Salem witch photography is a topic that explores the visual documentation associated with the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692 in colonial Massachusetts. While photography as we know it did not exist during this time, the concept of capturing and preserving images of accused witches and their accusers can be examined in a broader sense. During the witch trials, those accused of practicing witchcraft were often brought before the court for questioning and examination. These proceedings included various methods to determine guilt or innocence, such as the touching of afflicted individuals by the accused or the presentation of spectral evidence. While there are no surviving photographs from this time, historians have relied on written accounts and illustrations to understand the events that unfolded. One notable example of visual documentation from the time is the "witch pins.

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Howard Pyle and Salem

Spring break week and I’m going nowhere, unfortunately. Yet I am actually content to have the extra time to catch up on a backlog of administrative and academic work, with the freedom to follow a few wandering trails as they come my way. Last night I was working out some of the details of the forthcoming symposium on the 325th anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials that my department is co-sponsoring (Salem’s Trials: Lessons and Legacy of 1692–June 10, said details to follow) when I came across one of my favorite illustrations by the golden-age illustrator Howard Pyle: A Wolf had not been Seen at Salem for Thirty Years. The “making of Witch City” is one of the topics that we will be examining at the symposium, so I wondered what role Pyle might have played in this evolution. And so symposium planning went by the wayside as I pulled up as many of his illustrators as possible: wolfs and witches, along with Puritans and Pirates, were some of Pyle’s favorite subjects. This was a pleasant diversion as I’ve always enjoyed Pyle’s work, and not altogether indulgent: he was of an era (coinciding with the decades on either side of the 2ooth anniversary of the Witch Trials) when the image of the Salem witch was imprinted in the public mind in both pictures and words, and that’s why many of the images below look so very familiar.

Salem images by Howard Pyle: title page of “The Salem Wolf”, Harpers Monthly Magazine, December 1909; “Arresting a Witch” and “Grany Greene falleth into ill repute”, Harpers New Monthly Magazine, December 1883; “A Flock of Yellow Birds abover her Head”, from Giles Corey, Yeoman, by Mary E. Wilkins, 1892; two illustrations from Dulcibel: a Tale of Old Salem by Henry Peterson, 1907; illustrations from Oliver Wendell Holmes’ The Broomstick Train, or the Return of the Witches, 1905 color edition.

October Resource of the Month: The Salem Witch Trials: Legal Resources

Happy Halloween! This month, we are featuring legal resources related to the Salem Witch Trials.

What is The Salem Witch Trials: Legal Resources?

The Salem Witch Trials: Legal Resources is a web exhibit that includes a select bibliography of law-related books, journal articles, databases, documents, archival resources, websites, and blog posts related to the 17th century witchcraft trials in Salem, Massachusetts. There is also a growing section on illustrated law books, art, movies, and other works related to the Salem Witch Trials.

According to one of these sources, in one of the earliest attempts at banning books, Governor William Phips tried to forbid publication of books related to the Salem witch trials. In October 1692, he explained in a letter to William Brathwayt(e) of the Privy Council:

“I have also put a stop to the printing of any discourses one way or another, that may increase the needless disputes of people upon this occasion, because I saw a likelihood of kindling an inextinguishable flame if I should admit any public and open contests.” (1)

Despite Governor Phips efforts, books, articles, and other works about, and interest in the Salem witchcraft trials, continue to the present day. The legal research opportunities (and challenges) abound, with many interdisciplinary and intersectional prongs. To support this ongoing interest, we created the Salem Witch Trials: Legal Resources web exhibit.

How do I access The Salem Witch Trials: Legal Resources?

This resource resides at the University of Chicago Library webpage. Choose the "Collections & Exhibits" drop-down menu, then the separate link for Web Exhibits. Or you can access directly through this link.

How do I use The Salem Witch Trials: Legal Resources?

The web exhibit is divided into two parts. The first section, "Related Resources", is a list of representative works in multiple formats (including some of the most widely owned books in U.S. libraries). It's a good place to search for possible starting points as well as what some might consider the best sources on the Salem Witch Trials generally, and specifically focused on related legal issues.

The second section, "The Salem Witch Trials: Illustrated" is a work in progress. That section includes picture books intended for a juvenile audience, for researchers interested in what children are learning about these trials (how current public opinion is being formed and the legal process conveyed), and as part of our special collection of illustrated law books. It will also feature special topics such the Salem Witch Trials through race, gender, and ethnicity lenses, beginning with illustrations of Tituba, an enslaved woman and one of the accused, who may have been Black or Native American.

If you have questions, please feel free to request a research consultation or contact us at Ask a Law Librarian.

(1) See Rebecca Beatrice Brooks. “Salem Witch Trials: Primary Sources.” History of Massachusetts Blog, July 7, 2018. Note that the author does not includes a footnote citation, so cite-checking needed to locate the Privy Council letter or Governor Phips' order related to banning books on the Salem Witch Trials.

The Salem Witch Trials (Blast Back!)

Get ready to blast back to the past and learn all about the Salem Witch Trials!

When people think about the Salem Witch Trials, things like witchcraft and the Puritans may come to mind. But what were the trials all about, and were people really practicing witchcraft? This engaging nonfiction book, complete with black and white interior illustrations, will make readers feel like they've traveled back in time. It covers everything from how the craze started to what happened at the trials, and more. Find out interesting, little-known facts such as how most of the accused were from outside of Salem, Massachusetts, and how even animals were accused of witchcraft! The unique details along with the clever and humorous interior illustrations make this series stand out from the competition.

One notable example of visual documentation from the time is the "witch pins." Pins were often used to physically mark those believed to be witches, a kind of visual identification. In some instances, these pins were also used during examinations or trials to demonstrate the presence or absence of witchcraft.

About the Author

Nancy Ohlin is the author of the Blast Back! series, the YA novels Always, Forever and Beauty, and the early chapter book series Greetings from Somewhere under the pseudonym Harper Paris. She lives in Ithaca, New York, with her husband, their two kids, four cats, and assorted animals who happen to show up at their door. Visit her online at nancyohlin.com.

Roger Simó is a children's book illustrator whose passion for illustration began as a kid when he would spend his school days doodling in the margins of his books. He lives in Barcelona with his wife, son, and greyhound named Duna.

These pins can be seen as a kind of visual representation of the belief in witchcraft and the physical branding of those accused. In recent years, artists and historians have explored the concept of Salem witch photography through contemporary artwork. These projects aim to capture the essence of the witch trials and the emotions and experiences of those involved. By using photography as a medium, artists can explore the themes of accusation, fear, and judgment that surrounded the events in Salem. While Salem witch photography may not refer to traditional photographs taken during the trials themselves, the term allows for a broader exploration of the visual aspects of this dark chapter in history. Through the examination of historical illustrations, physical markers, and contemporary artwork, we can gain a deeper understanding of the visual documentation and its implications in the context of the Salem witch trials..

Reviews for "From Persecution to Preservation: The Journey of Salem Witch Photography"

1. John Doe - 1 star - I was really excited to visit the Salem witch photography exhibit, but I left feeling extremely disappointed. The whole concept seemed so intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The photographs felt cheaply made and did not capture the haunting essence that I was expecting. I found myself bored and unimpressed with the images, and I could have easily just Googled some stock photos and gotten the same experience. Overall, I do not recommend this exhibit to anyone looking for an authentic and engaging depiction of the Salem witch trials.

2. Jane Smith - 2 stars - While I appreciate the effort put into the Salem witch photography exhibit, I found it to be underwhelming and unoriginal. The photographs lacked depth and emotion, making it difficult to connect with the subject matter. Additionally, the choice of settings and costumes felt cliché and stereotypical, leading to a lack of authenticity. I was hoping for a more thought-provoking and immersive experience, but unfortunately, this exhibit fell short of my expectations. I would recommend exploring alternative interpretations of the Salem witch trials instead of wasting your time and money on this mediocre photography exhibit.

3. Robert Johnson - 1 star - I regret visiting the Salem witch photography exhibit. The photographs were nothing more than amateurish attempts at capturing the supposed essence of the witch trials. The lighting was poor, and the composition lacked creativity. It felt like the photographer had a basic understanding of photography but failed to deliver on anything substantial or meaningful. Overall, the exhibit was a disappointment, and I would advise others to look for more compelling and well-executed depictions of this historical event elsewhere.

4. Emily Thompson - 2 stars - The Salem witch photography exhibit was a letdown for me. The images lacked the eerie atmosphere that one would expect when exploring the dark history of the witch trials. Instead, the photographs felt staged and superficial, with little attention paid to capturing the emotions and struggles of those involved. The lack of authenticity made it difficult for me to engage with the exhibit and left me feeling disconnected from the subject matter. I believe there are better ways to learn about and experience the Salem witch trials than through this mediocre photography exhibit.

5. Sarah Brown - 1 star - I was highly disappointed with the Salem witch photography exhibit. The images were poorly composed and lacked any significant impact. It seemed as though the photographer simply posed people in outdated costumes without delving into the true historical context of the witch trials. The lack of attention to detail was evident, and it felt more like a cheesy tourist attraction rather than a meaningful exploration of a dark period in history. Save your time and money and seek out more authentic and well-executed exhibits instead.

The Influence of Iconography on Salem Witch Photography