Salem Village and the Witch Hysteria

Students will learn an object lesson in the danger of mob rule to society and individual rights when they study witch hysteria in Salem Village. Unique historical documents, together with broadsheet essays, explore the background, events, and personalities involved in this famous series of witchcraft trials. A list of persons who were killed in 1692 because of the hysteria, and individual confessions and letters will leave a lasting impression on your students. This portfolio includes a Study Guide with reproducible student activities. 6 Illustrated Broadsheet Essays: * European Background * Salem Village * The Witch Hysteria Begins * The Court of Oyer and Terminer * Rebecca Nurse * The Minister and the Children 11 Primary Source Documents: * A map of the Salem Village area in 1692, with an index * Four pages from the Salem Village Church Record Book, November 1691-December 1692 and August 1706-March 1709, transcript * The examination of Martha Corey, March 21, 1692 * A witchcraft painting: "Examination of a Witch," 1853 * Bridget Bishop death warrant and return, June 1692 * William Barker confession, August 29, 1692, and a transcript * A jailer's bill, 1692, and a transcript * Mary Esty petition, September 1692, and a transcript * An act passed by the General Court of Mass. in 1711 * Judges, ministers and books important in the history of Salem Village witchcraft: a display * List of persons who died in the witchcraft hysteria of 1692