Salem: Secrets of Salem Hidden History Walking Tour

The ‘Salem: Secrets of Salem Hidden History Walking Tour’ offers visitors a chance to uncover the town’s dark 17th-century past. Focusing on the notorious witch trials, this 2-hour guided exploration delves into rarely told stories that reveal how Salem transformed into the ‘Witch City.’ Participants will discover the connection between author Nathaniel Hawthorne and judge John Hathorne, as well as explore the filming locations of iconic shows like ‘Bewitched’ and ‘Hocus Pocus.’ With 9 historic stops, including the Salem Athenaeum and Old Burying Point Cemetery, this thought-provoking tour promises an immersive experience that might just leave you questioning the true nature of Salem’s secrets.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Salem.

Key Points

• Explore Salem’s dark 17th-century past, including the notorious witch trials and the town’s transformation into the ‘Witch City’.
• Uncover rarely told stories and the connection between author Nathaniel Hawthorne and judge John Hathorne.
• Visit historic locations like the Salem Athenaeum and Old Burying Point Cemetery to gain a deeper understanding of the town’s history.
• Discover that most accusations, executions, and alleged witchcraft occurred in Danvers, not Salem, providing a more comprehensive picture of the events.
• Capture the magic of Salem by visiting filming locations from the TV show ‘Bewitched’ and the movie ‘Hocus Pocus’.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Salem Hidden History Walking Tour offers a captivating 2-hour guided exploration of the city’s dark 17th-century past, including the notorious witch trials.

Visitors will discover rarely told stories and uncover the town’s transformation into the ‘Witch City’ as they visit 9 historic locations, such as the Salem Athenaeum and Old Burying Point Cemetery.

Along the way, they’ll learn about the connection between author Nathaniel Hawthorne and judge John Hathorne, and discover that most accusations, executions, and alleged witchcraft occurred in Danvers, not Salem.

The tour also includes photo opportunities at the Bewitched and Hocus Pocus filming locations, providing a unique glimpse into Salem’s captivating history.

Exploring Salem’s Dark History

Salem’s dark 17th-century past comes alive as the tour guides visitors through the city’s haunting history, including the notorious witch trials that have long captivated the public’s imagination.

The tour delves into the rarely told stories that uncover Salem’s transformation into the ‘Witch City,’ exploring the connections between author Nathaniel Hawthorne and judge John Hathorne.

Participants discover that despite Salem’s reputation, most of the accusations, executions, and alleged witchcraft actually occurred in the nearby town of Danvers, not Salem itself.

With a knowledgeable guide, the tour brings this dark chapter of history to life, offering a thought-provoking and immersive experience for those seeking to uncover the secrets of Salem’s past.

Nathaniel Hawthorne and Judge Hathorne

Closely connected to Salem’s dark 17th-century history, author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s family legacy intertwined with the notorious judge John Hathorne, who presided over the Salem witch trials.

Hawthorne, whose ancestral name was Hathorne, was the great-great-grandson of Judge Hathorne, one of the leading figures in the infamous witch trials.

Hawthorne’s guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials led him to change his surname, adding a ‘w’ to distance himself from the family’s tainted past.

The author’s famous novel, ‘The Scarlet Letter,’ explores themes of Puritan intolerance and the lasting impact of past transgressions, reflecting Hawthorne’s personal connection to Salem’s dark history.

Witchcraft Beyond Salem’s Borders

Salem: Secrets of the Salem Hidden History Walking Tour

Witchcraft Beyond Salem’s Borders

Contrary to popular belief, most of the accusations, executions, and alleged witchcraft during the Salem witch trials actually occurred in the neighboring town of Danvers, not within Salem’s borders.

While Salem is notorious for its role in the trials, the walking tour reveals that the majority of the accusations and executions took place in Danvers, which was then known as Salem Village.

This little-known fact highlights how the history of the witch trials has become inextricably linked with the city of Salem, even though the epicenter of the hysteria was located just outside its boundaries.

Understanding this nuance provides a more comprehensive picture of this dark chapter in New England’s past.

More Great Tours Nearby

Bewitched and Hocus Pocus Filming Locations

The walking tour also provides opportunities to take photos at the filming locations of the popular TV show ‘Bewitched‘ and the movie ‘Hocus Pocus,’ both of which prominently featured the historic city of Salem.

Fans of the supernatural can delight in visiting the following filming spots:

The Bewitched house, located at 244 Derby Street, where Samantha and Darrin lived.

The Ropes Mansion, which served as the Sanderson Sisters‘ home in Hocus Pocus.

The Old Town Hall, which appeared as the town hall in Hocus Pocus.

These iconic locations allow visitors to step into the magical world of Salem, capturing a glimpse of the city’s enchanting on-screen history.

Historic Stops and Photo Opportunities

The guided tour visits 9 historic locations throughout Salem, allowing participants to explore the town’s rich 17th century history and uncover rarely told stories.

At the Salem Athenaeum, guests can learn about the connection between author Nathaniel Hawthorne and judge John Hathorne, one of the key figures in the infamous witch trials.

The tour also stops at the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where visitors can reflect on the lives lost during that dark period.

Plus, the tour provides photo opportunities at the filming locations for the popular movies ‘Bewitched’ and ‘Hocus Pocus,’ giving participants a chance to capture their own magical memories in the Witch City.

Tour Inclusions and Duration

Along With exploring Salem’s historic locations, the guided walking tour offers a range of inclusions that enhance the overall experience for participants.

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to explore the town’s dark 17th-century history and uncover rarely told stories.

The tour includes:

1. A knowledgeable guide who shares insights and anecdotes about the infamous witch trials and the town’s transformation into the ‘Witch City’.
2. Stops at 9 historic sites, such as the Salem Athenaeum and Old Burying Point Cemetery, where visitors can learn about the connections between notable figures like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Judge John Hathorne.
3. Opportunities to capture photographs at the filming locations of popular movies like Bewitched and Hocus Pocus.

Meeting Point and Arrival Time

Participants meet outside the Salem Five Savings Bank at 210 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts, and are advised to arrive 15-20 minutes early.

This allows time to check in with the tour guide and ensure a prompt departure. The meeting point is conveniently located in the heart of Salem, providing easy access to the historic sites and landmarks that will be explored during the walking tour.

Arriving early also allows participants to familiarize themselves with the surroundings and get a feel for the town’s atmosphere before embarking on the immersive journey through Salem’s dark 17th-century history and the infamous witch trials.

Punctuality is key to make the most of the 2-hour guided experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Walking Tour?

No, pets are generally not allowed on walking tours. The tour guide and location have restrictions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Guests are advised to leave their pets at home for this walking tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The walking portion can accommodate guests with mobility aids, and the guide will work to ensure all participants can access the tour sites comfortably.

How Much Does the Tour Cost?

The tour costs $25 per adult and $20 per child. The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and visitors can reserve now and pay later.

Can I Book Private Tours for My Group?

Yes, private tours can be booked for groups. The tour operator offers customized experiences to accommodate private groups. Visitors can inquire about availability and pricing for private tours when making their reservation.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, but it’s recommended for children aged 10 and up due to the content involving the Salem witch trials and their historical details.

Recap

The ‘Salem: Secrets of Salem Hidden History Walking Tour’ offers a captivating exploration of Salem’s dark past, delving into the infamous witch trials and the town’s transformation into the ‘Witch City.’

Visitors will uncover rarely told stories, discover the connections between Nathaniel Hawthorne and Judge Hathorne, and experience photo opportunities at iconic filming locations, providing a thought-provoking and immersive experience that sheds light on the secrets of Salem’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here: