What is a witch-hunt? When studying the history of witchcraft, it is important to understand that witchcraft was a crime created and imposed on innocent people. No individual actually had the power to cause hailstorms, spread mass disease, or fly through the night to a gathering of evil beings. This was a crime imposed on innocent people during times of mass fear and hysteria. While the legal prosecution of witchcraft came to an end in the eighteenth century, the pattern of behavior that caused witch-hunts can be identified throughout history and in the modern day.
The Salem Witch Museum’s mission is to be the voice of the innocent victims of the witch-hunt of 1692, while also bringing awareness to the root cause of witch-hunts and how they continue to impact our society today. In our second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, we present a formula that can be used to describe the pattern of behavior responsible for sparking witch-hunts, with examples from 1692 through the twentieth-century.
This formula is “fear + a trigger = a scapegoat.”
A scapegoat is defined as a person who is unfairly or irrationally the object of blame.
Over the years, many of our visitors have made suggestions to our staff, offering examples of what they feel qualify as an instance of a witch-hunt. There are so many examples of witch-hunts that have taken place throughout history, that we couldn’t highlight all of these suggestions in our exhibit. Since August 2017, we have been asking our visitors to fill out this formula with examples they believe fit this pattern, and to submit these suggestions to our museum. This webpage is a place to share these examples. Within this project, our Department of Education is currently actively imputing and updating these pages so as to display as many submissions as we are given, in their entirety, without alteration or interpretation.
The goal of this project is to give our public a voice to interact with the concept of a witch-hunt. Please note, the views and opinions expressed on the witch-hunt website are those of our visitors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Salem Witch Museum.
You may view these examples month to month, or thematically by scapegoat. If you wish to add a submission, please enter your example into the blank spaces below.
Search Witch Hunts by Date
Submissions may be viewed month to month by selecting a date below.
Fear
Trigger
Scapegoat
A unified america
People seeing past race
Two party system
Jake , the island / September 04, 2026
Loss of Government Control
Missionaries
Christianity and Freedom of Religion
Gianna , IN / September 02, 2026
Failure
Wrong Submissions
Teacher
Ana V , MA / September 02, 2026
Immigrants
Politics
Harm to families + communities of new immigrants
Anonymous , / September 2026
Islam
911
Muslims
Anonymous , / September 2026
Immigrants taking over
Current administration
Deportation + Discrimination
Titi L , / September 01, 2026
Cuban Revolution
McCarthy
Puerto Rican Carpetas
Dominic S , / September 01, 2026
Women Empowerment
Feminist Movements
Back to tradition (S.M aesthetic, tradwife, extreme thinness...)
Alegria , Borja / September 2026
Socialism
MAGA
Muslims/Politicians
Brendan , Milwaukee / September 2026
Joe McCarthy was right about everything
Trump was the victim of a witch hunt
Leticia James should be in prison
Scott , Ct / September 01, 2026
Economic Crisis
Nazi Propoganda
Jews
Lara , Boston, MA / September, 2026
feet
minecraft
me
Chris Shores , Mi / August 2026
Fear
Source
Human
Ali , MA / August, 2026
Money/Economy
Bad Economy/Job Market
Immigrants
Chase , Arlington, TX / August 2026
Crime
Sensationalized News/Political Rhetoric
Immigrants
Khloe S. , CA / August 2026
Failure
Wrong Submissions
Teachers
Ana V. , MA / August 2026
School System
Special Education
Teachers
Kelsey L. , CA / August 2026
Whites Becoming 'Minority' in US
'They're Eating The Cats...Dogs'
Immigrants
Schwartz , Boston, MA / August 2026
Immigrants
Epstein Files Distraction
ICE Detentions/Violence
T. Shepardson , Eerie, PA / August 2026
Overpopulation & Diversity
Immigrants
ICE Raids/Camps
Kc , NJ / August 2026
Fear of Violence and Crime
Political Motivations
ICE Harming Innocent People
Tristan , East Bridgewater, MA / August 2026
Prosperous America
Trump Is Elected
Trump
Mike E. , TX / August 2026
Democrats
MAGA
Democracy
Gary , Buffalo, NY / August 2026
Scarcity/Safety
MAGA/Trump Rhetoric
Immigrants Hunted By ICE
Tami J. , Barrington, RI / August 2026
Infection
Covid/Dr.Fauci
Lost Jobs/Education
Rof , / August 2026
Immigrants
Hatred
ICE Detention
Joanne , FL / August 2026
National Identity
Refugee Crisis
ICE Raids
Sam , Beverly, MA / August 2026
Xenophobia
ICE Agents
Unnecessary Deaths
Cory , La Crosse, WI / July 2026
Trans People
Inconvenience
Pedophilia False Claims
Elsa , Boston, MA / August 2026
Immigrants
Economic Issues
Family Separation
Babby , Dubuque, IA / August 2026
Immigration
ICE
Deported
Luna C. , Huntington, MA / August 2026
Declining Birth Rate
JD Vance/MAGA
Revoking Women's Rights/Bodily Autonomy
Sarah , Buffalo, NY / August 2026
Equal Rights
Black Panthers
Jim Crow Laws
Ngozi , Houston, TX / August 2026
Fear of Trans People
Religious Right
People Losing Rights to Live Their Truth
Anonymous , / August 2026
Changing Social Morals
Transgender Advocacy/Misinformation
Anti-Transgender/Drag Violence
Grace , Danville, VA / July 2026
Criminal Activity
Racist Becomes President
ICE
Henry C. , Los Angeles, CA / July 2026
Muslims
9/11
Palestinian Genocide
Sueda , Oklahoma City, OK / August 2026
Brown People
Purported Crime
ICE Detainees and Dead Black People
Anonymous , / August 2026
Economic Insecurity
Trump
Immigrant Prosecution
Rene A. , Glen Ridge, NJ / August 2026
Abuse
Me Too
People Wrongfully Accused
Mary , CT / August 2026
Socialism
Election of Zohran NYC
OSA
Tanya , Brooklyn, NY / August 2026
Racial Disparities
Police Killing
Systemic Racism, Law & Order
Anonymous , / August 2026
Global Warming
Hurricane
Trump
Chloe S. , Manchester, MA / July 2026
Economy/Political Gain
Donald Trump
ICE/The Latinx Community
Morgan A. , East Boston, MA / August 2026
Democratic Socialism
MAGA
Facism
Ted , Salem, MA / August 2026
Terrorism
9/11
Indian Americans
Ken , Baltimore, MD / August 2026
Communism in Europe
Fear of Jews Taking Over The World
6 Million Persecution of Jews
Sam , NY / August 2026
5 Transgender Persons in DAR
'Christian' Nationalists
Persecution of All With 'Masculine' Features
Susan , Dallas, TX / August 2026
Threats From Overseas
All
Immigrants/Muslims
Victoria , Saddle Brook, NJ / August 2026
Race & 'Others'
Racism & Media
Mexicans & Latinos Being Kidnapped By ICE
Advocate , CA / August 2026
Pedophiles Running The World
Epstein Files Release/Trans Liberation
Trans Women Being Accused of Sexual Deviancy
Jasmine , NY / August 2026
Russia, As An Opponent In WWI
Russia Advancement Into Ottoman Territory
Local Armenians
Nexus , Fairfax, VA / July 2026
People Of Color
Becoming Equals
Martin Luther King Jr.
Jennifer , Freehold, NJ / August 2026
Immigrants Are 'Other'
Staunch Conservatives
Immigrants, Especially Haitian
Susan , Salem, MA / August 2026
Losing Privilege Power
Visibility Of 2SLGBTQA Community
Trans People
Anonymous , / August 2026
AI
Ignorance & Misinformation
Scientists, Doctors, & Educated
Aranh , West Olive, MI / August 2026
Loss Of Patriarchal Power
Blurring Of Gender Boundaries
Transgender
Anonymous , / August 2026
Terrorism
Stereotypes Of Enablers
Islamic Community
Annie , Somerset. England / August 2026
Netanyahu
Zionist Israel Involved In War On Palestine & Iran
All Jewish People
Sean , Ontario, CA / August 2026
Xenophobia In US
High Unemployment In US
Migrant Workers
Libby C. , Framingham, MA / July 2026
Immigrants
Being Labeled As Rapist
Mexican Community
Michelle , Lynwood, CA / August 2026
Crime & Loss Of Jobs
Trump
Immigrants
Anonymous , / August 2026
People Being Different
Economy & Jobs
Immigrants Of Hispanic Or Latino Descent
Adrian B. , Long Beach, CA / August 2026
Economic Instability
Crime
Immigrants
Alli , Dallas, TX / August 2026
Crime
Immigration
Immigrants
Gabriel , Chambersburg, PA / July 2026
Trump
ICE
BIPoC Communities
Ashley , Ontario, CA / August 2026
Liberalism
Trump
LGBTQIA+, Immigrants, & Women
Anonymous , / August 2026
Economic Collapse
President
Latin Americans
Anonymous , / August 2026
DEI
Election Of Trump
Immigrants
Kathleen , Haverhill, MA / August 2026
Versailles Treaty
Hitler
Jews, Romani, Disabled, And Other "Undesirables"
Izzy , MA / August 2026
COVID
Faucci/Media
People Who Refused to Take Vaccine + Were Treated Like Pariahs
Sam L , Lancaster, PA / August 2026
Terrorism
9/11
Middle Eastern People
James , Portsmouth, RI / July 2026
Alcohol
Temperance Movement
Alcoholic Men & Women
Colleen , Epson, NH / November 2025
Lack Of Resources
Trump Presidency
Minorities & Immigrants
Peyton , / August 2026
Immigration
Border Panic
Hispanic Americans
Jaden , Coram, NY / August 2026
Infection
Covid
China
Channan W. , Bloomington, MN / August 2026
Factories Closed
Job Loss & Recession
Blaming Immigrants
Kalee D. , Coon Rapids, MN / August 2026
Economy
Trump Rhetoric
Immigrants
Somer , NY / August 2026
Crime
Laken Riley Murder
Immigrants
Jill , Wauseon, OH / August 2026
Non-Christians
Hitler
Jews & Homosexuals
Malerie , Stanford, CT / August 2026
Climate Change
Floods, Fires, Etc.
Western Industrial Civilization
Tim , Australia / August 2026
Migration
ICE
Mexican Americans
Austyn , Bakersfield, CA / August 2026
Religion/Oppression
Veils, Crosses, Etc.
Believers All Over The World
Eve , Canada / August 2026
Individuality Of Young People
Trans Movements
Trans Community
Anonymous , / August 2026
Totalitarianism
Donald Trump’s Rhetoric & Actions
Trump Supporters & Officials Accused Of Enabling Authoritarianism
Anonymous , NJ / August 2026
Uselessness
Consevatives
Tax The Rich
Jim , Chicago, IL / August 2026
Being called a witch
Men
Women
Mary Easty , MA / August 2026
Millions deceived for centuries
All councils of the Vatican in history prove they are witches
Innocent people still being deceived by the Catholic church to date
Maria , Los Angeles, CA / August 2026
Poor Economy
Politics
Trump
Liz S. , Scranton PA / August 2026
Communism
Democrat party
ICE And The Far Right
Nicole , Baltimore, MD / August 2026
Lack Of Economic Advancement
Success Of Hard Work
Capitalism
Virago , Reading, PA / August 22, 2026
The weight of salvation
Difference in religion
The Different One
Juliel Larimore 10th great granddaughter of Sarah Cloyce , Montpelier Ohio / August 2026
Japanese Attack
Pearl Harbor
Japanese Americans
Ben S. , KS / August 2026
All of Society's Ills
Trump
Immigrants
Linda , Red Hook, NY / July 2026
Equal Rights
Same Sex Marriages
Queer Community
David B. , Oregon City, OR / July 2026
Loss of Dominance
Black Wall Street/Tulsa, OK
African Americans
Lakeshia U. , Smithfield, VA / July 2026
Religious Misinformation
Extremist news reports
That entire community
Eevee , MA / August 2026
Loss Of Power
Increase In Diversity
Democrats
Kimberly , FL / August 2026
Immigrants
Racism
ICE
Anoymous , / August 2026
Violence
Crime
Immigrants
Anonymous , / August 2026
Fear Of Communism
Socialism
Trump
Maria S. , Windham, NY / July 2026
Changing Social Morals
Transgender Advocacy & Misinformation
Anti-Transgender
Grace , Danville, VA / July 2026
Changing Employment Landscape
Rise Of A Particular Politician
Persecution Of Immigrants & Removal Of Immigrant Rights
Nell , Ann Arbor, MI / July 2026
Losing Culture & Opportunities
Trump & MAGA
Immigrants & PoC In America
Gavin , Solon, OH / August 2026
Job Losses & Crime
Government Failure To Manage Immigration
Immigrants
Kate , Arlington, VA / August 2026
Infection
Covid-19
Chinese People
Alex , Port Chester, NY / August 2026
Inflation
Covid-19
Immigrants
Maria , Norwood, MA / August 2026
Pedophilia
QAnon & MAGA
Trans People & Teachers
Mary , Madison, WI / August 2026
Crime & Violence
Republicans & Trump
Immigrants
Edward , Herndon, VA / August 2026
Layoffs In Tech Sector
Microsoft And Google CEOs Layoff Workers
Indian Americans
Ashwin , Los Angeles, CA / August 2026
Disease
Covid
China
Lincoln , / August 2026
Replacement
Internet Commentators
Women & Minorities
Sean , Riverside, CT / August 2026
Autism
Fraudulent Study
MMR Vaccine
Nancy , Chatham, NJ / August 2026
Sickness
Covid
Asian Community
Alexandra , Ontario, Canada / August 2026
Racism
Economic Unrest
Immigrants
Anonymous , / August 2026
Rapist Criminals
MAGA
Hispanic
Juan C. , McCordsville, IN / August 2026
Affordability
Rising Costs
Immigrants
Anjani , Somerville, MA / August 2026
Not Being First Power In The World
Economic Crisis
Immigrants
Chloe , France / August 2026
'Foreign' Religion & 'Pagan' Religion
War On Terror
Muslims
KC , Alexandria, VA / August 2026
Foreigners
Worsening Economic Conditions
Immigrants (ICE Terror Campaign)
KC , Alexandria, VA / August 2026
Other Cultures
9/11
Muslims
Lorin B. , Dallas, TX / August 2026
Mass Shootings
2025 Annunciation Catholic Church Shooting
Transphobia
Steven , Sauk Rapids, MN / August 2026
Economic Instability
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Allison G. , Mentor, OH / August 2026
Economic Disparity
Trump & MAGA
Immigrants
Anonymous , / August 2026
Economic Insecurity & Crime
D. Trump & ICE Policies
Immigrants
Bella P. , Bordentown, NJ / August 2026
Bringing Drugs & Violence Into The US
Donald Trump
Hispanic & Brown Civilians
Analycia , MA / August 2026
Unfairness In Women's Sports/Confusion
Republicans
Trans People
David I. , Media, PA / August 2026
Different Religion
Gaza War
Jewish People
Michelle , Detroit, MI / August 2026
Economic Uncertainty
Trump & MAGA
Immigrants
Jason , State College, PA / August 2026
Unknown, Illness, & Weather
Religion
Women
Anonymous , / August 2026
Immigration
Trump Administration
All Non-White
Crimson , Cranston, RI / August 2026
Muslims
Zionists
Genocide Of Palestinians
Ana , / August 2026
Economic Fear
Trump
Immigrants
Melanie , / August 2026
Terrorism
Islam
Arabs & Muslims
Yudelka , Norwich, CT / August 2026
Muslim People
9/11
Islamophobia
Anonymous , / July 2026
Stealing Jobs
Dehumanization
Deportations & ICE
Ally , Jersey City, NJ / July 2026
Political Change
Trump
Immigrants Being Detained & Killed
Caitlyn S. , Dallas, TX / July 2026
Immigrants Threat
ICE Raids Turned Political
Innocent Detained Or Deaths
Jacqueline L. , Los Angeles, CA / July 2026
Change & Xenophobia
Trump
ICE Murders
Mark , Albany, NY / July 2026
Xenophobia
Economic Instability
Immigrants
Colleen C. , Dallas, TX / July 2026
Muslim People & Different Religions
9/11 Attacks
Islamophobia
Hayley , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Communism
Mr. Trump
Democrats & Liberals
Joe , Hope, RI / July 2026
Other Countries
Trump
ICE V. Immigrants
Autumn , NY / July 2026
Non-Binary Ways Of Living
Trans Normalization
Transgender People Losing Rights
Madison , Fayetteville, AK / July 2026
Equality & Multiculturalism
Liberalism
Democratic Party
Everett , San Antonio, TX / July 2026
The Unknown
ICE Raids Nationwide
Immigrant Exile
Berenice D. , Whittier, CA / July 2026
The Devil & Companions Of The Devil
Mass Hysteria
More Than 100 Accused Salem Townsfolk
Frances , Austin, TX / July 2026
Candy
Costumes
Halloween
Aria L. , Concord, NC / July 2026
Increase In Crime & Losing Resources
Increase In Immigrants
Immigrants
Ilse , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Disease
Covid
China
Christian , UK / July 2026
Decline Of Quality Of Life
Election Of DJT
Immigrants
Anastasia , Pittsburgh, PA / July 2026
Sickness
Covid
People Blame Chinese
Henry C. , CA / July 2026
Differences In Sexuality
Trump Administration
Trans People
Laura , Albany, NY / July 2026
Money & Financial Turmoil
War
Jews Being Blamed
Galit M. , / July 2026
Loss Of Jobs
Trump
Immigrant
Gennifer K. , / July 2026
Loss Of Livelihood & Privilege
Trump Administration & Racism
Immigrants
Marie , St. Clair, MD / July 2026
Infection
Covid
Immigration
Julie , Houston, TX / July 2026
Islam
9/11
Muslim People
Alara , FL / July 2026
Anarchists
Trump Administration
Trans People
Brett F. , MD / July 2026
Financial Instability
Recession & Job Loss
Immigrants Taking Jobs
Amy , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Economic & Financial Instability
Corrupt Governments & Radical Idealism
Immigrant Communities
Pri , Laurel, MD / July 2026
ICE
Trump
Any Dark Skinned Person
S. Ladd , Etna, ME / July 2026
Kids Won't Succeed In School
Kids Don't Do Well In School
Teachers
Caroline , Albany, NY / July 2026
Going Against The Binary
JK Rowling
Trans Community
Hannah , Bristol, UK / July 2026
Terrorism
9/11 Tragedy
Muslim People
Michael , NJ / July 2026
Violence
Propaganda
Immigrants, Especially PoC
Ari , Pittsburgh, PA / July 2026
Government Waste/Money
Fraud With Healthcare In MN
Muslim-Americans
Anonymous , / July 2026
Infection
Covid
Vaccinated Vs. Unvaccinated
Jess , Topeka, KS / July 2026
Infection
Coronavirus
Chinese People
J.K. , CA / July 2026
Job Market Over Saturation
Bad Economy
Immigrants
D’Nasia , Groton, CT / July 2026
Retaliation & Violence
Slavery
Black People
Genevieve G. , Aurora, CO / July 2026
Germany Getting Defeated
Adolf Hitler & Kristallnacht
Jewish Population
Kellan , Hillsborough, NJ / July 2026
Spy Fear In WWI
War In Europe
German-American Citizens
Logan , Butler, PA / July 2026
Job loss
Trump
Undocument
Joshua , NY / August 2026
Crime, Jobs, Cultural Change + Race
Invasion, migrant crime
Migrants
Julia P , Boston, MA / August 2026
Crime
Job loss
Immigrants
Mary E , NYC, NY / August 2026
Recession
Immigrants
Anyone not white
Racquel , Fairfax, VA / August 2026
Islam
9/11
Muslims
Amber , Vienna, VA / August 2026
Change/Abandonment
Divorce
New Boyfriend
Abigail B , Gray, ME / August 2026
Totalitarianism
Donald Trump's rhetoric & actions
Trump supporters and officials accused of enabling authoritarianism
Mike , Cinnaminson, NJ / August 2026
Massive Death & Disease From Covid
Vaccines
Unvaccinated
Dennis G. , Lake Geneva, WI / June 2026
Covid
Dr. Fauci
American People Without Masks
Anonymous , / July 2026
White Privilege Shrinking
Donald Trump
Immigrants & Antifa
John W. , Fort Wayne, IN / July 2026
Losing Jobs
Weak Economy
Immigrants
Rocio , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Poverty
Recession
Immigrants
Megan , Marshall, VA / July 2026
Infection
Covid
Unvaccinated & Unmasked
Leo , Chicago, IL / July 2026
Covid
Fauci
Bat
Anonymous , OH / July 2026
Undocumented Immigrants
New Age ICE & Trump Administration
Non-White Community Members
Dave T. , FL / July 2026
Changing Economic Environment
Losing A Foothold Of Power
Naturalized & Other Immigrants
Valerie , Swanzey, NH / July 2026
Economic Inequality
Donald Trump
Immigrants
Jessica L. , Dover, NH / July 2026
Sin
Eve Eating The Apple
Women Being Perceived As 'Weak'
Madelyn , York, PA / July 2026
Job Loss
Trump & ICE
Immigrants
Avery , Gilbert, AZ / July 2026
Infection
Covid
Asians
Trystin , Baytown, TX / July 2026
Crime
Radical Right Politics & Trump
Immigrants
Emma , Boston, MA / July 2026
Boston Citizens
British
Boston Massacre
Gavin , Boise, ID / July 2026
Immigration
Trump & ICE
Immigrants
Drowne , Killingly, CT / July 2026
The Economic Depression
The Nazi Party
The Jews In Eastern Europe
Gabriellla , Lake Worth, FL / June 2026
Men
Violence Against Women
All Men
Genesis , NJ / July 2026
The Matriarchy
Feminism
Women In Power
Genesis , NJ / July 2026
Gods Turning Against Rome
Oracle Of Apollo
Christians
Brian , Carlisle, PA / June 2026