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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

Thu 10 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $24.00

Make a reservation

Thu 10 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)

Teressa_Z

Nov 2023

We enjoyed this tour so much. We learned so many dark and strange things. John our tour guide was absolutely wonderful. He made the tour fun and interesting. I am so glad we went in this ine. Definitely our favorite so far.

Response from Host

Dec 2023

We are so happy and honored to hear this was your favorite tour! It means a lot to know that John took great care of you, and that you learned more about the darker side of our history. Thank you so much for this great review!

RatimaGrover

Nov 2023

I booked the tour for 3pm. I waited at the meeting point stated on my ticket from 2.45 pm to 3.30 pm. No tour guide showed up. Upon getting in touch with viator customer care, I was informed that they were unsuccessful in getting in touch with the tour operators. When I asked for a refund for a day wasted, they tour operator meaaaged back saying the tour ground met at a different spot. How is that ok? I am totally and completely disappointed with this operation and would never recommend it to anyone. I flew all the way from Thailand for this.

Response from Host

Dec 2023

Ratima, we're sorry to hear about the experience you had in trying to take our tour. We have our managers looking into what happened, as there were other people checked into your tour that evening and the tour went on as scheduled. We do not have an email on file for you--if you would be so kind as to forward us your confirmation that shows your meeting spot, we can discuss this further and work to make it right. Please reach out to [email protected], and we'll be happy to assist you as soon as possible. Thank you so much for your patience at this time--it's so important to us that our guests are well taken care of, even when things don't go as planned, and we look forward to speaking with you.

christinamC8525OG

Jul 2023

Even though it stormed it was very informative and a good learning of history. Our guide was very entertaining.

Response from Host

Jul 2023

Hi, Christina! We're so glad your guide and group did not let it rain on your parade. It's great to hear your guide provided a fun and informative tour!