Salem Witch Trials
June 2, 2006 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Things to See & Do
June 2nd, 1692, is generally recognized as the commencing of the Salem Witch Trials.
Hindsight tells us that, despite the rampant hysteria running through the community at the time, none of these people (mostly women) were witches. Fear does crazy things to people.
Salem, rather than denying it, or trying to distance itself from its less tolerant era, has embraced the trials, and has turned witchcraft into a sort of cottage industry.
You can visit the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Witch House, or the Salem Witch Village.
While this is not my particular cup of tea, having skipped all of the witch-themed attractions on my last visit to Salem, other people have commented that it was kind of fun to do ““ once.
Just walking around and soaking in the local color and ambiance was good enough for me.
You decide for yourself.
Photo credit: flickr
A short walk from all the witch stuff in Salem is theh Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Operated by the National Park Service, this includes a museum and several restored homes, and the Custom House. Salem was a major port at one time.
I had completely forgotten about that museum. I remember walking through that area, and looking at some of the info. I seem to recall a bunch of stuff about the whaling industry as well.
I’m going to have to look through my photos and notes and see if that jogs my memory a little more.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/djdawson/67001474/
I stumbled on your site, and want to say thank you for using my photograph! And, I’ve bookmarked your site for future travel reference.
Thanks!