Salem Witch Trials Memorial

A beautiful and powerful place of reflection. The Witch Trial Memorial is simple yet incredibly moving — a quiet space that honors the innocent lives lost during the 1692 witch trials. The stone benches engraved with each victim’s name create such a heavy emotional impact, especially when you realize how close it is to the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It’s not flashy or touristy, and that’s what makes it so meaningful. The atmosphere is peaceful and somber, and it really encourages you to pause and reflect on what happened here centuries ago. If you’re visiting Salem, make sure to stop by. It’s a short visit, but one that stays with you long after you leave. A beautiful and respectful tribute — five stars.

Probably one of my favorite experiences of this whole trip. It was really sobering to be in the spot of remembrance for these people who were killed because of hysteria and groupthink and intolerance. Brought pennies all the way from Seattle to leave one of each of their markers It was amazing to see others then felt the same way that I did. It was beautiful and moving

When I was going there I knew it was going to be more of an attraction than coming to see a part of American history. This place is very special and I hope it is honored. As I did wander through the streets My eyes weren't focused on the books as much as the architecture around there I must say it was beautiful. Well I'm really grateful for is that you do see the respect from a lot of people not touching the offerings. I was so excited to go there and I'll be frankly honest with you it lived up to it the whole town everything. What I think would be peaceful is a 5:00 a.m. cup of coffee walk no people no stores just the history the architecture the pride in a build in a fear of injustice.

Wonderful place to come. It’s a free tour but you’ve got to get your pass online. So much history in one area.

My family was taking a vacation visiting all the new England states. Of course we had to have Salem on the list of places to check out. We have always wanted to visit this town because of the history of it. The witch trials memorial was cool but also very surreal. Reading about this, and actually seeing the memorials of people who were killed and also having it listed on how they died was an eye-opener. There were a lot of people visiting the memorial and people are leaving little keepsake’s on the benches where the memorials were. The memorials are right next to a cemetery that has to be probably the oldest one I’ve ever seen. Definitely need to check this place out if you’re in town. This is one of the few places you do not need to book reservations for first.

Interesting stop along your journey through Salem These are just a few of the the benches dedicated to the people persecuted for being a witch Most were hung and one crushed to death from "spectral evidence" Let me help in case you've never heard of such a thing like I hadn't Google says, Spectral evidence is testimony based on dreams, visions, or apparitions, where a witness claims the spirit or "specter" of an accused person appeared to them and caused harm, even when the accused was physically elsewhere. It was notably accepted during the Salem Witch Trials in the late 17th century, reflecting the Puritan belief that malevolent spirits could project themselves to torment others, but it was later condemned as unreliable and dangerous. What it entails: Apparitions: Accusers reported seeing the specter of a witch, sometimes in human or animal form, that would pinch, bite, or choke them. Dreams and Visions: The evidence often came from victims experiencing visions or dreams where the spirit of the accused person tormented them. Spiritual Projection: The underlying belief was that witches, through a pact with the Devil, could project their spirit to harm others from a distance, while their physical body remained in a different location

Its very humbling to have people not forgotten. The memorial is definatly being honored and the names kept alive of those that were mistakenly accused and lost their lives. The fact thousands of people visit and take their time to view each name and some even dropping flowers in their memory really does feel as if they wont ever be forgotten. The graveyard also very full with visitors look & talking about those who are no longer with us and there is just a buzz in the air for those that could have been forgotten being remembered.

Lots of walking. Great history. Nice quaint town. Some shops and eatery are expensive I have no complaints.

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial was definitely on our list of things to check out while in Salem and I'm so glad we did. So much history and emotions when wondering this self guided area that you can take your time walking through. There are stone ledges for each person who was accused and killed because of witchcraft. Each stone ledge lists their name, the date they passed away and how. I liked seeing the flowers and offerings on each stone ledge - it gave the feeling that these people have never been forgotten about even after all of these years. There is also a cemetery all around the memorial site as well as the Samuel Pickman House. If you know about the history of Salem or are interested in learning more, I would highly suggest visiting the Memorial and paying your respects.

This is a nice touch added to the history to salem and I appreciate it very much I just wish as all tourist they would respect these things and not place trash or even sit on it. Respect others things!!!

Nice history of Salem Witch Trials and samuel Pickman and Charter Street Cemetery. Bring your witch hats and dress in black.

Probably one of my favorite experiences of this whole trip. It was really sobering to be in the spot of remembrance for these people who were killed because of hysteria and groupthink and intolerance. Brought pennies all the way from Seattle to leave one of each of their markers It was amazing to see others then felt the same way that I did. It was beautiful and moving

While in Salem Massachusetts we found the Witchcraft Victims Monument in Danvers MA. There is no signage directing you towards the village when it was over played Noël Teel & I visited while Tony helped the baby! Tony Vanoy Lisa Diane Boyce-Vanoy Dale Lisa Vanoy

Learning the history of the Salem Witch Trials, it's sad to hear that people were being mis-trialed for supposed witchcraft. 19 of them that were found guilty were hanged, and this area memorialized the lost of their life. Walking through the memorial was a nice way to pay tribute to the lives that were lost during the witch trials.

I had some time after deep informational diving at the Salem Witch Museum, so there was the Salem Witch Trials memorial nearby. It was a solemn reminder of some of the women who have died during these perilous times. I'm not too sure if they were interred on these grounds, but there was a cemetery on site that made it like they were. There were also stone monuments that had engravings on them that had the person's name, time of birth, and their time of death. It was truly a beautiful yet sad place to be since it pays tribute to those who have died innocently just because they were accused of being a witch by the Catholic Church in the 1800's. The memorial was built as a reminder for all those who visit that these are people who were killed unfortunately just because they were just there and wrongly convicted and killed just because of alleged witchcraft and other alleged acts. My time here was brief, spending probably 30 minutes here walking slowly behind others to see all the markers around a small loop. It was interesting to see others laughing and talking while in this solemn place, but I don't know if they know the truth about this place and how the remembrance of these people who have died 200 years ago really means anything to them. For the most part though, it was a dark chapter in the history of the United States of America. Still, it was a nice memorial to commemorate those lives that Were lost in the struggles of the day. A foregone era that should never be forgotten. I believe there was at least 8 memorials around that small loop, if not more, along with the cemetery in the middle of the loop. The ambiance was generally quiet but there was a few people who were talking and children who were laughing that day that broke the silence of it all. The overall experience here at the Salem Witch Trials memorial was profound, educational while enlightening and emotional. It was in an outside area next to the Salem Witch museum and there was plenty of people around. Maybe I was there during an event, but it was a memorial and lot of people around me seemed to be a tourist and not grasp the full extent and scope of the memorial, but then again, that's me. The area itself was clean and there was waste disposal receptacles nearby for those who need to dispose trash. There wasn't any security guards though, which was interesting. It was just an open public memorial to pay tribute to those who died being falsely accused of practicing witchcraft and other falsehoods. Maybe a few were really witches, but a large part of the society were falsely accused, and that isn't okay. For myself though, the enjoyment was good and felt a connection with the individual memorials and my knowledge of the Salem Witch Trails. It helped bridge what I know and what I see here on the grounds of Salem, Massachusetts. And so, if you are looking to see the Salem Witch Trails memorial, come with a sense of remembrance since it's a memorial after all. It's a peaceful place that can be touristy, but also a place of reflection too. If you are going, be respectful. The Salem Witch Trails memorial is located next to the Salem Witch museum in beautiful Salem, Massachusetts. It's physically located at 24 Liberty Street in Salem. Since this is an outdoor memorial, there is no admission charged to enter, which is a good thing. As far as parking goes, you'd need to find street parking where available or maybe private garage parking if there is one nearby. For me though, I used uber both sides and it was good. There was a big festival that was happening at the time, so there was a lot of people there walking around. Not sure about whether or not Salem, Massachusetts has its own public transportation system or whether it's connected to Boston's public transportation system. But if you do visit the area and this memorial, consider visiting the Salem Witch museum also to complement the visit. You may want to try to visit during October and see the festival that I mentioned. If you don't want the crowds, visit the town maybe early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds. However you come, it's a special place that will help you understand what Happened during the Salem Witch Trials. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! A+

The memorial is moving, sad that it doesn't have more of a central focus in Salem instead of the Samantha/Bewitched statue, kitschy new age "witch" stores, and the big Halloween bash that Salem is known for. All good for "business", but built on the legacy of real people who suffered and died during the witchcraft hysteria, and I say this as someone with a distant though personal connection to it. I'm a direct descendant of Joseph Herrick, the chief constable in Salem at the time of the witch trials. As such, he participated in the arrest of the accused and later brought brought them to their place of execution. At one point he began to doubt the charges and signed a petition with others asking for the release of those still incarcerated, which the magistrates denied. Interestingly one of my oldest friends is a direct descendant of Rebecca Nurse, so it's very likely that my ancestor arrested her ancestor and took her to trial and her execution, and here we are, friends over 300 years later, still connected to the trials and talking about them.

I heard about the trials a little. I didnt know everything untill my fiance, his friend and I came to Salem to learn more about the witch trials, we did the tour and I learned so much, my heart broke for everyone that was accused of being a witch. I give kudos to the guy who was crushed by the rocks for not saying yay or nay for the sake of his family future. Only thing he said was, more rocks.

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a small enclosure that serves as a tribute to those who were sentenced to death during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. The memorial sits in the main commercial hub of Salem close to several other points of interest. I had just finished breakfast and decided to check it out during my explorations of the city. The memorial is comprised of small "benches" spread throughout a rectangle - each bench bears the name of someone who passed during the trials and the date of their death. Each bench also has flowers and other objects placed there by people who paid their respects. Another notable feature are stone pillars at the foot of the memorial with a credo carved into it. The entire experience was very sobering - even though it's a relatively small memorial, it puts things into perspective and provides a vast window into the history of what happened in Salem. It's definitely worth stopping by during your explorations.

You have to visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial to experience the profound powerful and at times haunting energy. The Memorial provides an encircled area that allows deep reflection on Salem's history, injustice, and the resilience of its human spirits. Depending on the time you visit, who you visit with or even or decides to join you unknowingly, this area can seem enlightening, empowering or completely dark and overbearing. Many visitors feel a sense of calm connecting energy and some leave crying. I totally was a crier and couldn't hold back from the moment I left the circle and crossed over their engraved last words and remarks on the ground. It's hard not to feel a sense of connection to the victims as you pay your respects. It's especially moving when you consider the horrific circumstances they faced--accusations based on superstition, fear, and the manipulation of power. It's a chance to reflect not only on the lives lost but also on the importance of justice, critical thinking, and standing up against mass hysteria in today's world. I highly suggest taking a moment to pause and honor the memory of those who suffered and to reflect on how far we've come (and how far we still have to go) in the fight for justice and equality. It's for sure an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

I grew up in Massachusetts, but never went to Salem. This was my first visit with my daughter. The town takes the history verity's serious. This memorial is one of the top sights to see. I was very impressed, this memorial is a well done tribute to the people who lost their lives so long ago for nothing. The families and visitors can pay respects for many many years.

Do not come unprepared like me! Bring an offering for the memorials! Flowers, money, anything to show your respect! Did you know that it wasn't just women executed in the Salem Witch Trials? Yeah there were a couple men and very sadly 2 dogs also executed. This spot is free to all and does not require a reservation to walk through. You can also get a great view of the cemetery next door that does require reservations.

This was one of the most surreal things I have done. I love the history of this place, and to be able to see it in person was such an amazing experience!

We enjoyed our visit to this memorial. It was exactly what we expected and read about before our visit. There were people around to remind everyone to be respectful and also to offer information and answer questions. We are glad we came.

This memorial pays tribute to the 20 victims that were killed. The stones say their names and how they were killed. It's a beautiful spot right by one of the oldest cemeteries dating back to the 1600's. Also a real treat if your into that kind of thing. I went by here a few times because it's really a beautiful spot but one time was with a guide that told us the irony was now the 20 victims are free while the community who did this to them and or looked away are now confined in the cemetery ( gated and enclosed in) like the victims once were. And the trees also in the memorial a reminder how most of them died.

Salem has a memorial of the people that were convicted as witches and how they were killed. Some of them say their names the dates and also how they ended up dying. Most of them said they were hanged and one that I found said that they were pressed to death! Overall the walk is short but you can see their names and also some fresh flowers are on them. It is also right next to a graveyard. If you don't scare easily this is a pretty nice place to be at. I found it peaceful and the sun was shining quite bright which made it a wonderful place to take photos at. I also went here during the daytime which did have people here but not a ton. If you are in Salem this is a place that you should at least see and know about. Even though it happened so long ago it's kind of crazy how it will be remembered by so many! People lost their lives off of just rumors from their own neighbors for being witches.

Definitely worth walking through. It's free and you can walk through the cemetery filled with extremely old tombstones.

The memorial is a quiet and peaceful place to stop. Each bench is dedicated to a victim of the Salem Witch Trials and has their names inscribed on them. Their names are also listed on a plaque before you walk in. Most victims were hanged, except for one who was "pressed". Beside the memorial is a cemetery filled with a lot of very old grave markers. It was peaceful to walk through that too, and that has a suggested donation of $2. There are many notable people buried here and there's a sign within the cemetery that denotes where they are buried. Good place to check out while in Salem.

This is next to a cemetery and a visitors center. It's right out the back door of the Peabody Essex museum (reviewed separately and highly recommended). Near several kitschy witch themed attractions. This is easy enough to stop by while you're strolling through town, but it shouldn't be an intentional stop on your itinerary. Not much to this, unless you're you're genuinely wanting to pay respects.

Truly the only thing really worth seeing in all of Salem. A very nice respectful memorial just listing the names of all the victims. Everything else is such a tourist trap it's not every worth sticking around.

Really nice memorial for such an awful event in history. If you're in Salem it's worth checking out.

This is one of many Salem witch trials memorial here in Salem. It is right next to an old graveyard that a lot of people are buried at and you really can't read the tombstones pick right next to it though is the oil and it has all the peoples names that were killed for me known as a "witch" and this is a memorial for them

This was a very emotional part of our Salem tour. It literally brings out the true meaning of the phrase "witch hunt." It's an unfortunate part of history that this country will never forget. The memorial is in a very peaceful setting. There are black locust trees planted within the memorial which was believed to be the type of tree they were executed from. It actually gives me chills knowing that one of the leading judges in the witch trial (John Hathorne) is buried in the Old Burying Point cemetery which is next to the memorial. I'm not sure why they chose this particular spot. This is definitely the most non-touristy place to visit in Salem. I wouldn't pass this memorial up when visiting this town.

This is a really serene and peaceful memorial to honor the victims of the Salem Witch Trials. Flowers and painted stones are still left at the victims' names. These were real people accused of things that they shouldn't have been. Things like this are still going on today. Be present when you go through the memorial.

So beautiful. I love the emotions they evoke and the messages that this memorial stand for. I'm sad I took so long to give voices to the people who lost their lives to an idiotic frame of life, but I'm glad they are remembered today.

A must stop! Small, but meaningful. Free and beautiful. This is right next to Carter Street Cemetery and could easily be missed if you're not looking for it.

I love the witch trials and the history that goes so deeply attached to the trials. It is really a reminder of how far women have come and how hard two men have fought to go from not being allowed to read or be called a witch and burned to becoming business tycoons and running corporate America and having women on the Supreme Court and every running for president.

Wow this was just so cool to check out. I have been to Boston a few times but never made it to Salem. This was a great way to spend my birthday. It's really sad to see how many people lost their lives for no reason at all. It hits home even today if you look at what's happening in our country. Anyway, it's a bittersweet place to visit and a must when in Salem.

If I hadn't seen a few YouTube videos before coming, I might have missed some of the smaller details. We decided to take advantage of a long school holiday and make the long trip up to Plymouth this Thanksgiving season. We decided to visit Salem as well so that my son could learn about the Salem Witch Trials. We came on a Sunday morning, so not a whole lot was going on. Unfortunately, the cemetery itself was closed, only the small memorial with the benches for each victim was open.

This memorial is surreal. You hear the stories but it doesn't really hit you that it really happened and what they went through until you are standing here at this memorial reading all the names. These men and women were murdered over fear, stupidity, hatred, greed and boredom. Hopefully they are all resting in peace.

Cool spot with a really old cemetery. It's a nice area to walk around. I was on a tour so it was interesting to hear all the history behind the memorial.

Cool little memorial dedicated to the Witch Trials. Street parking. There are replica houses from that time period. Also there is a cemetery right next to it. Worth a visit since there is not many sites in Salem.

Very nice area where it commemorates the people who were accused of being a witch and were taken out by the town. It's open all day long, 24 hours, and you can even leave flowers on the stones. At night there are lights and it's monitored for others safety. Great view of the cemetery as well

It only took 300 years to build! Remember these people... learn their stories... explore the sites... think about what leads to such fanaticism and make sure we don't go there again. Everyone benefits from learning this story, remembering the victims, gaining insight into the accusers, connecting with the historical context, and contemplating current events and risk of more fanaticism.

Small, but definitely worth the visit. This memorial is right next to the cemetery and you will probably stop by if you go on a walking tour. It is a simple memorial, but I think it was well-done.

A beautiful, simple monument to those who died as a result of ignorance and fear. Especially in the current political climate, it was poignant yet depressing, feeling like we built a memorial but didn't seem to learn much from it. The simplicity of the memorial makes it all the more powerful.

Nearly seven years after I turned in my senior thesis written about this monument, I finally made it to see the Salem Witch Trials Tercentenary Memorial in person. This civil rights memorial was constructed in 1992, three hundred years after twenty people were found guilty of witchcraft and executed, to remind us of the country's past mistakes and allow us to reflect on the horrors that hysteria and intolerance can produce. The Witch Trials Memorial stands in stark contrast to the kitschy witch imagery throughout Salem, making it difficult to fully appreciate what the site was created to represent. The memorial itself looks like a small park and is rather unassuming - looks like a rectangular path surrounding a grassy patch surrounded by a stone wall and rot iron fence. On the other side of the fence is one of Salem's oldest cemeteries. You might not know what you've stumbled upon until you get a chance to read the plaque describing the memorial. Each stone bench is inscribed with the name of an individual who died as a result of the witch trials hysteria, some were executed and some died in jail. The rot iron fence surrounding the memorial symbolizes the way the witch trials victims were imprisoned and the headstones in the neighboring cemetery, which are turned away from the park, represent the way the residents of Salem turned their backs on the victims. If you're at all interested in the events of the Salem Witch Trials, be sure to visit this memorial.

Visited the Witch Trials Memorial with my family in December 2018, and found it interested. The Memorial is located next to the Bury Point Cemetery. Both are free to explore and take photos. If your in Salem, both are worth the visit.

This is next to the Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery. It's simple and poignant. There were a few offerings left on the shelves.

A beautiful, simple yet powerful memorial right next to the cemetery. It was neat to see handwritten letters from their descendants.

This memorial serves as a reminder of those women and men who died tragically in the Salem witch trials. It is a somber reminder of how quickly mankind can turn on one another with no basis of fact.

This is a very simple, understated memorial to those who lost their lives during the Salem Witch Trials hysteria. Don't miss it.

This memorial is next to the cemetery, but we wouldn't have missed it (not realizing what it was), had we not learned of it on our tour. There were flowers from distant relatives and that was really interesting.

Nice gesture given to those who lost their life many many years ago. However I wish there was more than just concrete slabs with names and dates. Pictures or info with each one would of been nice. However it is the thought that counts. It only takes five minutes if that to walk around however depending on your interest it may take longer. Either way if your in Salem, why not check it out.

On our way to Maine we stopped here to visit the memorial. It was very peaceful and solemn, and we were so glad we stopped. We also spent time in the nearby shopping district as well, and truly enjoyed our time.

So this memorial is at the end of an a dead end street (Liberty St), which continues as a pedestrian way to Charter St. Essentially, these are granite benches which form a small courtyard next to The Old Burying Point. Very simple design, unfinished blocks with inscriptions of all those accused and executed from the Salem Witch Trials. No one was executed here, no one is buried under these granite blocks. This is a memorial giving a poignant reminder of the lives snuffed out because of false accusations during a time when rumour were credible and spectral evidence was allowed in Massachusetts courts. It's not particularly impressive, but it is an important stop if visiting Salem. It'll be a part of any tour group. It is also behind a historic house owned and managed by the Peabody Essex Museum. The house itself has an odd history, tour groups will talk about that while in the memorial as well.

Absolutely worth a visit while in Salem. It's a very beautiful, tranquil spot. Very emotional. Please be respectful while there!

This memorial is very convenient to Essex Street and Salem Harbor. It's a very somber reminder to a dark period of history. The evils of religious fanaticism is something we can still relate to today. Unfortunately, the memorial is always very crowded either with tours or with people gawking at the adjacent cemetery. So it's difficult to really get the full effect of the memorial.