The Salem Witch Trials: Reckoning and Reclaiming

The Salem Witch Trials took place more than 300 years ago, but their relevance to modern-day issues of sexism, injustice and complicity remains. Historical items on display include John Proctor’s brass sundial and a loom that belonged to Rebecca Putnam. These are joined by portraits from the series Major Arcana: Portraits of Witches in America by Frances F. Denny—a descendant of one of the trial magistrates—and a gown from fashion designer Alexander McQueen that was based on his research of his ancestor Elizabeth Howe, who was hanged as a witch in 1692.