National Endowment for the Humanities
Understanding the Salem Witch Trials
Students describe some of the important elements of life in Puritan New England. They create a timeline of the events of the Salem Witch Trials. They work in groups to explore the concept of multiple interpretations of history.
Curated OER
Religious Intolerance and the Salem Witch Trials
Students describe the basic beliefs of the Puritan religion; identify the principle figures in the Salem Witch Trials;explain the events that led to the mass hysteria suffered by the town; analyze the First Amendment; and examine...
Curated OER
The Salem Witchcraft Trials
High schoolers research the Salem Witchcraft Trials and conduct a mock trial.
Curated OER
A Leader of Salem: Nathaniel Bowditch
Eleventh graders examine the qualities of a leader. In this American History lesson plan, 11th graders read the story of Nathaniel Bowditch and use it as a catalyst for discussions on leadership and the definition of a hero.
Curated OER
Salem Witch Trails/The Crucible Word Search
In this social studies worksheet, students find the words in the word search related to the Salem Witch Trials and the answers are found at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
The Witchcraft of Salem Village
In this social studies activity, students find the vocabulary terms related to Salem and the witch trials. The answers are found by clicking the button found at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
The Crucible: Hysteria, Witches and Death
Eleventh graders explore the historical events of the Salem witch trials. After completing research and reading a play on the witch trials, 11th graders compare and contrast the historical facts to the fictional play. In groups, students...
Curated OER
Uncovering The Truth
High schoolers investigate the social and religious contexts that surrounded the Salem Witch Trials. The research is guided using the worksheets included in the lesson plan. The culminating assignment is writing an editorial of personal...
Curated OER
Salem Witch Trials
Fifth graders examine the Salem Witch Trials. They discover that differences should be celebrated and judgements should not be made on appearances alone. They use multiple sources to gather their information.
Curated OER
Worksheet #24 Questions - Witch Trials
In this historical quiz activity, students test their terminology about the Salem witch trials in the ten fill in the blank questions.
Curated OER
Salem
Students spend two classroom days contemplating and discussing the qualities of a leader and the definition of a hero. They read the story of Nathaniel Bowditch from the New Trade Winds Website and use it as a catalyst for discussions on...
Curated OER
Cultural Exchange (Salem)
Students view the photo of the The Tea Trade Painting and discuss what they see. They will then discuss what went into the beginning of a major sea voyage. Next they explore routes traveled by the New England traders. They study sailing...
Curated OER
Inspiring Freedom: The Remond Family and Abolitionism in Salem
Students examine the abolitionist movement in Salem. Exploring the contributions of the Remond family, they identify how they made the issue one of national and international importance. They discuss the views of the south and how...
Curated OER
Salem's Maritime History: A History of our New Nation
Eighth graders examine the impact of Salem's maritime trade on America. Using primary source documents, they identify the use of expanding the number of products available and how it affected the economy. They write an essay discussing...
Curated OER
Rules, Resistance and Repeal: How the Stamp Act Was Repealed
Eighth graders examine the causes of the American Revolution. Participating in activities, they discover how it would have felt to be taxed without representation. They identify an object from a museum and discuss how it might have been...
Curated OER
The Role and Influence of Salem's Merchants in Building Salem's Wealth and Expanding the East Indies Trade Through an Examination of Elias Hasket Derby
Fifth graders examine the role of Salem's merchants. Using the live of Elias Hasket Derby, they identify how he helped open up Salem's ports to the world and how it helped America grow as a country. Reading primary source documents, they...
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Salem Witchcraft Trials
Focuses on this event's legal proceedings and includes the texts to original documents such as examinations, petitions and death warrants. Also contains brief biographical sketches of some of the people named as witches.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Salem Witch Trials: Petitions of Two Convicted Witches
This webpage features the full text of the petitions for mercy made by Mary Easty and John Proctor, two convicted witches awaiting execution.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Salem Witch Trials: Examination of Tituba
This is a court transcript of the examination of "Tituba the Indian Woman," on March 1, 1692, suspected of harming her children under the direction of demonic familiars. Transcript is unedited and features 17th century spellings and syntax.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Salem Witch Trials: Examination of Rebecca Nurse
This is a transcript of the court examination of Rebecca Nurse, March 24, 1692, with original spellings and syntax.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Salem Witch Trials: Letters of Gov. William Phips
This transcript of two letters written by Governor William Phips to the Earl of Nottingham, London, explains the presence of witchcraft in Salem and its environs and the Governor's response to the situation.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Salem Witch Trials: Examination of Sarah Good
This court examination of Sarah Good, March 1, 1692, retains the original spellings and syntax. The accused is questioned for contact with the devil and harming children.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Salem Witch Trials: Trial and Execution of Sarah Good
This is a selection of records of the trial and execution of Sarah Good that includes the summary of evidence, Sarah Good's confession, indictments against Sarah Good, and sentencing.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Salem Witch Trials: Examination of Mary Easty (Court Transcript)
This is the original transcript of the trial examination of Mary Easty, accused witch, April 22, 1692.