Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 29, 2015

1. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial Marker

Inscription.
In 1692, nearly two hundred people in the Salem area were accused of witchcraft, then considered a crime. Twenty of the accused were tried and executed – victims of fear, superstition, and a court system that failed to protect them.

This memorial was created to honor the memory of these twenty victims and to remind us of the enduring lessons of human rights learned from the tragedy of the witch trials. It was designed by architect Jim Cutler and artist Maggie Smith and dedicated in 1992 by Elie Wiesel.

Every year the Salem Award for Human Rights and Social Justice is given to an individual or organization that speaks out and takes action for human rights and social justice. The first award was presented to GregAlan Williams at the 1992 dedication.

Only if we remember will we be worthy of redemption. – Elie Weisel

Sidebar:
In Remembrance
Hanged, June 10, 1692
Bridget Bishop, Salem

Hanged, July 19, 1692
Sarah Good, Salem Village • Rebecca Nurse, Salem Village • Susannah Martin, Amesbury • Elizabeth Howe, Ipswich • Sarah Wildes, Topsfield

Hanged, August 19, 1692
George Burroughs, Wells, Maine • John Proctor, Salem Village • John Willard, Salem Village • George Jacobs, Andover • Martha Carrier, Andover

Pressed,

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September 19, 1692
Giles Corey, Salem Farms

Hanged, September 22, 1692
Martha Corey, Salem Farms • Mary Easty, Topsfield • Alice Parker, Salem • Ann Pudeator, Salem • Margaret Scott, Rowley • Wilmot Redd, Marblehead • Mary Parker, Andover

Captions:
Please treat this sacred space, its walls and walkways, with respect and care.
Photos: Tina Koutsos-Jordan & Carolyn McGuire

Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Colonial Era • Law Enforcement • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is June 10, 1684.

Location. 42° 31.257′ N, 70° 53.501′ W. Marker is in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It can be reached from Charter Street. The entrance to the memorial and marker is near 39 Charter Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salem MA 01970, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and memorial is on Massachusetts’ North Shore,

in Greater Boston,

and in the Merrimack Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Salem Witch Trials Memorial (here, next to this marker); Yin Yu Tang A Chinese Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Charter Street Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Burying Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Graves of Greatest Historical Intrest

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 29, 2015

2. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Nathaniel H. Felt (within shouting distance of this marker); Richard More (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); East India Marine Hall (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Other markers no longer nearby. This Ground (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named The Burying Point (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).