The Bewitched Statue, located in Lappin Park at the intersection of Washington and Essex Streets in Salem, Massachusetts, is a prominent 9-foot bronze sculpture that honors Elizabeth Montgomery, who portrayed the beloved character Samantha Stephens in the iconic 1960s television series Bewitched. Unveiled in June 2005, the statue was commissioned by TV Land to celebrate the show’s connection to Salem, where several episodes were filmed after a fire disrupted production in Hollywood.
Bewitched Sculpture’s Design and Installation
Artist: The statue was sculpted by StudioEIS, a Brooklyn-based studio led by brothers Elliott and Ivan Schwartz.
Funding: The project costs approximately $75,000, funded by TV Land.
Unveiling Event: The unveiling attracted over 1,000 attendees, including former cast members like Erin Murphy (Tabitha) and Bernard Fox (Dr. Bombay).
The statue depicts Samantha sitting side-saddle on a broom against a crescent moon backdrop, capturing her whimsical and friendly nature. It has become a popular photo spot for tourists visiting Salem.
Historical Context
The choice of Salem as the statue’s location is significant due to its historical association with witchcraft and the infamous witch trials of 1692. The filming of Bewitched in Salem in 1970 helped revitalize interest in the town’s witchcraft history and boosted local tourism. However, the statue has faced criticism for trivializing this dark chapter of history. Some residents argue that it diminishes the gravity of the witch trials and is an inappropriate homage to a fictional character.
Public Reception
The public response to the statue has been mixed:
Supporters view it as a celebration of Salem’s unique identity and a draw for tourism, contributing to the town’s economy.
Critics argue that it commercializes and trivializes the historical significance of the witch trials. Some have suggested relocating it to a less prominent area or even removing it altogether.
Why was Salem chosen as the location for the Bewitched statue?
Salem was chosen as the location for the Bewitched statue primarily because several episodes of the iconic television series were filmed there during its seventh season in 1970. The show’s producers sought to refresh the series with new storylines and settings, and Salem’s rich history as the “Witch City” provided a fitting backdrop for the magical themes of Bewitched.
The episodes filmed in Salem, often referred to as the “Salem Saga,” featured Samantha Stephens and her family engaging in various magical adventures, including references to the historical Salem Witch Trials. This connection helped Salem embrace its witchcraft heritage and promote tourism, making it an ideal location for a statue commemorating Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha.
The statue, unveiled in 2005, serves not only as a tribute to the show but also as a symbol of Salem’s evolving relationship with its past, transforming its historical narrative into a more tourist-friendly experience.
What are the main criticisms of the Bewitched statue in Salem?
The Bewitched statue in Salem has faced several criticisms, primarily revolving around its perceived trivialization of the historical events associated with the Salem Witch Trials. Here are the main points of contention:
1. Trivialization of History: Critics argue that the statue, which depicts a lighthearted character from a sitcom, diminishes the seriousness of the witch trials, where 19 innocent people were executed. This perspective holds that celebrating a fictional witch in such a prominent manner oversimplifies and commercializes a tragic chapter in history.
2. Commercialization Concerns: The statue has been described as a crass advertisement for TV Land, the network that funded its creation. Many locals feel that it turns a painful historical narrative into a gimmick for tourism, which can be seen as disrespectful to the memory of those who suffered during the witch trials. Some residents have expressed disappointment over the focus on witch-themed tourism at the expense of more historically significant narratives about Salem’s past.
3. Comparison to Other Historical Contexts: Some critics have drawn parallels between the statue and inappropriate memorials in other contexts, suggesting that if it is acceptable to celebrate Bewitched in Salem, similar tributes could be considered for other sensitive historical events, which underscores the perceived insensitivity of placing such a statue in a city with a dark history.
4. Local Sentiment: There is a divide among Salem residents regarding the statue’s presence. While some view it as a fun nod to pop culture and an economic booster for tourism, others feel it dishonors the victims of the witch trials and does not adequately reflect on their suffering or the complexities of Salem’s history.
Overall, while the Bewitched statue aims to celebrate a cultural icon, it has sparked significant debate about how communities remember and honor their historical narratives, especially those involving tragedy and injustice.
Who were the key figures involved in the creation and unveiling of the Bewitched statue?
The creation and unveiling of the Bewitched statue in Salem, Massachusetts, involved several key figures and events that contributed to its significance and controversy.
Elizabeth Montgomery: The statue honors Montgomery, who portrayed Samantha Stephens, the titular character of the 1960s sitcom Bewitched. The statue depicts her riding a broom against a crescent moon backdrop, symbolizing her role as a witch trying to lead a normal life.
Larry Jones: As the President of TV Land, Jones played a pivotal role in the unveiling ceremony. He was responsible for pulling the cover off the statue during the event, which was marked by theatrical elements such as a puff of smoke and rain.
Bill Asher: The original producer and director of Bewitched, Asher was also present at the unveiling, linking the statue directly to the show’s legacy.
Former Cast Members: Several actors from the show attended the ceremony, including:
Erin Murphy (Tabitha)
Kasey Rogers (Louise Tate)
Bernard Fox (Dr. Bombay)
These attendees helped to celebrate the show’s cultural impact and its connection to Salem.
Unveiling Ceremony
The statue was unveiled on June 16, 2005, in Lappin Park at the intersection of Essex and Washington Streets. The event attracted an estimated crowd of over 1,000 people, including supporters dressed as witches and residents divided over the statue’s appropriateness. The ceremony included performances by local students and chants from fans celebrating Samantha Stephens.
Controversy
The unveiling sparked significant debate. Critics argued that the statue trivialized the historical context of the Salem Witch Trials, where many were unjustly accused and executed for witchcraft. Some protesters even expressed their discontent through banners and public demonstrations during the ceremony. Supporters, however, viewed it as a celebration of pop culture and a potential boost for tourism in Salem, which had previously hosted filming for Bewitched episodes in 1970.
How has the Bewitched statue influenced Salem’s cultural identity
The Bewitched statue in Salem has significantly influenced the town’s cultural identity by reshaping its relationship with its historical narrative and enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. Here are the key ways in which the statue has impacted Salem’s cultural identity:
Embracing Witchcraft Heritage: The statue symbolizes a shift in how Salem views its witchcraft history. Before the airing of Bewitched, the town largely avoided acknowledging its infamous past linked to the witch trials. The show’s filming in Salem helped catalyze a more open embrace of this history, allowing the town to transform its narrative from shame to intrigue and attraction for visitors 23.
Tourism and Economic Boost: Following the popularity of Bewitched, Salem began to capitalize on its witch-related history, leading to the establishment of annual events like the Haunted Happenings Festival. This month-long celebration has turned Salem into a major Halloween destination, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism 23. The Bewitched statue, unveiled in 2005, serves as a focal point for this tourism, drawing fans of the show and contributing to Salem’s economy.
Cultural Symbolism: The statue represents a broader cultural shift in the perception of witches—from feared figures to empowered icons. This transformation reflects changing societal attitudes towards femininity and magic, aligning with contemporary themes in pop culture where witches are often depicted as strong and independent characters 13. The statue thus serves as a reminder of this evolution and connects Salem to modern representations of witchcraft.
Controversy and Dialogue: The installation of the Bewitched statue sparked debate among residents regarding its appropriateness, with some arguing that it trivializes the suffering of those persecuted during the witch trials 4. This controversy has fostered ongoing dialogue about how communities remember their histories and honor those who suffered injustices, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Salem’s past.
Cultural Integration: Today, references to Bewitched can be found throughout Salem, from local shops selling themed merchandise to guided tours highlighting filming locations. The statue has become one of the town’s most photographed attractions, further solidifying its place in Salem’s cultural landscape.
Overall, the Bewitched statue has played a pivotal role in redefining Salem’s cultural identity, transforming it into a vibrant blend of historical acknowledgment and pop culture celebration.
As a sculpture supplier, These are the key points to consider when you want to customize a landmark bronze sculpture.
Pre-design
Provide clear creative concepts and design drawings.
Determine the size, scale, and details of the sculpture
Discuss whether the sculpture style is realistic or abstract
Consider the harmony with the surrounding environment
Technical parameters
Determine the specific choice of bronze (bronze, copper, etc.)
Casting process (lost wax, sand casting, etc.)
Surface treatment (natural oxidation, coloring, etc.)
Internal support structure design
Site requirements
Provide detailed installation site information
Evaluation of foundation load-bearing capacity
Consider environmental factors such as wind and rain protection
Reserve space and access for maintenance
Budgetary considerations
Material cost (copper price fluctuates greatly)
Production period
Transportation and installation costs
Post-maintenance cost
Administrative Approval
Confirmation of the need for approval by relevant departments
Public Art Installation Permit
Construction Permit
If you are dreaming of customizing a unique bronze memorial sculpture designed to become a dazzling new local landmark, we invite you to contact our factory. With rich industry experience, professional production strength, and a client base in more than 80 countries, we have completed many medium to large-scale sculpture projects. We look forward to working with you to create a new chapter in the art of sculpture, and welcome to contact us at any time to discuss your sculpture ideas and visions!
