October 30, 2024
As Halloween approaches, images of broom-riding witches are everywhere. You’ll probably even have at least one trick-or-treater in a pointy hat knocking at your door. Growing up, Bewitched was one of my favorite shows, and dressing up as a witch was my go-to costume. But it wasn’t until the episode where Samantha is sent back to 17th century Salem that I learned about the Salem Witch Trials—and realized that being labeled a witch was once a life-or-death situation.
In January 1692, Reverend Samuel Parris’s young daughter and niece began experiencing strange fits. A local doctor, unable to diagnose them, declared they were bewitched. Under pressure from local magistrates, the girls accused three women of afflicting them, and the infamous witch hunt began. Fear and paranoia spread quickly, and accusations escalated. More than 200 men, women, and children were eventually accused and jailed for witchcraft, a crime that carried a death sentence. Nineteen people were hanged, and one was pressed to death.
Despite this dark period in the history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, an unprecedented number of records were created that have survived to this day. It’s rare to find such detailed original records from that era, often written by the people involved. If your ancestors lived in Salem or nearby during this time, they may have been affected.
The Midwest Genealogy Center has many resources to help you discover more about your ancestors or learn about the Salem Witch Trials. One valuable resource is The Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt, edited by Bernard Rosenthall. This comprehensive book transcribes legal documents from the trials, arranged in chronological order, with historical, linguistic, and legal introductions, along with a thorough index. We have a reference copy at MGC, and you can also borrow a circulating copy from another MCPL branch. And, of course, our staff is always here to guide you in your search!
Jayme
Midwest Genealogy Center
