Salem, Ma: Merchants & Mansions: an Architecture Tour

Salem, Massachusetts is a captivating city with a rich architectural heritage that tells the story of its prosperous maritime past. The "Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour" offers a unique opportunity to explore three centuries of architectural styles, from the First Period American to the Federal, while learning about the city’s influential merchants and their grand homes. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this 2-hour tour promises an engaging glimpse into Salem’s vibrant history, with stops at iconic sites and ample opportunities for outdoor photography. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about this historic New England town, this tour is sure to pique your interest and leave you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• The tour focuses on exploring 3 centuries of American colonial architecture styles, including First Period American, Georgian Colonial, and Federal styles.
• Participants will learn about Salem’s history as a prosperous maritime trade hub and how it shaped the architectural landscape of the McIntire district.
• The tour includes outdoor stops at key architectural sites, such as Reds Sandwich Shop, Mont-Saint-Michel und seine Bucht, and the Custom House, with opportunities for photo-taking.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, dog-friendly, and operates rain or shine, with caution advised on brick and cobblestone pathways.
• Booking options include reserving spots in advance and a refundable policy, but a strict cancellation policy applies during peak season.

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Salem, MA: Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour," offers a 2-hour guided exploration of the city’s colonial architecture.

Priced from $32.94 per person, the tour is wheelchair accessible and operates in English. It starts at 32 Derby Square and ends at the Bewitched Sculpture.

Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and groups are limited to a maximum of 39 people.

The tour is dog-friendly and handicap accessible, providing an engaging outdoor activity focused on the city’s architectural evolution and historical significance.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can discover 3 centuries of American colonial architecture, including First Period American, Georgian Colonial, and Federal styles, on this guided tour.

The licensed guide shares stories of Salem’s history and architecture, focusing on the McIntire district. Discussion centers on events that influenced architectural evolution and the rise of Salem as a wealthy city in the 18th century.

The outdoor activity features:

• Photo stops at various sites like Reds Sandwich Shop, Custom House, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
• No building entries
• Caution advised due to brick and cobblestone pathways
• Agreement to liability waiver and photo release required upon ticket purchase

Itinerary Details

This guided tour features photo stops at various sites around Salem, allowing visitors to discover the architectural evolution of the city.

The first stop is at Reds Sandwich Shop, where guests can admire 10 minutes of the First Period American style.

Next, the group explores the Mont-Saint-Michel und seine Bucht for 20 minutes, showcasing the Georgian Colonial architecture.

The tour then moves to the Custom House, where visitors can spend 15 minutes learning about the Federal style.

Other highlights include the Derby House, St. Josephs Hall, The Daniels House Inn, Narbonne House, MIEL DE JUJUBIER, Saint Peters Episcopal Church, and the Peabody Essex Museum.

Booking Information

Customers have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later for this architecture tour in Salem, MA.

Tickets purchased before September 17 and after November 11 are refundable with a 24-hour cancellation notice. However, a strict cancellation policy applies during peak season from September 17 to November 11.

The booking information also includes:

• Reserve now & pay later option available
• Tickets are refundable with 24-hour cancellation notice before peak season
• Strict cancellation policy applies during peak season
• Liability waiver and photo release required upon ticket purchase
• No cancellations due to weather – tour runs rain or shine

Important Notes

Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for New England weather; bring layers and rain gear if necessary.

The tour runs rain or shine, and no cancellations will be made due to weather. Caution is advised when navigating the brick and cobblestone pathways.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour. Participants must agree to a liability waiver and photo release upon ticket purchase.

This architecture tour is an outdoor activity only, with no building entries. Guests should exercise caution and be mindful of their surroundings throughout the experience.

Architectural Styles

On the Salem, MA: Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour, guests discover three centuries of American colonial architectural styles, including the distinctive features of First Period American, Georgian Colonial, and Federal designs.

First Period American homes feature massive central chimneys, asymmetrical floor plans, and timber framing.

Georgian Colonial structures display symmetry, balanced facades, and decorative moldings.

The Federal style, popular in the late 18th century, exhibits features like:

• Fanlight windows over the entrance
• Columned porticos
• Elegant detailing around doors and windows
• Brick or clapboard construction
• Formal, symmetrical layouts

These architectural elements provide a visual timeline of Salem’s history and prosperity.

Wealthy City History

Salem’s prosperity and architectural evolution in the 18th century can be attributed to its thriving maritime trade. As a major seaport, the city amassed great wealth from its lucrative trade with the West Indies, Europe, and China.

This economic boom fueled the construction of grand Georgian and Federal-style mansions, showcasing the city’s newfound affluence. The McIntire district, named after renowned architect Samuel McIntire, is a prime example of this wealthy period, featuring an impressive collection of historic homes and civic buildings.

Through the guide’s commentary, visitors gain insight into how Salem’s rise as a commercial hub directly shaped its architectural landscape and enduring legacy.

Photo Opportunities

The guided tour offers ample opportunities for capturing memorable photographs of Salem’s architectural gems.

Along the route, the licensed guide leads participants on stops at various sites that showcase the city’s rich architectural history.

These photo-worthy locations include:

• The striking red facade of the Reds Sandwich Shop, a local institution
• The picturesque Mont-Saint-Michel und seine Bucht, a historic building with a unique roofline
• The stately Custom House, a Federal-style structure that was once the center of Salem’s maritime trade
• The elegant Derby House, a prime example of Georgian Colonial architecture
• The grand St. Joseph’s Hall, a standout among the city’s impressive religious buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, alcohol and drugs are not permitted during the tour. However, the details do not mention any restrictions on bringing your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. As long as they don’t disrupt the experience, you’re likely able to bring them along.

Is the Tour Guide Available to Answer Additional Questions After the Tour?

The tour guide is available to answer additional questions after the tour concludes. However, this is not explicitly mentioned in the tour overview, so guests are advised to check with the guide at the end of the excursion for any follow-up inquiries.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors, Students, or Military Personnel?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention any discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider directly to inquire about any available discounts or promotions that may apply.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the 2-Hour Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with guests stopping at several sites for photo opportunities. The total walking distance is approximately 1 mile over the 2-hour duration, with some uneven surfaces like brick and cobblestone paths.

Can I Take a Break During the Tour if I Need to Rest?

While the tour covers a lot of ground, participants can take breaks as needed. The tour is designed to be flexible, allowing visitors to rest or split off from the group if required during the 2-hour experience.

Recap

The "Salem, MA: Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour" offers a captivating exploration of Salem’s rich architectural heritage, spanning three centuries. Guided by a licensed expert, visitors can discover iconic First Period American, Georgian Colonial, and Federal styles, while learning about the city’s maritime history. With outdoor photo opportunities and wheelchair accessibility, this tour provides a unique and accessible glimpse into Salem’s architectural and cultural significance.