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
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,
this page online
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: Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Colonial Era • Law Enforcement. 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. Marker 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.
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 (within shouting
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 29, 2015
2. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 885 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
