Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour

4.7 (66 reviews) Salem, USA
Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

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.

What's included

  • Professional and courteous tour guide
  • Thoroughly researched and accurate history
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. Salem Old Town Hall
    Pass by
    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.
  2. Witch Dungeon Museum
    Pass by
    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.
  3. The Witch House at Salem
    Pass by
    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.
  4. Ropes Mansion and Garden
    Pass by
    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.
  5. Salem Athenaeum
    Pass by
    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.
  6. Pass by
    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.
  7. Charter Street Cemetery
    Pass by
    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.
  8. Pass by
    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.
  9. Salem Witch Trials Memorial
    Pass by
    Discover the rivalry between "Salem Town" and "Salem Village" that may have provided the foundation of the hysteria that fueled the witch trials.
  10. Pass by
    Named for Salem's famous son, Nathaniel Hawthorne, an episode of the TV series "Bewitched" was filmed here in the 1970s.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide outside the Salem Five Savings Bank. They will be wearing a U.S. Ghost Adventures t-shirt.

End point

End your tour at the historic Hawthorne Hotel.

Additional 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

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.7 (66)
From
$31.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Salem
From
$31.00 per person
Check availability