Salem Witch Tours: Must Know

Well over three hundred years after the Witch Trials of 1692, witches are still a big deal in Salem. There are a lot of Salem Witch Tours and things to see. From March through October, The Witch City has many offerings from which to choose. While many wind down after Halloween, some keep their doors open all year.

There is the venerable Salem Witch Museum, which has a dramatic presentation based on actual documents from the trials, complete with sets, lights, and narration. In addition, the Salem Witch Museum has a guided exhibit, (a perfect place to take Salem Witch Tours) which explores the changing attitudes and perceptions about witchcraft, examines the old stereotypes, and sheds light on all too real instances of “witch hunting” closer to our own time.

The Witch History Museum guides visitors through the untold stories of the hysteria with a live, atmospheric presentation.

The Witch Dungeon Museum features an award-winning reenactment of the trial of Sarah Good, taken directly from the original transcript of 1692, as well as a guided tour of the dungeon – complete with recreated Salem Village and Gallows Hill.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Salem Witch toursVisitors wishing to pay their respects to the victims of the trials will want to visit The Salem Witch Trials Memorial, dedicated in 1992, and inspired by the Vietnam Memorial.

Witch Trial Judge Jonathan Corwin’s home – otherwise known as The Witch House – is the only structure in Salem still standing that has direct ties to the Witch Trials of 1692. It is considered an excellent example of 17th century architecture. Tours at The Witch House are a blend of information about lifestyles in the 17th century, insights into the trials, and an exploration of the material culture of the period.

Another immersive experience is The Salem Pioneer Village 1630, America’s first living history museum, which really gives visitors a sense of what Puritan village life was all about. “Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop” is a must-see show that places the audience members in the jury, allowing them to question the accused.

Bewitched After Dark takes visitors on a walking tour from the Witch Hysteria of 1692 all the way through witchcraft in the present day. A Salem native, who also a modern witch, leads the tour. Adventurous visitors can join real Salem witches in a magic circle, and learn the truth about witchcraft on The Salem Witch Walk.

Speaking of real Salem witches, one must not forget Laurie Cabot. When the governor of Massachusetts gave her the Patriot’s Award for her work with special needs children, he also designated Laurie Cabot as the Official Witch of Salem.