Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the rivalry between "Salem Town" and "Salem Village" that may have provided the foundation of the hysteria that fueled the witch trials.
Named for Salem's famous son, Nathaniel Hawthorne, an episode of the TV series "Bewitched" was filmed here in the 1970s.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(58)
Ground is uneven. Great historical information. Entertaining host. Great way to see part of the city.
Our tour guide, Mason, was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Gave a great overview of the area and lots of in depth history.
Thanks for the kind words! We’re so happy you enjoyed your time with Mason and appreciated the in-depth history he shared. He does a great job bringing the area to life, and we’re glad that stood out to you. Hope to welcome you back again soon!
Good tour, learned a lot of new information about Salem
Hi, Marcus! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! Even on a cold, rainy day, it’s fantastic to hear that you enjoyed the tour and learned so much about Salem. Our guides love sharing their passion for history and tales, and we hope to see you back soon for another fun and engaging adventure!
Mason was brilliant! A local tour guide who was passionate, informative and gave a great experience. Would highly recommend
Hi, Natalie! Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad Mason helped create such an informative and engaging experience. We’ll pass your compliments along to him and hope to see you again soon!
Mason was really informative. He was very engaging and added personal touches as he grew up in the area.
We really appreciate you sharing your experience. It’s wonderful to hear that Mason’s personal touches and local knowledge made the tour engaging and memorable. We’ll make sure he hears your compliments and hope to welcome you back for another great experience!
Our tour guide was fantastic and SUPER knowledgeable on all the facts and history of the entire area! Let me tell you Danielle is the person to get for a great tour!
We really appreciate you sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that Danielle’s knowledge and enthusiasm made the tour so enjoyable. We’ll make sure she knows how much you appreciated her, and we hope to welcome you back for another great tour!
The tour was amazing! Danielle was charismatic and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this tour!
We really appreciate your kind words! It’s wonderful to hear that Danielle’s charisma and expertise made the tour so enjoyable. We’ll pass along your compliments and hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience!
We really enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it! Sam was entertaining and very knowledgeable. This is my third trip to Salem and I learned many new things on this tour.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. We’re delighted that Sam’s knowledge and entertaining style made your tour memorable, even on your third visit to Salem. We’ll definitely pass your kind words along and look forward to welcoming you back.
Highly recommend! Great tour and very informative. Our guide did a great job explaining and sharing the info on each stop.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. We’re delighted that the tour was informative and that your guide did a great job explaining each stop. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along and look forward to welcoming you back.
She was very knowledgeable and engaging!! It was worth the time to see all the sites and hear all the stories. I would definitely recommend it and do it again
Thank you for considering us a "must do"! We are happy to hear you enjoyed your tour, and we appreciate you leaving this 5-star review. We'd love to have you back anytime!
