The Salem Witch Trials

Afflicted and the Accused The "afflicted" were those supposedly "possessed" and "tormented"; it was they who accused or "cried out" the names of those who were supposedly possessing them.

Tituba Tituba, from Barbados, was Reverend Samuel Parris' slave. Her documented role in the witch trials includes arrest and confession of witchcraft on March 1, 1692. Her influence on the afflicted girls' behavior is unclear.

Women vs. Men Men were accused as well. Five men were convicted and hanged, and one man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to cooperate with the court.

The Executed (hung) Bridget Bishop George Burroughs Martha Carrier Martha Corey Mary Easty Sarah Good Elizabeth Howe George Jacobs, Sr. Susannah Martin Rebecca Nurse Alice Parker Mary Parker John Proctor Ann Pudeator Wilmott Redd Margaret Scott Samuel Wardwell Sarah Wildes John Willard

Where are the Victims Buried? This question remains unanswered. Because of the nature of their alleged crime, victims were not allowed to be buried in consecrated ground. Tradition has it that families came to Gallows Hill to claim their relatives and buried their bodies privately. A memorial honoring the victims of the witch trials was built in Salem in 1992.

The Burying Point The Burying Point is the oldest burying ground in Salem, Massachusetts . It dates back to 1637.

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial The Memorial consists of 20 granite benches cantilevered from a low stone wall surrounding an area adjoining the Old Burying Point. The benches are inscribed with the name of the accused and the means and date of execution.

"I am no witch. I am innocent. I know nothing of it."

"I have no hand in witchcraft."

“Oh Lord, help me. It is false. I am clear “Oh Lord, help me! It is false. I am clear. For my life now lies in your hands…”