When I first learned about Newton Pulsifer, I was struck not just by his infamous role in the Salem Witch Trials, but by the complexity of his humanity. As a teenage boy in 1692, Pulsifer was among the youngest accusers during the hysteria that gripped colonial Massachusetts. His name appears in court records accusing several women of witchcraft, including Mary Parker and Abigail Williams. But beyond the facts, I found myself wondering: what was it like to be a child in that moment? What did he believe he was doing? And how might he make sense of it all if he could speak today?

While we can’t time travel, we can ask meaningful questions that invite reflection and understanding. Here are 10 thoughtfully chosen questions you could ask Newton Pulsifer—and why each one matters.

What did you think was happening when the girls started having fits?

This question opens a window into Pulsifer’s mindset at the start of the trials. Understanding what he believed—whether supernatural forces, illness, or something else—helps modern readers grasp the mindset of someone caught in a moment of mass hysteria.

Did you know any of the people you accused?

This gets at the personal stakes of the accusations. Did Pulsifer accuse strangers, neighbors, or even family friends? Exploring this can reveal whether the charges were rooted in personal conflict, social pressure, or something else entirely.

How did your family react to your involvement?

Family dynamics were central in Puritan New England. Learning how Pulsifer’s parents or siblings responded could shed light on the social and emotional pressures placed on children during the trials.

Were you afraid of anything while this was happening?

Fear was a powerful motivator in 1692. Asking Pulsifer if he felt fear—and of what—can help us understand how a child might navigate such a volatile environment.

What did you hear adults saying about witches and witchcraft?

This question probes the influence of adult authority figures on children like Pulsifer. Did ministers, magistrates, or family members shape his understanding of witchcraft? If so, how?

Did you ever doubt what you were doing?

This is one of the most emotionally complex questions. Did Pulsifer wrestle with guilt or confusion? Asking this invites reflection on the moral weight of his actions, even as a child.

What do you wish people today understood about that time?

This gives Pulsifer a chance to address modern misconceptions. His answer might highlight how different life was in 17th-century Massachusetts—or how similar our fears and social pressures remain.

Do you remember specific moments that stand out to you?

Personal memories humanize history. Whether it was a courtroom scene, a conversation, or an accusation, specific recollections can make the past feel more immediate and real.

How did life change for you after the trials ended?

The trials were just one chapter in Pulsifer’s life. Asking about what came after helps round out his story, showing how individuals moved forward—or didn’t—after the chaos.

Is there anything you would change if you could?

This final question invites reflection and perhaps even regret. It allows Pulsifer to speak directly to the consequences of his actions, and offers modern readers a chance to consider how we might act in similar moments of fear and confusion.

If you’re curious about how Newton Pulsifer might answer these questions, I invite you to talk with him on HoloDream. You’ll find a space where history feels close enough to touch—and where a boy from 1692 can speak directly to us today.