The Salem Witches' Institute was a women's organisation for witches,[1] presumably based in Salem, Massachusetts.
History
Some of the institute's members attended the 1994 Quidditch World Cup, and were seen gossiping happily in between two tents bearing the institute's name.[2]
Behind the scenes
- J. K. Rowling has stated that the Salem Witches' Institute is a play on the Women's Institutes of the United Kingdom.[1] These organisations seek to provide women with educational opportunities and to campaign on issues of importance to women and their communities.[3]
- In an interview shortly before the release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2000, J. K. Rowling responded to a question about whether American children could attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by stating, "No, they have their own school. You'll find out in Book 4."[4] This lead to speculation among fans that the Salem Witches' Institute was an American wizarding school, which persisted until 2015, when the author revealed on Twitter that it was actually a women's organisation.[1]
- In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the banner which displays the institute's name is described as a "spangled banner". This is more than likely a reference to the American Flag, which is referred to as the Star-Spangled Banner.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 .@jgrahamhutch The Salem Witches' Institute isn't a school, but a joke on the Women's Institute in the UK. by J.K. Rowling on Twitter
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 7 (Bagman and Crouch)
- ↑ "Women's Institutes" on Wikipedia
- ↑ "World Exclusive Interview with J K Rowling," South West News Service, 8 July 2000