The memorial honoring the accused witches of Salem serves as a somber reminder of a dark chapter in American history. Located in Salem, Massachusetts, the memorial stands as a testament to the innocence and injustice faced by those accused of witchcraft during the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The main idea of the memorial is to remember and honor the individuals who lost their lives during this tragic event. The memorial consists of a series of stone benches, each bearing the name of one of the accused witches. Visitors are encouraged to sit on the benches and reflect upon the lives and stories of these individuals who were falsely accused and unjustly put to death. The memorial also features a central stone slab engraved with the names of the twenty people who were executed as a result of the witch trials.
Brave Words of Some of the Accused Witches All of Whom Were Executed
Noted by Founding Fathers during the American Revolution, included in early school books as an example of a moral failing, and invoked as a metaphor for contemporary scapegoating in the twentieth century, the tragedies of Salem have never left public memory. The Tercentenary Committee led by McConchie plus Patty MacLeod and Alison D Amario of the Salem Witch Museum planned a year-long commemoration with two key elements in mind the construction of a public memorial and a lasting way to honor the innocent victims.
The memorial also features a central stone slab engraved with the names of the twenty people who were executed as a result of the witch trials. This serves as a commemoration of their lives and a memorialization of the victims of this mass hysteria. The design of the memorial is minimalist and contemplative.
Salem Memorializes Those Killed During Witch Trials
The 19 men and women who were hanged at Proctor's Ledge during the Salem witch trials 325 years ago have been memorialized at the site of their deaths in Salem, Mass.
The city of Salem, Mass., has opened a memorial to commemorate the people who were convicted and killed during its notorious series of "witch trials" in 1692.
The memorial stands at the site where 19 innocent women and men were hanged. According to the city, the memorial opened on the 325th anniversary of the first of three mass executions at the site, when five women were killed: Sarah Good, Elizabeth Howe, Susannah Martin, Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Wildes.
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Andrea Shea of member station WBUR attended the ceremony at Proctor's Ledge and said Salem residents and descendants of those killed gathered to pay their respects.
"We should not be here today. We should not be here dedicating this memorial and setting aside this small patch of rocky earth," the Rev. Jeffrey Barz-Snell of the First Church in Salem told the assembled crowd, Shea reported. "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."
Wednesday's dedication of a memorial honoring those executed during the Salem witch trials draws a crowd to where researchers say was the site of the hangings. Stephan Savoia/AP hide caption
toggle caption Stephan Savoia/APWednesday's dedication of a memorial honoring those executed during the Salem witch trials draws a crowd to where researchers say was the site of the hangings.
The memorial consists of a slope that leads down to the site where the executions took place. There, a semicircular area is enclosed by a wall, which bears the names of the 19 people who were hanged. A single oak tree stands at the center, the city says, as a "symbol of endurance and dignity."
Shea says that researchers pinpointed the location of the site in January 2016. Emerson "Tad" Baker, a professor at Salem State University, told her that the story resonates far beyond Salem because those accused have an estimated 100 million descendants.
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"In that sense, it really is our national story, our national shame and our national chance at redemption because you know if you're not a descendant of one of those people probably the person standing next to you is," Baker told Shea.
The memorial was primarily funded with a $174,000 Community Preservation Act grant, though the city adds that it also received "dozens of small donations, many from descendants of those wrongfully executed at the site."
According to The Boston Globe, 25 people were killed during the witch trials in Salem. "All 19 who were executed through a hanging died at Proctor's Ledge. Five others died in jail, and one was crushed to death," the paper reports.
Correction July 20, 2017
A previous version of this story said 19 people were hanged in mass executions. Only 18 of them were killed in mass executions.
- American History
"Well! burn me, or hang me, I will stand in the truth of Christ . " George Jacobs, Sr. (May 10,1692. From the Rev. Parris account of the examination at Salem.)
The stone benches are arranged in a semi-circle, creating a solemn atmosphere for visitors to pay their respects. Surrounding the benches are tall trees, adding to the sense of tranquility and reflection. The memorial not only serves to remember the victims of the Salem Witch Trials, but also to raise awareness about the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process. It is a stark reminder that in the pursuit of justice, innocent lives can be lost and society must remain vigilant to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. In conclusion, the memorial honoring the accused witches of Salem is a poignant and powerful tribute to those who lost their lives during the Salem Witch Trials. It serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by the accused and the importance of learning from history to prevent similar tragedies in the future..
Reviews for "The Accused Remembered: Salem's Memorial for the Witches"
1. John Doe - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with the memorial honoring the accused witches of Salem. Firstly, the design and aesthetics were underwhelming. There was no grandeur or uniqueness that one would expect from such a significant historical event. Additionally, the lack of proper signage made it difficult to navigate and understand the purpose of the memorial. Lastly, the information provided was scarce and did not adequately explain the history and significance of the witch trials. Overall, I found the memorial to be dull and uninformative.
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars
While I appreciate the effort to honor the accused witches of Salem, I found the memorial to be quite underwhelming. The lack of proper maintenance was evident as several plaques were weathered and illegible. The overall atmosphere felt dreary and neglected, which detracted from the somberness and respect that should accompany a memorial of this nature. Furthermore, the space was cramped and congested, making it difficult to appreciate the exhibits. I believe that a more professional and well-maintained memorial could have better paid homage to the victims of the Salem witch trials.
3. Kate Johnson - 2 stars
The memorial honoring the accused witches of Salem missed the mark for me. Firstly, the location was tucked away and not easy to find, which made the experience less accessible for visitors. The design was lackluster and failed to capture the essence of the tragedy that occurred during the witch trials. Additionally, there was a missed opportunity to provide more interpretation and information about the events leading up to the trials. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and wishing for a more engaging and thought-provoking experience at the memorial.