Roadside Attraction: Bewitched Statue - Salem. MA

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Bewitched Statue

Salem. MA

Topic: Roadside Attractions

GPS: N42° 31.285; W070° 53.747

Quick Description: 

The statue of the leading fictional character, Samantha Stephens, from the classic TV situation comedy, Bewitched, is installed by TV Land in Lappin Park in Salem, MA.

Long Description:

The situation comedy Bewitched was broadcast for eight seasons on ABC from September 17, 1964 to March 25, 1972. Created by Sol Saks and starring Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York (1964–1969), Dick Sargent (1969–1972), Agnes Moorehead, and David White. The lead character, Elizabeth Montgomery, plays Samantha Stephens. Samantha is a witch who marries an ordinary man, Darrin Stephens - played by Dick York and then by Dick Sargent. She pledges to forsake her magical powers and live the life of a typical suburban housewife. However, her magical family disapproves of the marriage and often interferes in the couple's lives. In 2002, Bewitched was ranked #50 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.

In 2005, the re-run network TV Land paid $75,000 to have a bronze statue of Samantha Stevens installed in Lappin Park in Salem, MA. Salem is famous for its 17th century witchcraft trials and was the site of episodes of Bewitched in 1970. The 7.5' high statue was sculpted by Elliott and Ivan Schwartz and fabricated at StudioEIS. It was dedicated on June 15, 2005. Samantha Stephens is depicted seated on a broom above a cloud and in front of a crescent moon. She is wearing a long sleeveless dress. Her right hand is resting near the bristle end of the broom and her left hand is held up face high. She is sporting a characteristic mischievous smile.

Three overlapping bronze stars, inlaid on the sidewalk in front of the statue, are inscribed:

Elizabeth Montgomery as
Samantha Stephens

Hair of gold, eyes that twinkle
A nose that neatly twitched,
Clever, charming and enchanting
Samantha left us all Bewitched

Presented by the people of
TV LAND
The statue of Samantha Stephens/Elizabeth Montgomery exudes the same charm as the character did in real life. The small park is always open and it's well worth the short detour off the historical path while you are in Salem, MA.