Salem, Massachusetts

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It's the year of our Lord 1692 in a small colony still under British rule and neighbor is pitted again neighbor.  If there was something you didn't like just point your finger and cry "witch". People lived in fear and many God-fearing people were put to death unjustly. It's time for me to step out of the shadows, away from the fear of judgement and tell their story. 

Let me begin with some background.

My father was born and raised in Worcester, Mass which is just a bit over an hour away from Salem. When we would visit my grandmother and Aunts in Worcester I would ask to Salem, but my request was always emphatically refused. I always thought this was weird because they were always up for an adventure, going to the shore in Maine and traveling to other parts of Massachusetts, especially places that had historical significance. It wasn't until I was in my mid 40's that the reason came to light. My older brother had embarked on a genealogical journey tracing our family line back to England. He casually handed me his findings, and I mentioned there were a few historical names and places pointing out the better-known names of Rebecca Nurse and Giles Corey. This started my search to find out why this event was never mentioned by any family members although it was clear they had knowledge of it. The shame of being accused ran deep in my family.  Were they witches, no they were not, but they did own land, lots of it and that was a prime reason for the hysteria. If you were accused of witchcraft, you lost your land and your possessions as well as being put to death. It was a damn if you do and damn if you don't situation that you couldn't win. I had to chuckle as the Putnam family was a driving force behind the accusations and at this time this discovery my husband and I had been married 20 plus years. My husband was born and raised in Putnam, a small town in Connecticut which was named after a revolutionary war General Irsael Putnam. General Putnam is related to the Putnam family from the Salem witch trials We've been married 44 years at the time of this writing, and you can see it has taken me a while to come to terms with all of this especially in light of my gifts. Do I believe in past lives, yes, I do. Do I believe my husband and I have been connected in past lives, well if I didn't before I certainly do now. 

The Founding of Salem

Founded in 1626 Salem is one of the oldest settlements in New England. It quickly became popular as a prosperous seaport known for shipbuilding, fishing and trade. It is most famously remembered for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 where mass hysteria led to the accusation of over 200 people and the execution of 20 individuals for alleged witchcraft. This tragic event has left a lasting mark on American history and the town's identity. 

In the centuries that followed Salem has thrived as a hub of international trade, and many of the historic building and homes from that period still stand.  Today Salem embraces both its maritime heritage and its reputation as a center for Halloween tourism, Wicca and the mystical arts.

Salem is a vibrant city that blends colonial charm with deep awareness of its complex past, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its museums, historic sites and spiritual atmosphere.

 Rebecca Nurse (Towne) · 1621–1692

Brought to New England as a child, Rebecca built a quiet life with her husband Francis on their Salem Village farm. Known for her kindness, faith, and gentle spirit, she was wrongly accused of witchcraft and hanged. Today, she is remembered as a symbol of injustice and moral integrity.

 Mary Estey (Towne) · 1634–1692

Rebecca’s younger sister, Mary, was also swept into the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials. Despite her sterling reputation, she was accused, tried, and condemned. Before her execution, she penned a heartfelt plea for justice—her grace and courage endure as a testament to the human spirit.

 Sarah Cloyce (Towne) · 1641–1703

The youngest of the Towne sisters, Sarah was accused like her siblings but survived. After months in prison, she was released, bearing the grief of her sisters’ deaths. She later spoke out in defense of their innocence, becoming a quiet voice for truth in the aftermath of tragedy.

Giles Corey · 1611–1692

A resilient and principled farmer of Salem Village, Giles was accused alongside his wife Martha. Refusing to enter a plea so his land could pass to his heirs, he was pressed to death beneath heavy stones. His final words— “More weight”—echo as a defiant cry against tyranny.

Martha Corey ·1618–1692

A Voice of Reason Silenced

Martha Corey was known for her faith and integrity, despite a past that challenged societal norms. When the witch trials began, she bravely spoke out against the hysteria, questioning the accusations and urging reason. Her defiance made her a target. Arrested and condemned, she was hanged just days after her husband Giles was pressed to death.

 Mary Perkins Bradbury · 1615–1700

A cherished wife, mother, and grandmother from Salisbury, Mary was arrested and condemned during the trials. Her community rallied to her defense, and she escaped execution. She lived to the age of 85, a survivor of those dark days and a beacon of resilience.

 These souls—some silenced, some surviving—continue to speak through the veil. Their stories remind us to stand for truth, protect the vulnerable, and honor the sacred bond between past and present.