Historical witches in Salem Village and elsewhere in New England and early America: witchhunts and witch trials. Often called the "witch craze," during these periods people -- often women -- were identified as witches, often with little evidence. What's the real story?
A selection of the best books to read to learn more about the New England witch hunts. Some books look at why most of the accused were women; others focus on alternate explanations, including legal rules, disease, psychology, religion and so forth.
From a commercial museum commemorating the Salem Witch trials of 1692, some quick answers to common questions. For more depth, you'll want to consult other resources, but it's a good starting point.
Fourteen images from unnamed sources, illustrating the trials, executions, people and village.
Joseph McCabe's skeptical approach to the history of witchcraft and the evolving definition of "witch," part of a larger critique of Christianity.
Danvers, Massachusetts, memorial, with names of and quotes from many of the victims.
Summary from The History Channel.
An essay looking at the possible causes of the Salem witch trials, by Tim Sutter, 2000.
From
National Geographic, an online feature to accompany/enrich their 1997 print feature on the witchcraft craze of Salem, in 1692.
This illustrated site includes a few tidbits about the Salem Witch Trials. The bibliograpy and an "ask the expert" list of questions may be found via the pull-down menu. The online feature is meant to accompany/enrich the 1997 National Geographic print feature on the witchcraft craze of Salem, in 1692.
National Geographic online depiction of the Salem witch hysteria. An "interactive" feature.
Includes chronology; biographies of some of the key figures; legal documents including petitions, a death warrant, petitions for compensation; images; information on the play
The Crucible, bibliography and more links. Part of a larger "Famous Trials" website.
Age, sex, marital status and residence of the people accused of witchcraft in 1692 Salem.
Age, sex, marital status and residence of the "afflicted" - those who were supposedly the victims of the accused witches of Salem.
Original documents from the Salem 1692, presented by the Peabody Institute Library and the Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia.
