1692 Salem

06/20/2025

We are excited to announce the addition of two new Descendant Packets, the first for Samuel Parris and Elizabeth (Parris) Barron, the second for Mercy Short.

Each packets contain a biography, lists of related locations, surviving court documents, and genealogical resources, additional descendant information (if available), suggestions for further reading, and a descendant questionnaire.

This is an ongoing project which grows every year! Packets are currently available for 37 individuals connected to the Salem witch trials. For the complete list of Descendant Packets please visit our website: www.salemwitchmuseum.com/product/descendant-packet

06/20/2025

It’s the 50th anniversary of Jaws today and they are having an awesome event at the Lobster Shanty!
Yes, this is a Jaws cake and retro Narragansett cans! Happy first day of Summer!
Salem, Massachusetts

06/20/2025

Happy Litha!
First day of Summer!

06/20/2025

06/19/2025

I’m doomed!

06/19/2025

The Murder Slide 🛝

06/19/2025

This is going on this weekend if you’re in Massachusetts this week!

ST. JOHN’S TO HOLD SPECIAL 1775 SERVICE IN RECOGNITION OF THE BUNKER HILL REENACTMENT THIS SUNDAY (6/22/25)

In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Bunker Hill, St. John’s Episcopal Church will hold a special service at 10:00 am on Sunday, June 22, using the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, which was in use for Anglican worship at the time of the American Revolution.

Using the now peculiar spelling and spacing of the time, the 1662 version was titled the “Book of CommunPrayer.” Sunday's service will follow the liturgy for Holy Communion. All are welcome and period dress is encouraged!

While St. John’s was not established until 1863 during the American Civil War, Anglican worship in the colonies preceded the revolution. The church at Jamestown in Virginia (dating from 1607) is the oldest Episcopal Church in America. Pews in Bruton Parish Church (formed in 1674) in Williamsburg, Virginia, bear the names of well-known patriots who worshiped there, including George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson.

“The 1662 Book of Common Prayer really is the liturgy that shaped a revolution,” said The Rev. Marya DeCarlen, priest-in-collaboration at St. John’s. “We welcome all our neighbors and those coming to Gloucester for the re-enactment to join us for this special service.”

St. John’s is located at 48 Middle Street with parking available at 33 Washington Street (www.stjohnsgloucester.org).

Essex National Heritage Area Maritime Gloucester Discover Gloucester 2nd Massachusetts Regiment - Recreated Captain John Parker's Lexington Company

06/18/2025

When Constable Jonathan Putnam fell suddenly and mysteriously ill, his family grew concerned and summoned Mercy Lewis, believing in her ability to see into the invisible world and identify signs of witchcraft. As soon as Mercy stepped across the threshold of the house, she froze, unable to speak. Her arrival had been anticipated by both Jonathan's father, John Putnam Sr., and Reverend Samuel Parris, who were present to witness whatever might unfold. One of them suggested that if she saw any spectral beings tormenting Jonathan, she should raise her hand. Mercy slowly lifted her hand, then suddenly fell into a trance. Upon recovering, she claimed that the specters of Rebecca Nurse and Martha Carrier were afflicting Jonathan and were the cause of his strange illness.

06/17/2025

One of my favorite School House Rock songs!

Schoolhouse rock sings about the Revolutionary War! No more monarchy. Paul Revere announces the British are Coming!

06/17/2025

HAPPY 61st BIRTHDAY, ERIN & DIANE MURPHY! The Murphy girls played the role of Tabitha beginning in Season Three. Erin was used more as she worked better on camera. Diane would also appear in three episodes as different characters - Season Six's "A Bunny for Tabitha" as Diane, Season Seven's "Samantha and the Troll" as Raggedy Ann, and Season Eight's "Samantha's Magic Sitter" as Annabelle. She also played in extra uncredited roles in Season Six's "To Trick or Treat or Not to Trick or Treat" as one of the kids trick or treating with Samantha and Tabitha. Diane is dressed in a ball gown, big hat and mask. She's in Season Six's "Tabitha's Very Own Samantha" riding the pony as Tabitha and various other scenes. And she was also in Season Eight's “Tabitha’s First day at School” as one of the classroom students. Diane is wearing a blue mini and has a white hair band, and is best seen as the kids leave the terrarium and she sits in the 3rd seat from the front, centre row.

Diane would leave acting and Hollywood behind and in January 2013 made her first appearance at a signing. Erin continued with some acting and is the mother to SIX boys!! She has made many infomercials and was part of "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Wrestling" back in 2008.