SPONSORED CONTENT
The Salem Witch Museum has long been a cornerstone of Salem’s tourism and cultural landscape. Since its opening in 1972, it has helped generations of visitors understand the history behind the infamous Salem witch trials and explore the evolution of society’s perceptions of witchcraft (they celebrated 50 years in 2022!). As one of the city’s most visited attractions, the museum continues to expand its educational offerings and provide new ways for visitors to connect with this complex chapter of history.
Today, visitors to the Salem Witch Museum can experience a new addition to the museum’s second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions. A newly installed artifact case features rare and historically significant works from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries—offering a fascinating glimpse into how witchcraft was viewed, debated, and challenged across time.
Spotlight on the New Case
The centerpiece of this update is a carefully curated display of four original books:
Malleus Maleficarum (1600 edition)
Perhaps the most infamous witch-hunting manual ever published, the Malleus Maleficarum fueled centuries of witch persecutions across Europe. For nearly two centuries, it was second only to the Bible in terms of sales, spreading fear and misinformation that led to countless accusations and trials.
De Praestigiis Daemonum (1586 edition)
Written by physician Johann Weyer, this work marked one of the first major scholarly critiques of witch trials. Weyer argued against the persecution of alleged witches, offering a rational and compassionate perspective that stood in stark contrast to the hysteria of the time.The Secrets of the Invisible World Disclos’d (1729)
This volume, written under the pseudonym Andrew Morton by Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe, pushed back against skepticism of the supernatural. Rather than dismissing spirits, angels, and unseen forces, Defoe argues they do exist – just not always in the ways we imagine.
More Wonders of the Invisible World (1796)
Robert Calef’s powerful rebuttal to the Salem witch trials, More Wonders of the Invisible World, stands as an early work of American skepticism. His critiques helped reshape the way future generations would understand and judge the events of 1692.
Each book in the display offers a unique perspective on the changing views of witchcraft, justice, and society, providing important context for understanding both the historical and cultural impact of witch trials in Europe and colonial America.
Behind the Scenes: Years in the Making
The unveiling of this new artifact case represents the culmination of a long-term project. In 2018, the museum acquired the rare 1600 edition of the Malleus Maleficarum and began expanding its collection with the goal of creating this new installation. The project reflects the Salem Witch Museum’s ongoing dedication to historical scholarship, artifact preservation, and public education.
Visitors to the exhibit not only gain insight into the hysteria and fear that drove the witch trials but also witness the early voices of reason that questioned and ultimately helped dismantle those dangerous beliefs.
Plan Your Visit
The Salem Witch Museum is located at 19 ½ Washington Square North and welcomes visitors year-round. Tickets can be reserved online at salemwitchmuseum.com. While walk-in tickets are available, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak travel times.
Visiting during Salem’s Fall season — particularly October — offers a lively and festive atmosphere, but it also means larger crowds and longer wait times. For those seeking a quieter, more contemplative experience, visiting during Winter, Spring, or Summer offers easier access to exhibits and a more relaxed pace.
Whether you’re visiting during the bustling Haunted Happenings season or the quieter months, the Salem Witch Museum continues to offer an immersive and thought-provoking look at the cultural forces that shaped history—and continue to capture imaginations today.
Tags: artifacts, Modern Witch, research, Salem Witch Museum, Witch History, Witch Trials, witchcraft texts
