Salem’s Historical Highlights
Salem is a city full of unique history, including its seafaring and architectural heritage as well as the more familiar Witchcraft Trials. Below are listed several attractions that bring the past to life and where you can experience the excitement and history of Salem.
Custom House
176 Derby St. (978) 740-1650
Salem Maritime National Historic Site – National Park Service The Custom House was built in 1819 and housed offices of the U.S. Customs Service, as well as an attached warehouse used for the storage of bonded and impounded cargo. High ceilings, a sweeping staircase, and beautifully carved woodwork all contribute to a feeling of strength and stability. The Custom House
House Of Seven Gables
115 Derby St. (978) 744-0991
Salem’s premiere historic site, located on the Harbor! Discover 330 years of Salem’s history as you experience this museum and collection of historic buildings. Built in 1668, this is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. The House of the Seven Gables inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name.
The House Of The Seven Gables
New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby St. (978) 741-2800
The unique and little-known history of New England sea-robbers comes alive at the Pirate Museum. Relive the adventures of Captains Kidd and Blackbeard, who roamed freely offshore plundering merchant ships. Participate in an educational, historically accurate and entertaining, live walking tour with a qualified guide who encourages student participation and questions.
New England Pirate Museum
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St 866-745-1876
The nation’s oldest continuously operating museum. The PEM collections of contemporary and historic American, Asian, Maritime, Oceanic, Native American, and African art and culture, as well as its archival library and historic American and Chinese houses are among the finest of their kind.
Peabody Essex Museum
Real Pirates Salem
285 Derby St. (978) 259-1717. Immerse yourself in the stories of Real Pirates! The family-friendly pirate experience features the true tale of “Black Sam” Bellamy – the richest and one of the youngest pirates of all time – and Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet.” See the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including coins, jewelry, and weapons – retrieved from the wreck, and last touched by the hands of pirates more than 300 years ago. Real Pirates Salem
Salem Witch Board Museum
127 Essex St. The worlds only museum dedicated to the history and mystery of Witch Boards featuring one of the largest collections of Ouija and Witch Boards. Salem Witch Board Museum
Salem Witch Museum
19 1/2 Washington Square North 978.744.1692
Experience the drama of history in life-size stage sets, figures, lighting and a stirring narration. Live guides take you through changing interpretations of witches, the truth behind the stereotypes, witchcraft practice today and the frightening phenomenon of witch hunting.
Salem Witch Museum
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
51 Charter St. The memorial, located beside the Old Burial Point cemetery, is surrounded on three sides by a handcrafted granite wall. Inscribed in the stone threshold are the victims’ protests of innocence. These protests are interrupted mid-sentence by the wall, symbolizing society’s indifference to oppression. The Memorial was dedicated by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel in August 1992 as part of the Salem Witch Trials tercentenary. Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Witch Dungeon Museum
16 Lynde St. (978) 741-3570
You are there – in Salem Village in 1692, and you are guaranteed a unique educational experience with a chill or two.
You’ll experience the acclaimed performance of a Witch trial adapted from the 1692 historical transcripts.
Witch Dungeon Museum
Witch House
310 1/2 Essex St. (978) 744-8815
The Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692. Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose. He served on the court which ultimately sent nineteen to the gallows. The Witch House