ultimately convicted and sentenced to death. John Proctor's name has become emblematic of the injustice witnessed during the Salem witch trials.

Disney Channel Original Movie “Upside-Down Magic” Official Trailer

A whimsical summer adventure for kids and families, the Disney Channel Original Movie “Upside-Down Magic,” an enchanting twist on a classic story of friendship and self-discovery, is set to premiere on FRIDAY, JULY 31 (8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), on Disney Channel.

Image Disney Channel

Based on the New York Times bestselling children’s book of the same name, this movie stars newcomer Izabela Rose (“Amazing Stories”) and Siena Agudong (“No Good Nick”) as two best friends, Nory and Reina, as they begin their journey at the Sage Academy for Magical Studies. Vicki Lewis (“Newsradio”), Kyle Howard (“My Boys”), Max Torina (“Raven’s Home”), Elie Samouhi (“Bizaardvark”) and Alison Fernandez (“Once Upon a Time”) also star in this unique fantasy movie. “Upside-Down Magic” will also be available on DisneyNOW beginning Saturday, Aug. 1.

Image Disney Channel

As 13-year-old Nory Boxwood Horace (Rose) and her best friend Reina Carvajal (Agudong) enter the Sage Academy for Magical Studies, Reina’s expert ability to harness the power of fire lands her at the top of her class of Flares, but Nory’s wonky magic and proclivity for turning into herself into a “Dritten”—a half-kitten, half-dragon—lands her in a class for those with upside-down magic, or UDM, led by the wisecracking groundskeeper and “professor” Budd Skriff (Howard).

Image Disney Channel

While stern Headmaster Knightslinger (Lewis) believes the UDM’s unconventional powers leave them vulnerable to dangerous and evil “shadow magic,” Nory and her fellow classmates set out to prove that upside-down magic beats right-side up.

Check out the teaser below:
Family names linked to the salem witch trials

The Putnam family also played a significant role in the witch trials. Led by Thomas Putnam and his wife Ann, the Putnams were known for their strong belief in witchcraft. Ann Putnam Jr., their daughter, was one of the primary accusers and claimed to have been tormented by several supposed witches. The Putnams' involvement in the trials resulted in the accusation and conviction of many innocent individuals. Rebecca Nurse, a respected member of the community and a devout Christian, was another individual who suffered greatly during the Salem witch trials. Despite her reputation for piety and kindness, she was accused of being a witch. Rebecca Nurse was eventually found guilty, and she was hanged in July 1692. Her case highlighted the indiscriminate nature of the accusations and demonstrated how anyone, regardless of their standing in the community, could be accused of witchcraft. The family names linked to the Salem witch trials serve as a reminder of the injustice and hysteria that gripped the Massachusetts colony in the late 17th century. These families were caught in the crossfire of fear and paranoia, facing unwarranted accusations and devastating consequences. The Proctors, the Putnams, and the Nurses, among others, have come to symbolize the tragedy and human toll of the witch trials. Their stories continue to fascinate and educate people about this dark chapter in American history..

Reviews for "The Mark of Salem: Unveiling Family Names with Ties to the Witch Trials"

- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to visit this exhibit because I am fascinated by the Salem witch trials. However, I was disappointed by the lack of information and artifacts on display. It felt like the exhibit was thrown together without much thought or effort. The few items that were there were interesting, but overall, it was a letdown.
- Mark - 1 star - This exhibit was a complete waste of time. There was hardly anything to see and it felt more like a small museum gift shop than an actual exhibit. I expected to learn more about the specific family names connected to the Salem witch trials, but there was barely any information provided. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money on this disappointment.
- Emily - 2 stars - I was looking forward to exploring the connection between family names and the Salem witch trials, but this exhibit fell flat. The information provided was very basic and lacked depth. I was hoping for more specific details and stories about the families involved, but it felt like a missed opportunity. The exhibit could have been much more engaging and informative.

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