Overview
Come on our History Walking Tour presented by Junket!
That Salem has a moniker that goes against its reputation may surprise you. Salem, the Hebrew word for peace, was chosen as the town's name by the colonists in the 17th century.
Salem, Massachusetts, is a seaside community with a maritime past and an important American colonial town. It possesses many of the traits we associate with those early settlements, including a Puritan work ethic, devotion to education, strong community ties, and a hardy nature to withstand the rigors of a coastal winter.
Of course, witches and the 1692 witch trials are intrinsically linked to Salem. Since recognizing and embracing its notorious past, Salem has transitioned from trying to hide it to becoming a favorite tourist attraction for history aficionados, seafood lovers, and those smitten with the tales of witchcraft. Join our Salem History Experience and learn all you ever wanted to know about Salem, beyond the witch trials.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Thoroughly researched and accurate history
Professional and courteous guide
Transportation
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet your guide at outside of Salem Five Savings Bank at 210 Essex St, Salem, Massachusetts. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure you are able to get checked in on time!Your guide will be wearing a Junket T-shirt.
End point
End your tour at the historic Hawthorne Hotel.
Good to know
Please check in with your tour guide at the meeting location 10-15 minutes before the tour's start time.
What to expect
-
Salem Old Town Hall
This building is the oldest original municipal building in Salem, built in 1816. Now, you can rent it out for functions. Discover the intriguing and oft-complicated history of Salem's early years here.
-
Witch Dungeon Museum
This museum provides an excellent overview of the Witch Trials. The infamous trials serve as one of the best examples of mass hysteria in the US. Uncover the facts here.
-
The Witch House at Salem
This is the only building still standing in Salem that dates back to the time of the Witch Trials. Judge Jonathan Corwin, a judge during the witch trials, lived here. Discover some of the miscarriages of justice that happened during the witch trials here.
-
Ropes Mansion and Garden
This home was built about a century after Salem's founding. Upon the death of its original owner, it was sold to a local judge, who was a British Loyalist. Learn of the tale of the tragedy of the end of Nathanial Ropes' life.
-
Salem Athenaeum
This building was the combination of the libraries of two societies. Nathaniel Hawthorne, write of the well-known book "The Scarlet Letter", was the head of the society for a time in the 1800s.
-
Joshua Ward House
The plot of land where this house was constructed once belonged to George Corwin, nephew of Judge Jonathan Corwin, and Sherriff of Salem during the Witch Trials. Sherriff Corwin apparently was overly cruel in dispensing his duty of arresting and executing those convicted.
-
Old Burying Point Cemetery
One of the oldest cemeteries in the US, Old Burying Point was established in 1637. Judge John Hathorne and the second wife of Giles Corey are buried here. Discover the tales of those who have reportedly seen the ghost of Judge Hathorne walking amongst the graves.
-
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Learn of the rivalry between "Salem Village" and "Salem Town" that may have served as some of the basis of the hysteria that fueled the witch trials.
-
Gardner-Pingree House
Though constructed over a century after the witch trials and not tied to them, this house has a scandalous history of its own.
-
Hawthorne Hotel
Named for Salem's Nathaniel Hawthorne, an episode of "Bewitched" was filmed here in the 1970s.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Secrets of Salem History Tour By Junket
Can I cancel Secrets of Salem History Tour By Junket for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
Meet your guide at outside of Salem Five Savings Bank at 210 Essex St, Salem, Massachusetts.
What's included?
- Thoroughly researched and accurate history
- Professional and courteous guide
What's not included?
- Transportation
Which places does it visit?
It visits Salem Old Town Hall, Witch Dungeon Museum, The Witch House at Salem, Ropes Mansion and Garden, Salem Athenaeum, Joshua Ward House, Old Burying Point Cemetery, Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Operated by Junket: Salem Tours and Premium Experiences
