USA, Massachusetts, Salem

A town on the Atlantic coast of Massachusetts. Notable for the Witchcraft trials that occurred there in 1692. During the trials twenty four people died, nineteen by hanging. Most were probably not even Witches, but citizens caught by the hysteria. Much has been written about these trials, including Arthur Miller's classic play "The Crucible" and Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel "The House of the Seven Gables".

Today Salem has embraced it's heritage and is a Mecca for tourists. There are several museums and other things to do and see in Salem including The Peabody Essex Museum, the House of the Seven Gables, The Old Burying Point Graveyard, The Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers, The Salem Witch Museum, and The Witch Dungeon Museum.

The Old Burying Point Graveyard and the Witch Trials Memorial is a must for anyone visiting Salem. In the Witch Trials Memorial there is a carved stone for each person killed during the trials, with their date of death and method of execution.

The Peabody Essex Museum houses over 500 original documents and much ghoulish paraphernalia from the trials. The museum mostly focuses on it's art collection, so don't expect to see a big exhibit of witch trial artifacts. Do expect to see an excellent collection of art.

The actual House of the Seven Gables is located in Salem and is open to visitors. The House was the setting for Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel "The House of the Seven Gables". The house was built in 1668, and is said by some to be haunted.

In the novel the "House of the Seven Gables" a rich man named Colonel Pyncheon has a poor man named Matthew Maule hanged for practicing Witchcraft. The Colonel does this mostly because he wants the Maul land for himself. Soon after building the House of the Seven Gables on the land the Colonel chokes to death on his own blood.

The many other attractions in Salem, including The Salem Witch Museum, insure that there is something for everyone in a trip to Salem. Activities and crowds in Salem are at their peak in October, especially around Halloween.

Close up of Gables Window		The House of the Seven Gables
The Salem Witch Museum		A bus lane sign showing a Witch flying on her broomstick in Salem
Roger Conant Statue in Salem		A view of the Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Sarah Good Memorial Stone		Dedication Plaque at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Peabody Essex Museum
Salem Massachusetts City Guide
Salem Wax Museum
Salem Witch Village
the House of the Seven Gables