Menlo School Library: 8th grade: Salem Witch Trials : Home

Research databases

American History (ABC-Clio)
- Why search here?
  This is a good place to begin your research and learn about your topic.
- What’s included?
  Primary source documents and tertiary source information related to the history of the United States.
America's Historical Newspapers (Newsbank)
- Why search here?
  Look here for newspaper articles from many cities across the US.
- What’s included?
  350 years of newspapers and broadsheets.
Britannica Academic
- Why search here?
  Begin your research by reading authoritative tertiary sources like the ones found here.
- What’s included?
  In-depth overview articles, often with links to supporting primary source materials. Also includes a world atlas with statistical information on individual countries plus the ability to compare any two countries.

EBSCO Discovery Search
Contains a wide range of sources so be sure to use the filters. Using the "source type" dropdown, select "Research Starters" to get good background sources.

Oxford Research Encyclopedias
- Why search here?
  Find long-form reference articles, as well as secondary sources on a wide variety of topics.
- What’s included?
  Signed, peer-reviewed, topic-specific articles from 25 individual encyclopedias.

The Salem Witchcraft Site
Provides data about certain aspects of the outbreak of accusations and discusses the chronology and geographical impact of the trials.
Salem Witch Trials Documentary and Archive Transcription Project
Provides access to 17th century Court Records and other primary source material, as well as transcriptions, historical maps, archival collections, scanned contemporary books, and biographies.

Search our catalog for books on the Salem Witch Trials. Below is an example of a book that features relevant historical documents.

The Salem Witch Hunt by Richard Godbeer
The introduction explores the beliefs, fears and events that fueled the witch panic of 1692. The documents in this collection illuminate how the Puritans' worldview led them to seek a supernatural explanation for the problems vexing their community.
The Witches by Stacy Schiff
Analyzes the Salem Witch Trials to offer key insights into the role of women in its events while explaining how its tragedies became possible.