Salem: Walking History Tour with Storytelling & Witch Trials

Summary

Salem’s layered past unfolds on foot from Essex Street to the Witch House

You’ll walk Salem’s streets with a guide who brings centuries to life—Puritans, sailors, witch trials—all woven together as you stand before storied houses and memorials. Expect laughter, real history (not just legends), and moments that linger after you’ve left Essex Street behind.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving down Essex Street, feet crunching over some old brickwork that looked like it had stories of its own. Kenneth, our guide—he’s got this voice that just kind of pulls you in—was already sharing bits about Puritans before we’d even hit the first corner. I caught the smell of coffee drifting out from a little shop (honestly, wish I’d grabbed one). The air felt damp but not cold, and people kept glancing at our group as we paused outside these houses with impossibly sharp gables. Kenneth pointed out the Witch House and said something about how no witches ever actually lived there—just judges. That surprised me.

We didn’t go inside any buildings (heads up if you’re expecting that), but somehow standing in front of the Ropes Mansion gardens and Chestnut Street’s old doors made it feel like the walls were thin enough for stories to slip through. Kenneth told us about Salem’s age of sail, and I swear you could almost hear rigging clinking somewhere far off—even though it was just a regular Tuesday afternoon. He mentioned how some families still live in these houses, which made me wonder what it’s like to have tourists peering at your windows every day.

By Derby Square, we stopped at the Old Town Hall and then wandered over to the Witch Trials Memorial. There was this hush there—like even the wind slowed down for a second. Someone left wildflowers on one of the stone benches; I don’t know why that stuck with me so much. Kenneth explained some names carved there, and for a moment it felt heavy in my chest. We ended up back near where we started, legs tired but heads full. Honestly, I still think about those quiet stones sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Salem historical walking tour

• Begin on Historic Essex Street
• View exteriors of Witch House and Ropes Mansion
• See Chestnut Street, Pickering House, Hamilton Hall
• Visit Old Town Hall at Derby Square
• Stop at Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Top questions

How long is the Salem history walking tour?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Does this tour go inside any historic buildings?

No, all storytelling happens outside while viewing exteriors only.

Where does the Salem walking tour begin?

The tour starts on Historic Essex Street in Salem.

Is the tour focused only on the Salem Witch Trials?

No, it covers all periods of Salem history—not just the witch trials.

Is this Salem walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Are children or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers.

Who leads this Salem history walking tour?

Kenneth Glover—a longtime local researcher and storyteller—is your guide.

What are some key stops on the route?

The Witch House (exterior), Ropes Mansion gardens, Chestnut Street, Pickering House, Hamilton Hall, Old Town Hall at Derby Square, and Witch Trials Memorial.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2.5-hour guided walk through Salem’s historic streets with stops at sites like the Witch House (outside only), Ropes Mansion gardens, Chestnut Street homes, Old Town Hall at Derby Square, and the Witch Trials Memorial—all led by an experienced local storyteller who brings each era to life along the way.