Every year, we go to Salem as a pilgrimage to the victims of the 1692 witch hunts and because we enjoy the energy and Halloween atmosphere. We've been on Salem's historical walking and trolley tours as well as visited many of the witch-hunt attractions over the years. Let's just say I'm not a casual Salem tourist; I'm something of a witch-hunt historian---and I know what the historical records say, compared to Charles W. Upham's revisionist history and Arthur Miller's artistic license with The Crucible. I already followed Tom the Tour Guide (a.k.a. Salem Witch Wiles) on Instagram and I knew this tour would be different. And it was!
The tour begins with a magic circle, in which tourists are invited to participate. Tom, a practicing witch, explains during the ceremony that witches hold true to two words: "harm none." Tom tells everyone that none of the accused in 1692 were witches, but 17th century cultural beliefs, superstitions, and magic came into play, turning neighbor against neighbor and ending in a land grab. He explains what some witch symbols mean, including the pentagram, and why Laurie Cabot and other witches came to Salem. There’s no scary hocus pocus.
Unlike tours and attractions in Salem that have not kept up with current research and often repeat myths and misconceptions, Tom knows his stuff. And he's not afraid to admit it when he doesn't know an answer. He has a compelling presence and knows how to tell the Salem story in a way that is respectful, inclusive, educational, and enjoyable. Yes, I was charmed.