That Salem has a moniker that goes against its reputation may surprise you. Salem, the Hebrew word for peace, was chosen as the town's name by the colonists in the 17th century.
Salem, Massachusetts, is a seaside community with a maritime past and an important American colonial town. It possesses many of the traits we associate with those early settlements, including a Puritan work ethic, devotion to education, strong community ties, and a hardy nature to withstand the rigors of a coastal winter. Of course, witches and the 1692 witch trials are intrinsically linked to Salem. Since recognizing and embracing its notorious past, Salem has transitioned from trying to hide it to becoming a favorite tourist attraction for history aficionados, seafood lovers, and those smitten with the tales of witchcraft. Join our Salem History Experience and learn all you ever wanted to know about Salem, beyond the witch trials.