Inside the Devil Inside Salem Witch Museum The Salem Witch Museum, located in Salem, Massachusetts, is a popular tourist attraction that seeks to educate visitors about the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. The museum is housed in a historic building and boasts a variety of exhibits and displays that delve into the dark and haunting history of the witch trials. Upon entering the museum, visitors are transported back in time to the Puritan era of the late 17th century. The dimly lit hallways and eerie atmosphere set the stage for a chilling and thought-provoking experience. One of the most intriguing aspects of the museum is the section that focuses on the role of the Devil in the witch trials. Inside the Devil exhibit, visitors are confronted with displays and artifacts that depict the widespread belief in witchcraft and the Devil's involvement.
Inside the Devil exhibit, visitors are confronted with displays and artifacts that depict the widespread belief in witchcraft and the Devil's involvement. The exhibit explores the prevailing religious beliefs of the time, where Puritans saw the Devil as an ever-present force seeking to corrupt and destroy their community. The museum presents detailed accounts of the accusations made against individuals suspected of practicing witchcraft.
The Salem Witch Trials 1692
With October just around the corner, Halloween and Salem Massachusetts often comes to mind. The city of Salem Massachusetts has a global perception for being a town of Halloween and witch related festivities. Part of this perception is tied to the Salem Haunted Happenings celebration that takes place here in Salem Massachusetts every October. This year will be the 40th anniversary of the fun and festive celebration. These celebrations are full of joy and togetherness, but it is also important to understand the history that comes along with the discussion of the Witch Trials and the October season. Take a moment to read the brief history below to deepen your understanding of Salem Massachusetts and what happened here in 1692.
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692
In January of 1692, the daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris of Salem Village became ill. William Griggs, the village doctor, was called in when they failed to improve. His diagnosis of bewitchment put into motion the forces that would ultimately result in the hanging deaths of 19 men and women. In addition one man was pressed to death; several others died in prison, and the lives of many were irrevocably changed.
Time Period Of The Salem Witch Trials
To understand the events of the Salem Witch Trials, it is necessary to examine the times in which accusations of witchcraft occurred. There were the ordinary stresses of 17th-century life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. A strong belief in the devil, factions among Salem Village families and rivalry with nearby Salem Town combined with a recent smallpox epidemic and the threat of attack by warring tribes created a fertile ground for fear and suspicion. Soon, prisons were filled with more than 150 men and women from towns surrounding Salem; their names had been “cried out” by tormented young girls as the cause of their pain. All would await trial for a crime punishable by death in 17th-century New England – the practice of witchcraft.
Historical Background of the Witch Trials
In June of 1692, the special Court of Oyer (to hear) and Terminer (to decide) sat in Salem to hear the cases of witchcraft. Presided over by Chief Justice William Stoughton, the court was made up of magistrates and jurors. The first to be tried was Bridget Bishop of Salem who was found guilty and was hanged on June 10. Thirteen women and five men from all stations of life followed her to the gallows on three successive hanging days before the court was disbanded by Governor William Phipps in October of that year. The Superior Court of Judicature, formed to replace the “witchcraft” court, did not allow spectral evidence. This belief in the power of the accused to use their invisible shapes or spectres to torture their victims had sealed the fates of those tried by the Court of Oyer and Terminer. The new court released those awaiting trial and pardoned those awaiting execution. In effect, the Salem Witch Trials were over.
As years passed, apologies were offered and restitution was made to the victims’ families. Historians and sociologists have examined this most complex episode in our history so that we may understand the issues of that era and view subsequent events with heightened awareness. The parallels between the Salem Witch Trials and more modern examples of “witch hunting” like the McCarthy hearings of the 1950’s, are remarkable.
How to Learn More Today
Salem Massachusetts to this day is still filled with a plethora of resources surrounding the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Guests and residents alike can engage with local organizations that have put time and hard work into compiling resources surrounding the events that took place. The Salem Witch Museum has a wonderful timeline inside of their museum that lists out the history of what it means to be a witch, from its origins to current time. For visual learners, History Alive offers their Cry Innocent show which puts the audience in the seat of the jury during the trial of Bridget Bishop in 1692. The Peabody Essex Museum is another wonderful institution here in Salem Massachusetts that houses primary documents from the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. There are many more businesses and organizations around town that give background on the Salem Witch Trials that can be found listed on our Museums & Attractions tab here on our Haunted Happenings site. We hope that this knowledge helps you to engage with our historic city in a meaningful way connecting you to our past, and allowing you to better understand and appreciate the current day Salem Massachusetts.
Related Posts
- Sonesta Select Boston Danvers Welcomes Guests Year-Round in Old “Salem Village”
- Hocus Pocus Filming Locations, and the 30th Anniversary Celebration
- Halloween on the Hill Guarantees a Frighteningly- Fun Adventure for all Families
- History comes alive this October in Salem, MA
- Mayor’s Night Out – Fun For The Whole Family
What would Sarah and Peter Cloyce think of the image of witches used to celebrate Halloween in the twentieth century?!
Visitors can read actual trial transcripts, witness testimonies, and other primary sources that offer a glimpse into the hysteria and fear that gripped Salem during this dark period. The Devil Inside exhibit also sheds light on the various ways in which people were believed to have made deals with the Devil. Visitors can learn about the supposed signs of witchcraft, such as spectral evidence and the presence of familiar spirits. The museum also explores the methods used to identify witches, including the infamous "touch test," where a witch would supposedly leave a mark on her accuser. Aside from the historical context, the Salem Witch Museum also aims to challenge visitors' perspectives and create a space for reflection. Through thought-provoking displays, the museum invites visitors to consider the role of fear, prejudice, and groupthink in the events that unfolded during the witch trials. By presenting the stories of those accused of witchcraft, the museum humanizes individuals who were caught up in a wave of hysteria and paranoia. Overall, a visit to the Devil Inside exhibit at the Salem Witch Museum offers a captivating and educational experience into the dark history of the witch trials. It prompts visitors to contemplate the dangers of unchecked beliefs, the consequences of mass hysteria, and the enduring legacy of one of America's most infamous episodes of injustice..
Reviews for "Behind the Scenes of the Salem Witch Museum: The Making of a Haunting Attraction"
- John - ☆☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with my visit to "Inside Devil Inside Salem Witch Museum". The museum was poorly organized and lacked any kind of coherent narrative. The exhibits were poorly displayed and some were even broken. It felt more like a random collection of artifacts rather than a proper museum. I left feeling like I wasted my money and time.
- Sarah - ☆☆☆
I had high expectations for "Inside Devil Inside Salem Witch Museum" but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The information provided in the exhibits was superficial and lacking in depth. The museum felt cramped and overcrowded, making it difficult to fully appreciate the displays. Additionally, the audio commentary was hard to hear and understand, further detracting from the experience. Overall, I was not impressed and would not recommend a visit to this museum.
- Michael - ☆☆
"Inside Devil Inside Salem Witch Museum" was a disappointment. The museum was poorly maintained, with many exhibits showing signs of wear and tear. The staff was unhelpful and seemed disinterested in providing any information or assistance. The whole experience felt lackluster and left me wanting more. I would not recommend this museum to anyone looking for a meaningful and engaging exploration of the Salem witch trials.