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Salem Beyond the Witch Trials Dark History Experience

Salem Beyond the Witch Trials Dark History Experience

Overview

Come on our History Walking Tour presented by Junket!
You might be surprised to learn that Salem has a name that contradicts its image. The colonists chose the name Salem, which is the Hebrew word for peace, for the town in the seventeenth century.

Salem, Massachusetts, was a significant American colonial town and a seaside hamlet with a maritime history. It exhibits many of the characteristics we identify with those early settlers, such as a Puritan work ethic, devotion to education, strong links to the community, and a hardiness to weather the rigors of a coastal winter. Of course, Salem is inextricably associated to witches and the 1692 witch trials. Salem has changed from trying to hide its unpleasant past to embracing it, making it a preferred tourist destination for history buffs, seafood enthusiasts, and individuals who are fascinated by witchcraft stories. Join our Salem History Experience and discover everything there is to know about Salem, the witch trials, and beyond.

City: Salem

Tue 08 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $24.00

Make a reservation

Tue 08 Apr

Starting at $24.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional and courteous tour guide

Thoroughly researched and accurate history

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Salem Old Town Hall

Now available to rent out for functions, this is the oldest original municipal building in Salem, constructed in 1816. Discover the interesting and often complex history of Salem's earliest years here.

Witch Dungeon Museum

This museum offers a great overview of the Witch Trials of 1692. The trials serve as one of the best examples of mass hysteria in the United States. Learn the facts here.

The Witch House at Salem

Dating back to the time of the witch trials, this house is the only one still standing in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials. Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was a judge during the trials, lived here. Uncover some of the little-known miscarriages of justice that occurred during the witch trials here.

Ropes Mansion and Garden

Built a century after Salem's founding, and thus about 30 years after the witch trials, this house was sold to local judge Nathanial Ropes, after the death of its original owner. Ropes was a staunch British Loyalist who faced the backlash of his town towards the end of his life. Hear the tales of tragedy here.

Salem Athenaeum

The combination of the libraries of two separate societies, Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of "The Scarlet Letter", was once the head of the prestigious Salem Athenaeum for a time in the 1800s. Uncover the facts here.

Old Burying Point Cemetery

Established in 1637, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States. The second wife of Giles Corey and Judge Jonathan Corey are both interred here. Uncover the stories of those who have reportedly seen the ghost of Judge Corwin wandering among the graves.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Discover the rivalry between "Salem Town" and "Salem Village" that may have provided the foundation of the hysteria that fueled the witch trials.

Show 4 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (21)

Brooks_V

Mar 2025

Guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Learned so many unique tidbits and history that couldn’t be found out from prior books read in the topics.

Kevin_F

Nov 2024

Very detailed and brought the story of the witch trials to life. He did his homework. He showed us locations of historical significance and make recommendations for things outside his tour.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

We're glad the tour brought the witch trials to life and that your guide's knowledge enhanced the experience. We hope to see you again soon!

470lucid

Oct 2024

Noelle was great. Very knowledgeable, prepared, and great delivery. She has obviously worked very hard to internalize a lot of information and present it in a compelling way.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

We're glad Noelle’s knowledge and delivery made your experience so enjoyable. We hope to see you again soon!