Witch ancestry database is a term used to refer to the collection of information on the lineage and genealogy of individuals who were accused or suspected of being witches, or identified as such in historical records. This database aims to document and track the history and origins of individuals who may have been involved in witchcraft or witch trials. The witch ancestry database can include various types of information such as names, dates of birth and death, locations, and any other relevant details about the witches and their families. This information is usually compiled from historical records, including trial documents, court records, and other related sources. By creating a witch ancestry database, researchers and historians can gain a deeper understanding of the history and impact of witchcraft trials. It allows for the tracing of connections between different accused witches and their potential family ties.
In 1692, in the small village of Salem (now Danvers), Massachusetts, 19 people were tried and executed for witchcraft. Soon after, mass hysteria broke out among the Puritan population of New England. Although the number of persons accused of witchcraft in Salem Village itself was small, over 200 accusations occurred during the time period overall. This count included several African-Americans, as well as a Native American. Men and women alike in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia were accused and brought to trial for practicing black magic.
Its extraordinary collections tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures. NEHGS genealogists, archivists, and librarians are available to assist patrons with their research inquiries and provide orientations to the library collections.
It allows for the tracing of connections between different accused witches and their potential family ties. This database can also help shed light on the social, cultural, and political context of witch hunts and the individuals involved. One example of a witch ancestry database is the Salem Witch Trials Genealogy Project, which aims to identify the family connections and relationships of the accused witches during the Salem witch trials in colonial Massachusetts.
Descendants
Each year our museum is visited by hundreds of individuals who can trace their ancestry to the Salem witch trials. The New England Historic Genealogical Society estimates there are 15 million people who can make these connections, and with the advent of ancestry.com and other family research options, more and more people are learning about their history.
We offer resources for further research, including:
Descendant Packets which contain information and resources for 28 individuals who were involved in the events of 1692. More packets are currently being researched and written. Each packet contains: A biography; A list of related locations; A list of related reading; Information on related court documents; Additional descendant information (where available); A genealogical resource list; A descendant questionnaire.
Our Witch Trials Online Sites Tour allows you to view sites related to the 1692 Salem witch trials, in Essex and Middlesex counties, plus the greater Boston area. Select a town or city to learn about relevant locations and to view pictures. Included are original houses, foundations, grave sites, historical markers, and approximate locations of homes that are no longer standing.
Our museum bookstore also offers several books written by authors descended from people related to the Salem witch trials, among them: Emerson Baker, descendant of Roger Toothaker and author of A Storm of Witchcraft; Mary Beth Norton, descendant of Mary Bradbury and author of In the Devil’s Snare; and Kathleen Kent, descendant of Martha Carrier and author of The Heretic’s Daughter and A Traitor’s Wife.
A selection of digitized Salem witch trials documents can be found on the Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project website.
The most complete compilation of records regarding the 1692 witch trials is Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt, edited by Bernard Rosenthal.
Additional useful genealogy resources include:
“We are located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, and are America’s leading research center for genealogists of every skill level. Visitors have access to millions of documents, manuscripts, records, books, microfilms, photographs, artifacts, electronic resources, and other items that preserve and reveal our nation’s history. NEHGS genealogists, archivists, and librarians are available to assist patrons with their research inquiries and provide orientations to the library collections.”
“Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is an invaluable resource for American history, life, and culture. Its extraordinary collections tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures.”
Descendant Packets which contain information and resources for 28 individuals who were involved in the events of 1692. More packets are currently being researched and written. Each packet contains: A biography; A list of related locations; A list of related reading; Information on related court documents; Additional descendant information (where available); A genealogical resource list; A descendant questionnaire.
This project collects and analyzes information from various historical sources, including birth, marriage, and death records, as well as court documents. The witch ancestry database can be a valuable resource for researchers, genealogists, and anyone interested in understanding the history of witchcraft trials and their impact on society. It allows for the exploration of family histories and connections, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the individuals involved in these historical events. Additionally, it can help dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding witch trials and provide a more accurate portrayal of the people who were accused and persecuted..
Reviews for "Embracing Your Inner Witch: Uncovering Your Witch Ancestry with the Witch Ancestry Database"
1. Jessica - 1 star
I was really excited to try out the "Witch Ancestry Database" as I have always been fascinated with my family history and possible connections to witchcraft. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed with this website. Not only was the interface outdated and difficult to navigate, but the information provided was vague and inconsistent. There were no sources or references provided, making it difficult to trust the accuracy of the information given. Overall, I found this database to be a waste of time and money.
2. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the "Witch Ancestry Database" but was left underwhelmed by the lack of depth and variety in the information provided. The website claimed to have an extensive collection of witch ancestry records, but I found that the database was limited in scope and did not include many well-known historical figures or regions. Additionally, the search functionality was not user-friendly, and it was difficult to filter the results effectively. Overall, I believe there are better alternatives out there for those interested in exploring their witch ancestry.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
As someone who is deeply passionate about genealogy and witchcraft, I was excited to discover the "Witch Ancestry Database." However, my excitement quickly turned to frustration once I started using the website. The information provided was very basic and lacked the depth and detail that I was expecting. Additionally, there were no features for connecting with other users or sharing research, making the experience quite isolating. I would not recommend this database to serious researchers of witch ancestry as it falls short in many aspects.
4. Michael - 1 star
The "Witch Ancestry Database" is a complete disappointment. Not only is the website poorly designed, but the information provided is inadequate and lacks any form of verification. The lack of sources and references made it difficult to trust the accuracy of the data, and the search functionality was clunky and unreliable. It's clear that this database was not developed with a serious researcher in mind. Save your time and money and look elsewhere for reliable witch ancestry information.
5. Emily - 2 stars
I decided to give the "Witch Ancestry Database" a try, hoping to uncover some interesting connections to my witch ancestors. However, I found the database to be quite superficial and lacking in historical context. Many of the records were simply listings of names with no additional information or context provided, making it difficult to fully understand the significance of the findings. While this database may be suitable for those seeking a basic overview of witch ancestry, it fell short of my expectations for in-depth research.