Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour

Join us for our Secrets of Salem Dark History tour--right in the heart of Witch City! 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. Join our Salem History Experience and discover everything there is to know about Salem, the witch trials, and beyond.

1. 1

   Salem Old Town Hall

   Pass by

   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.

2. 2

   Witch Dungeon Museum

   Pass by

   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.

3. 3

   The Witch House at Salem

   Pass by

   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.

4. 4

   Ropes Mansion and Garden

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   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.

5. 5

   Salem Athenaeum

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   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.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   The plot of land where this home was constructed once belonged to George Corwin. If his name sounds familiar, that's because he was the nephew of Judge Jonathan Corwin. The younger Corwin was Sherriff of Salem during the witch trials, and was said to be overly cruel in his actions towards those accused and convicted of witchcraft.

7. 7

   Charter Street Cemetery

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   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.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   Constructed over a century after the witch trials and not linked to them, this home has enough secrets of its own, and scandal to go around. Learn the facts here.

9. 9

   Salem Witch Trials Memorial

   Pass by

   Discover the rivalry between "Salem Town" and "Salem Village" that may have provided the foundation of the hysteria that fueled the witch trials.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    Pass by

    Named for Salem's famous son, Nathaniel Hawthorne, an episode of the TV series "Bewitched" was filmed here in the 1970s.

• 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

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