"The Salem witch trials occurred in colonial Massachusetts between early 1692 and mid-1693. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft—the devil’s magic—and 20 were executed. In 1711, colonial authorities pardoned some of the accused and compensated their families. But it was only in July 2022 that Elizabeth Johnson Jr., the last convicted Salem “witch” whose name had yet to be cleared, was officially exonerated."
Source: A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials: One town's strange journey from paranoia to pardon by Jess Blumberg Image: WikiCommons
An image of the marker of Elizabeth Howe, May 31, 1692. Howe was hanged as a witch during the Salem Witch Trials. The quote is inscribed on a portion of the Memorial dedicated in 1992 in Salem, M.A. Image: WikiCommons
This part of the memorial from the Trial is in Danvers, M.A. Image: WikiCommons
This book represents the first comprehensive record of all legal documents pertaining to the Salem witch trials, in chronological order. Numerous newly discovered manuscripts, as well as records published in earlier books that were overlooked in other editions, offer a comprehensive narrative account of the events of 1692-93, with supplementary materials stretching as far as the mid-18th century. All legal records are newly transcribed, and included in this edition is a historical introduction, a legal introduction, and a linguistic introduction. Manuscripts are accompanied by notes that, in many cases, identify the person who wrote the record.
Source: National Archives
Home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in Salem and neighboring communities. He served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which ultimately sent nineteen to the gallows. Source: WikiCommons
Witch pins from the Salem Witch Trials, by Frank Cousins, c. 1865-1914, from the Digital Commonwealth - commonwealth 2b88r692f. Image: WikiCommons