Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour

Salem, US
74% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (646 reviews)

Highlights

  • Explore the locations full of witch trial history
  • Visit the haunting Witchcraft Memorial
  • Discover the original site of the First Church of Salem
  • Learn about the High Sheriff's role in the trials
  • Experience the only remaining Salem structure from 1692

Meeting Point

We are part of the pedestrian walkway downtown at the corner of Essex and Central Streets. We are next to Emporium 32 and across from the New England Dog Biscuit Company. Look for our purple sign.

Meeting point

8 Central St, Salem, MA 01970 , United States

End point

End Point

Return point: Returns to downtown area. Guide can direct you to where you want to go.

Meeting point

Massachusetts , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour

Examine the demographics, theories and personal stories comprising the dire events of 1692. We will bring you to many of the locations that are full of witch trial history. Many of the structures are long since gone except for a few, but we know where they were located. This is a fascinating tour that will shed new light on what happened during the infamous witchcraft hysteria which turned neighbor against neighbor. The guide will go to as many of the following stops as possible and maybe not in the order listed.

Duration 5 minutes
2

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Dedicated in 1992, this bench style memorial is in remembrance for the 20 innocent victims of the 1692 Salem Witchcraft Trials. Each bench has the name of the person, how they died and the date. You will learn the symbolism of the memorial and hear some of the stories of the victims.

Duration 10 minutes
3

Rockafellas Restaurant

Now a popular restaurant located in the center of historic Salem, Rockafellas (aka the Daniel Low and Co. building) was the original site of the First Church of Salem, as well as the city meeting house in 1692. It is located in the center of town and played a role in the witch trials.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

Joshua Ward House

Now the Merchant Hotel this is the site where George Corwin's house once stood. He was the High Sheriff of Essex County in 1692 and was responsible for signing arrest and execution warrants of the innocent victims of the trials. He took people's personal property and was caught torturing a few people in his home.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5

The Witch House at Salem

The Witch House is the only remaining Salem structure with direct ties to the witch trials of 1692. It is the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin. He used to meet in his house with Judge Hathorne and discuss who could be a witch. The house dates back to the 1660s.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6

Salem YMCA

The Salem YMCA is on Sewall Street that was named for judge Stephen Sewall of the Witchcraft Court. Nine-year-old Betty Parris was moved here in July of 1692. She was the daughter of Rev. Parris. The house is long gone, we will tell you about Betty and her cousin's role in starting the witchcraft hysteria.

Duration 10 minutes
7

Turner's Seafood at Lyceum Hall -Salem

Turner's Seafood is in Lyceum Hall that was built on land once owned by Bridget Bishop (the first woman executed in 1692) and her husband Edward. You will learn her incredible story and how a town was convinced she was a witch. It took eight days for her arrest, trial and execution.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8

Witch Dungeon Museum

While the museum isn't tied to the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, it is an example of how people were jailed. They were put in small jail cells the size of a phone booth or closet. And they had to pay for their own jail time. You'll hear the stories of the jailing process and you'll also get a photo op in the pillories (aka stocks).

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery

Take a picture with Samantha Stevens, America's beloved with. Learn about the episodes shot in Salem and discover whose land the statue sits on. It is rather ironic.

Duration 5 minutes
10

Salem Masonic Building - Essex Lodge

The Witchcraft Court - called the court of Oyer and Terminer - was located in the middle of Washington Street in front of the present Masonic Building. Most of the trials were held in this location. Additional trials were held here in January 1693. You'll hear some of the travesties of the decisions by the court. One of the accused was declared innocent by the jury but the judges nullified the decision.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
11

50 St Peter St

The Witchcraft Jail is gone but it was located at this location. It was one of many jails in the greater Boston area used during the trials. You will learn some of the names that were jailed here including Giles Corey, who was the man they crushed during an interrogation. Some prisoners died in jail

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Additional information
    Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Additional information
    Tours depart at 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour. Check in at Salem Historical Tours Office at 8 Central Street, Salem, MA.
  • Additional information
    Our public walking tours can pose challenges for participants with mobility and accessibility concerns. Tours are 90 minutes long and about one mile in length. Each participant must be able to complete the one-mile tour within 90 minutes, providing for frequent stops to view sites and for information from the tour guide. As Salem is a historical city, there are narrow and uneven sidewalks, bricks, cobblestones, and stairs. During events and festivals (and particularly October), with crowds and street vendors, the streets can become difficult to navigate.
  • Additional information
    Traffic and parking can be very difficult and October is much worse with "" trafLA Levelfic. Give yourself extra time to get here and park no matter what your GPS is telling you.
Provided by Salem Historical Tours, LLC

What our experts say

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    Arrive 15 minutes early to check in
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    Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths
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    Consider dining at Rockafellas nearby
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    Visit the Witch House after the tour
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    Be prepared for crowds in October

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