Did the Salem Witch Trials cause the Town to be Haunted?

Did the Salem witch trials cause the town to be haunted? Psychic entertainer Jacob Mayfield joins Ghostly to talk about Salem and the witch trials. In 1692, more than 100 people were accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. Did condemning innocent people lead to the town being haunted? Join us to learn about the history of this event and the terrifying ghost stories people still claim to experience. Then you decide – is Salem haunted?

Judge Hawthore. “The Legend of Salem: The Rev. George Burroughs was accused of witchcraft on the evidence of feats of strength, tried, hung, and buried beneath the gallows”Questions Explored in this Episode

What were the Salem Witch Trials? How did the hysteria start, and who was involved? What happened to those that were accused of being witches? Which evidence was used to convict over 100 people of witchcraft? What parts of the town are considered haunted, as well as who are the ghosts that haunt them?

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Listener Mail and Questions

This week’s listener mail is about a dark figure seen in lightning, but then he disappears. Have a spooky story or question of your own (or someone you know)? Send your story or question to [email protected] and we might read it on the podcast. You could be on a future episode of Ghostly!

Jacob Mayfield – MayfieldMagic.comSpecial Interview and Win a Free Reading!

One of Ghostly’s favorite guests Jacob Mayfield joins us to tell us about his recent visit to Salem. Get some great travel tips while learning some fantastic trivia like what role the tv show Bewitched played in Salem’s history! Be sure to visit mayfieldmagic.com to learn how you can get a reading or attend an event with Jacob.

Win a free Reading from Jacob Mayfield! Visit @mayfieldmagic on Instagram, follow him, like the post where he mentions Ghostly, and leave a comment! He’ll pick a random winner from those that follow, like, and comment by June 30th!

Hawthorne Hotel SalemHistory of the Salem Witch Trials

Pat explores the history of the trials. Abigail Williams and Betty Parris were young girls, but they started the accusations that snowballed into over 100 people being accused of witchcraft. At least 16 people were executed as witches.

Joshua Ward House The Debate

Rebecca and Pat debate the Salem Witch Trials and whether or not they left ghosts and paranormal activity behind. The Joshua Ward house as well as the Hawthorn Hotel both claim to be haunted.

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Sources for this Week’s Episode
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials
Smithsonian: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-salem-witch-trials-175162489/
Arcadia Publishing: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Navigation/Community/Arcadia-and-THP-Blog/October-2017/Ghost-Hunter%E2%80%99s-Guide-to-Haunted-Salem-A1
Creepyghoststories: https://www.creepyghoststories.com/real-ghost-stories/the-salem-witch-trials-massachusetts
Ranker: https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-stories-from-salem-massachusetts/cristina-sanza
Ghosts and Gravestones: https://www.ghostsandgravestones.com/boston/haunted-places-in-massachusetts
Nightly Spirits: https://nightlyspirits.com/the-joshua-ward-house-in-salem/
Ratio Scientiae: https://ratioscientiae.weebly.com/ratio-scientiae-blog/good-stories-caleb-pickman-and-lightning
Salem Ghosts: https://salemghosts.com/old-burying-point-cemetery/
Wandering Crystal: https://www.wanderingcrystal.com/old-burying-point-salem-witch-trials-memorial/

Special Guest

Thank you to our special guest, magician and psychic entertainer Jacob Mayfield who recently visited Salem. Visit mayfieldmagic.com to learn more!

Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers
Intro: “III. Allegro moderato from Gargoyles” by Lowell Liebermann
Outro: “Dream Images (Love-Death Music)” by George Crumb
Bumper: “Ghost Waltz” by Lowell Liebermann

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo
“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com