1692 Salem Witch Trial Tour: 400 Years of History
The Witch House and Essex Street: where the accusations began
A two-hour walking tour of Salem led by a local historian, visiting over a dozen historical sites tied to the 1692 Witch Trials. You'll hear the full arc: Salem before the trials, what sparked the hysteria, the judges and accusers, how residents responded, the 20 victims, and how it ended. The tour meets at the Hermetic Arts Center on Essex Street and is family-friendly and dog-friendly.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Salem's 1692 Witch Trial history
- Meet at Hermetic Arts Center
- Start tour at Essex and Sewell St
- Walk down Essex Street
- Visit the Witch House
- Hear stories of Salem's history
- Learn about judges and accusers
- Discover victims and trial outcomes
The experience
The tour starts at the corner of Essex and Sewell Street and moves through Salem's downtown, stopping at sites directly tied to the trials. Your guide is a local historian with over a decade of experience in Salem's history, and they walk you through the events methodically: what Salem was like before 1692, the conditions that created the hysteria, who the judges and accusers were, how ordinary residents responded when accusations came their way, and the identities of the 20 people who were killed. It's not a quick highlight reel. It's the full story, told by someone who knows the town.
The walk covers roughly two hours and takes in over a dozen historical sites. Salem has old sidewalks and some uneven surfaces, so the pace is steady but manageable. The tour is wheelchair-accessible, though you'll want to know about those surface conditions ahead of time. Families bring children, people bring dogs, and the tour runs whether the weather is clear or rainy. Just plan your clothing accordingly. Groups stay under 40 people, so you're not moving as a crowd.
You'll meet at the Hermetic Arts Center at 272 Essex Street for check-in, and the tour departs on time. There are no restrooms at the starting point or along the route, so plan for that. Parking isn't included, and Salem's streets fill up, especially in season, arriving early matters. Public transportation options are nearby if you'd rather skip the lot.
What’s included
- Two-hour guided walking tour led by a local historian with over 10 years of experience.
- visits to over a dozen historical sites tied to the 1692 trials.
- coverage of Salem's 400-year history, including what caused the witch hysteria, the judges and accusers, the 20 victims, and how the trials ended.
- family-friendly and dog-friendly format.
- on-time departure.
Information
Lasts 2h, runs every day except Tuesday and Wednesday at 15:00, from US$ 35 per person and with a live guide in English.
Prices and times updated 7 days ago
Operated by 1692 Before and After
Is this one for you?Standing at the actual trial sites with a historian who knows Salem's story transforms scattered fragments into the full context of what happened in 1692.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
What exactly happened during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials?
The 1692 trials began with accusations of witchcraft that spread through Salem, leading to the execution of 20 people. The tour covers what sparked the hysteria, who the judges and accusers were, how residents reacted to the accusations, and how the trials ultimately ended: the full context, not just the sensational parts.
How long is the walking tour and what sites do we visit?
The tour runs two hours and visits over a dozen historical sites throughout Salem, starting at Essex and Sewell Street and moving through the downtown area where the trials unfolded. The pace is steady and the route is wheelchair-accessible, though Salem's older sidewalks have some uneven surfaces.
Can I bring my kids or my dog on this tour?
Yes, the tour is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Where do I park, and is parking included?
Parking is not included in the tour price. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point at the Hermetic Arts Center on Essex Street, or you can arrange your own parking. Just plan ahead, as Salem's streets fill up, especially during busy seasons.
Are there restrooms available during the tour?
There are no restrooms at the departure location or along the walking route, so plan accordingly before the tour begins.
1692 Salem Witch Trial Tour: 400 Years of History
2h · EN
from US$ 35 per person