In 1692, 14 women and 6 men were accused of being witches, were tried, convicted, and executed. Executions took place on June 10, July 19, August 19, September 19 and September 22, 1692. To this day, the events of 1692 are used as a yardstick to measure the depth of civility and due process in our society.
The Witch Trials Memorial was dedicated by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel in August 1992 as part of the Salem Witch Trials TerCentenary. The design was selected in a international competition that received 246 entries. The winning design by Maggie Smith and James Cutler was inspired by the Vietnam Memorial.
The Memorial consists of 20 granite benches cantilevered from a low stone wall surrounding an area adjoining the Old Burying Point. The benches are inscribed with the name of the accused and the means and date of execution.
Hanged June 10, 1692
“I am no witch.
I am innocent.
I know nothing of it.”
Hanged July 19, 1692
Hanged July 19, 1692
Elizabeth Howe
“If it was the last moment I was to live, God knows I am innocent…”
Hanged July 19, 1692
Susannah Martin
“I have no hand in witchcraft.”
Hanged July 19, 1692
Hanged July 19, 1692
“Oh Lord, help me! It is false. I am clear. For my life now lies in your hands….”
Hanged August 19, 1692
Hanged August 19, 1692
Hanged August 19, 1692
Hanged August 19, 1692
Hanged August 19, 1692
Pressed to death September 19, 1692
Hanged September 22 1692
Martha Corey
“Ye are all against me…”
Hanged September 22 1692
Mary Easty
“If it be possible no more innocent
blood be shed…
…I am clear of this sin.”
Hanged September 22 1692
Hanged September 22 1692
Hanged September 22 1692
Hanged September 22 1692
Hanged September 22 1692
Hanged September 22 1692