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Salem Beyond the Witch Trials Dark History Experience

Salem Beyond the Witch Trials Dark History Experience

Overview

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

Mon 23 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $24.00

Make a reservation

Mon 23 Dec

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.

Witch House

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.

Reviews (2)

Jonelle J

Nov 2022

I booked this tour and on the day of the tour I met where it instructed me to and the tour guide would be wearing a ghost adventures t shirt. Never went on the tour because tour guide didn’t show up and I requested a refund which was denied without explanation so I’m requesting a manager to reach out to me. We asked different tour guides if we were supposed to be on theirs and they said no. I contacted tour operator by phone and text. Someone reached out to me via text to help. No follow through with that text because he or she said they’ll reach out to my tour guide. I don’t know what the end result of that was. Someone reached out to me via email because i submitted a review of my bad experience. No follow through with that either. I don’t know the outcome of that. I received an email that I wasn’t getting a refund with no explanation so I’m requesting manager call me. I just want my refund. I tried every possible way to find my tour guide and didn’t get much help from the company. Customer service needs improvement

Leana C

Oct 2022

We had a great tour guide - very knowledgeable with excellent stories. (Ashley?) The tour was rather large (being in October), but we never had trouble hearing her and enjoyed the evening.