Marblehead's colorful history

As told by Samuel Roads, Jr. in THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS of MARBLEHEAD - 1880

Tucker's Wharf show here

Marblehead & Witchcraft

In 1692 the belief in spirits and witchcraft was universal. Wilmot Redd and her husband, Samuel Redd, a fisherman of Marblehead, lived beside the pond known to us as Redd's. The women of the town went to the pond to wash their clothes and exchange the news of the day while the children played near by.

Mrs. Redd, said to have the power to cast spells, was accused of witchcraft. Her accusers became hysterical when questioned by the Salem authorities. Asked if she thought her accusers were bewitched, she said, "I can not tell. My opinion is that they are in a sad condition." At the height of the witch trials in Salem, Mrs. Redd was found guilty of witchcraft and was hanged September 22, 1692.

Mrs. Redd gave what is now Redd's Pond to the Citizens of the Town of Marblehead for their use.

Marblehead Witchcraft mugs are available at the Marblehead Historic Commission store at Abbot Hall.

Marblehead Mopheads Gift Card

Available at
The Marblehead Historical Commission Gift Shop!

Ready to mail! A bit of the history of Marblehead. A great gift idea for Marbleheaders young and old and those from away.

Marblehead Mophead Paper Doll & three changes of clothes to color & cut out.
Packet includes:
Three 8.5" x 11" sheets of 67 lb stock folded to 8.5" x 5.5"
Enclosed in a clear plastic envelope ready to address and mail
Mailing weight per piece 1oz.

Available at The Marblehead Historical Commission Gift Shop
or email: Marblehead Mopheads for shipping information

More information for Paper Doll Collectors
Original Paper Doll Artists Guild
Paper Doll Collectors
Paper Doll Collection
Paper dolls to print
Collage paper dolls

Marblehead Postcard

Fisherman, Patriot, and Yachtsman

Home to the enterprising, patriotic & inventive
Post cards are available at The Marblehead Historical Commission store at Abbot Hall, Washington Square, Marblehead, MA 01945
$1.00 each

Contact Information

781-639-3425

Email Historical Commission

Directions to Abbot Hall

Hours of Operation

Historical Commission displays are available for viewing by the public at all times that Abbot Hall is open. (See Selectmen's webpage for hours.)

The Commission's Gift Shop is located on the first floor and is open from Memorial Day through Christmas, Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Friday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

The Commission's Office is located on the second floor and is open Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Friday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM for researchers and other visitors.
Both the Gift Shop and Office are staffed by volunteers.