An Old Burial Hill Cemetery: An Audio Tour

Marblehead’s Old Burial Hill Cemetery is one of New England’s oldest and most atmospheric burial grounds. It’s also more than a simple graveyard. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll learn how to decode this cultural archive, where you’ll find headstone motifs with everything from Puritan death symbols to Roman-inspired willows and urns, reflecting changing religious attitudes over the years. Starting at the historical Redd’s Pond, you’ll learn about Wilmot ”Mammy” Redd, the only Marblehead resident executed during the 1692 Salem witch trials. From there, you’ll climb terraced pathways to see panoramic views of Marblehead Harbour and its iconic lighthouse. You’ll also hear about moments in American history that shaped this coastal community, including maritime disasters and the Revolutionary War.

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   Stroll along the edge of this peaceful freshwater pond at the foot of Old Burial Hill. This is where the tour begins, and where the story of Wilmot "Mammy" Redd, the only Marblehead resident executed during the 1692 Salem witch trials, first comes to life.

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   Old Burial Hill

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   Explore one of New England's oldest and most atmospheric burial grounds, perched high above Marblehead Harbour. Wander the terraced pathways to discover headstone motifs ranging from Puritan death symbols to Roman-inspired willows and urns, reflecting centuries of shifting religious thought.

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   Pass this working waterfront landmark as you make your way up toward the cemetery. It speaks to Marblehead's deep maritime roots and the fishing culture that once defined this tight-knit coastal community.

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   Enjoy sweeping views of Marblehead Harbour and its iconic lighthouse from this scenic coastal spot. The panorama here captures the seafaring character that has shaped the town for four centuries.

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   Walk past this quietly historic pond tucked into the town's landscape. The area carries echoes of Marblehead's complex social history, including the lives of freed and enslaved Black residents who called this community home.

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   Stroll past this harbourside landmark, a long-standing fixture of Marblehead's waterfront. It sits at the heart of a town that evolved from a rough fishing village into one of New England's most carefully preserved historic communities.

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   Pass this beloved local institution, a classic diner that has served Marblehead residents for generations. It reflects the unpretentious, fiercely independent spirit the town has held onto since the 1600s.

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   Marvel at this historic firehouse, a reminder of the civic pride that runs through Marblehead's long community history. Buildings like this one tell the story of a town that has always looked after its own.

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   Walk by this neighbourhood staple tucked into Marblehead's charming historic streetscape. Small independent businesses like this have kept the town's character intact across the centuries.

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    Enjoy the view from this waterfront spot, overlooking the harbour that made Marblehead famous. Maritime disasters and Revolutionary War history feel close here, where the sea has always been central to daily life.

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    Pass this nautical outfitter, a fitting landmark in a town shaped entirely by the sea. It nods to the generations of sailors, fishermen, and privateers whose stories run throughout this tour.

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    Stroll past this local shop along the historic town centre, where four centuries of community life have left their mark on every corner. It sits within walking distance of filming locations used in Disney's beloved Hocus Pocus.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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