The Bewitched Statue: A Spellbinding Tribute in Salem, Massachusetts

Few shows are as iconic as Bewitched for fans of classic TV. First airing in 1964, the series followed the enchanting life of Samantha Stephens, a suburban housewife with a magical secret: she was a witch. With a signature nose twitch, Samantha cast spells and caused comedic chaos while navigating life with her non-magical husband, Darrin. Bewitched captivated audiences for eight seasons, becoming a beloved part of pop culture, especially in its whimsical take on magic in everyday life.

But how did a tribute to this show find its way to Salem, Massachusetts—a city long steeped in its own magical and mysterious history?

The History of the Bewitched Sculpture

In 2005, a life-size bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, who portrayed Samantha Stephens, was unveiled in Salem's Lappin Park. While connecting a 1960s sitcom with a city known for its tragic witch trials may seem unusual, the idea made sense for both fans and the city. After all, Bewitched featured an iconic 1970 episode in which Samantha visits Salem during its infamous witchcraft trial events; in the decades since Salem has embraced its somber historical roots and playful association with witches and magic.

The statue, which depicts Montgomery perched on a broomstick, casting a spell as she smiles beneath a crescent moon, was commissioned by TV Land. As part of the network’s initiative to honor television legends with statues across the U.S., they chose Salem for its witchcraft legacy and the lasting bond between Bewitched and the city’s tourism.

The Creation of the Sculpture

Sculptor Mark Lundeen and his team created the statue, which is more than a simple bronze casting; it is a labor of love. To capture Montgomery's likeness and iconic pose, Lundeen pored over countless images and footage, ensuring that Samantha’s essence was perfectly preserved. The crescent moon, gently cradling the figure, adds a dreamy, whimsical touch that echoes the show's spirit.

While some initially criticized placing a TV statue in a town associated with the genuine horrors of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, the Bewitched statue ultimately found its place. Today, it is a playful juxtaposition between Salem's dark past and its modern embrace of magic in popular culture. Tourists flock to see it, often posing with the smiling witch for photos, adding a touch of Hollywood charm to Salem’s mystique.

A Symbol of Magic and Pop Culture

The Bewitched statue is more than a tribute to Elizabeth Montgomery or the beloved TV show; it represents how modern culture can blend with history to create something unique. While Salem will always be a place where the darker aspects of its history are remembered, the statue shows that the city also celebrates the lighter, more whimsical side of magic that has enchanted generations.

For any visitor to Salem, standing before the gleaming bronze figure is a reminder of the power of television to shape culture and the enduring appeal of a witch who, with a mere twitch of her nose, brought a little bit of magic into everyone’s lives. So, if you're ever wandering the historic streets of Salem, stop by the Bewitched statue—where TV nostalgia and historical intrigue meet in the most unexpected ways.