Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour

All ages Spring/summer only Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour Salem has one of the most naturally varied collections of historic structures in the country, spanning nearly 400 years. Come learn about how the inhabitants of Salem have kept their city comfortable, livable, and beautiful for centuries! From First Period to Georgian, Federal to Brutalist, Salem has some of everything. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets, discovering hidden gems, and viewing dozens of historic buildings and structures, as well as learning the fascinating stories behind them, from Salem's days as the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century, to the great fire that nearly destroyed it all! Tours run RAIN or SHINE. We do NOT cancel for weather. For a full refund, you must cancel 24 hours prior.

1. 1

   Salem Old Town Hall

   5 min

   Start of the tour

2. 2

   Salem

   5 min

   Duration of the tour

3. 3

   The Custom House

   10 min

   This is where we touch on Salem's history of spice trade, her motto (and why we have it), point out where the old ship building yard used to be (near where the Adirondack chairs are located at the far end of the open space) and then discuss the mansions visible from near Derby Wharf.

4. 4

   The Derby House

   10 min

   This is a discussion of Georgian architecture, and how this simple building reflects the burgeoning wealth and power of Salem and New England merchants as a whole.

5. 5

   Narbonne House

   10 min

   a perfect way to show how 17th century (First Period) architecture could be (and was) added to and modified to enlarge it.

6. 6

   The Daniels House Historic Site

   5 min

   Discussion

7. 7

   Salem Common

   10 min

   We point out the Hocus Pocus location (the old school) but then talk about how Salem Common evolved, from a series of marshy pools and unusable ground in the 17th and early 18th centuries, to the manicured pleasure park of the 19th century, and how it became the new fashionable district starting in the mid-to-late 19th century, Salem's last gasp of wealth and mansions, with Second Empire and Greek Revival style buildings.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5 min

   Architecture

9. 9

   Peabody Essex Museum

   10 min

   Variety of collection homes

10. 10

    Stop 10

    5 min

    Architecture

11. 11

    Saint Peter's Episcopal Church

    10 min

    We touch on the unique religious heritage of Salem.

12. 12

    Witch City Mall

    5 min

    Architecture

13. 13

    Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery

    5 min

    Discussion

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by ticketed adult

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