The Witch House also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, is a historic museum located in Salem, Massachusetts. Built around 1675, the home is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct connections to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It offers tourists a glimpse into 17th-century life and the dark events that took place.
Early History and Construction
Captain Nathaniel Davenport initially owned the land where the Witch House now stands. Davenport began constructing the house, but it remained incomplete until Jonathan Corwin acquired the property in 1675 and finished the building.
After the Salem Witch Trials, the Witch House was passed down to Jonathan Corwin’s grandson, George Corwin, who owned it until his death in 1746. By 1826, the Corwin family no longer retained ownership of the house, and it came under the possession of Sarah Cushing, who owned it until 1851.
In 1856, a pharmacist named George Farrington purchased the Witch House. Farrington was the first person to refer to the home as the “Witch House,” claiming that the witch trials had occurred there. This claim attracted tourists, intrigued by the house’s supposed direct connection to the infamous trials
At the beginning of the 1900s, the Witch House was divided into apartments and businesses, one of which included Farrington’s drug store. This arrangement lasted until around 1940 when there were plans to demolish the Witch House to widen North Street.
To save the Witch House from demolition in the 1940s, it was moved back from North Street to its current location. In 1945, architects Frank Chouteau Brown and Gordon Robb led a restoration project to return the house to its 17th-century appearance. This renovation involved reconstructing several missing elements based on extensive documentary research and building archaeology. Although the restoration aimed to give the home an authentic older appearance, it largely consists of much newer materials
Today, the Witch House operates as a museum under the management of the city of Salem and is open to the public seasonally. Visitors can explore the house and learn about its historical significance and the events of the Salem Witch Trials through guided and self-guided tours
Touring the Witch House
Located at 310 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, you can currently explore the Witch House through a self-guided tour.
These self-guided tours allow visitors to explore the Witch House at their own pace, using informative pamphlets or digital guides provided at the entrance.
Exhibits within the Witch House display household items and reproductions that depict life during the late 1600s. Informative displays offer insights into the events of the witch trials and daily colonial life.
You’ll find that rooms in the Witch House are themed to highlight different aspects of 17th-century life, such as household chores, food preparation, and medical practices.
Visitors can appreciate the architectural details of the Witch House, such as the large central chimney, steep gables, and diamond-pane windows.
Admission
The Witch House is open seven days a week from April 1st to November 15th, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry into the house at 4:45 PM.
During the winter, the Witch House is open from November 15th to March 31st, Thursday through Sunday, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry at 3:45 PM.
Self-guided house tour ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults: $12.00
- Senior citizens: $10.00
- Children (6-14 years old): $8.00
The Witch House Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and other federally recognized holidays.
There are also walking tours of the town, which include stops at the Witch House, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and eerie tales associated with the area. Some of these tours are the “Witch Trials Walking Tour in Salem,” the “Historian’s Guide to the Salem Witch Trials,” and the “Witch Trials Walking Tour.” These tours provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local folklore and discover the mysterious stories that have been passed down through generations.
Visiting In October
The month of October is extremely busy at the Witch House. Please read the following information, as the museum does not have the staff to answer phone calls during this busy time.
* All Tickets must be purchased online beginning September 27th. Tickets will be available at 8:00 Am each morning for that day only.
* Please allow extra time to arrive at the Witch House for your scheduled tour, as traffic and parking can be challenging during the Halloween season.
* Tickets are not refundable and there are no late entries to the museum.
Visitors aged 3 years and older must have a ticket to enter. You will need to wait outside until your tour time, so please dress accordingly.
- There are no public restrooms, and photos, videos, or the use of electronic devices of any kind are prohibited.
Reviews of the Witch House
“A very enjoyable museum to visit! For a $12 admission fee, you can explore a fascinating collection of artifacts and get a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the elite in early Salem. The house belonged to wealthy businessman John Corwin around 1692, who played a significant role in the witch trials, resulting in the death of 25 people.”
“I loved everything about this town, and this house exceeded my expectations! The history of Salem is incredibly intriguing. The house is conveniently located on a main road in downtown Salem, with a gift shop situated behind it. Tickets can be purchased either at the house or online.”
“The museum was fascinating. I really enjoyed visiting an old house with a deep connection to the witch trials. However, I had to learn more about the house from the separate walking tour we booked later that day. It would be nice if the museum had someone providing more information about the house as you walked through.”
“Our visit to the Witch House in Salem was a captivating experience, even on a rainy afternoon. This historic house, built in the 1640s, is the only remaining structure directly tied to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The Witch House was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges who presided over the infamous trials. Through our visit, we learned about the fear and hysteria that gripped Salem during that dark period. The exhibits provided a deep dive into the lives of the accused and the tragic outcomes of the trials. Despite the weather, the tour was enlightening. The house itself is a well-preserved example of 17th-century architecture, featuring dark wooden beams and period furnishings. The knowledgeable guides shared fascinating stories about Judge Corwin’s role in the trials and the daily lives of Salem’s early settlers. Overall, the Witch House offers a unique and informative glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the Salem Witch Trials and the early colonial period. Despite the quick tour and the rain, our visit was educational and deeply moving.”
Additional Facts
Death in Salem: The Private Lives Behind the 1692 Witch Hunt,” written by Diane Foulds, explores the personal stories surrounding the Salem witch trials. The book delves into the events from various perspectives, with each chapter dedicated to the experiences of accusers, victims, judges, and other Salem citizens. A chapter on Judge Corwin details the pretrials held in the Witch House, which ultimately resulted in the deaths of 19 people.
Margaret Thatcher, a wealthy woman and the mother-in-law of Judge Corwin, was accused of witchcraft by one of her servants but was never prosecuted. Similarly, one of Corwin’s children faced witchcraft allegations after experiencing “outbreaks” that included lashing out, delusions, and seizures. However, like Thatcher, this case was also dismissed.
“Ghost Adventures” featured the Salem Witch House in season four, episode 19, in 2008 as the team attempted to contact the house’s spirits. Throughout the episode, hosts Zak, Nick, and Aaron also explored other parts of Salem related to the Salem Witch Trials.
Questions and Answers
Was anyone accused of witchcraft in the Witch House?
No, no one was accused or tried for witchcraft inside the Witch House. However, it was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a central role in the trials, making it an important historical link to the events of 1692.
How long does a visit to the Witch House take?
A typical visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors can explore the various rooms, read the informational displays, and learn about the house’s connection to the Salem Witch Trials.
Is the Witch House haunted?
While the Witch House is often associated with Salem’s haunted history, there are no confirmed reports of paranormal activity. However, its dark connection to the witch trials and the overall eerie atmosphere of Salem make it a popular stop for ghost tours.
Is the Witch House related to the Witch Museum?
No, the Witch House and the Salem Witch Museum are separate entities. The Witch House is the historic home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, while the Salem Witch Museum focuses on the broader history and legacy of the Salem Witch Trials through exhibits and presentations.
Is the Witch House accessible for people with disabilities?
Due to the historic nature of the Witch House, accessibility may be limited. The house has narrow staircases and uneven floors, making it challenging for visitors with mobility issues. It’s recommended to contact the museum in advance to discuss specific accessibility concerns.
What’s the best time to visit the Witch House?
The Witch House is popular year-round, but fall, especially around Halloween, is the busiest time due to Salem’s association with the witch trials. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the off-season or early in the day.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the museum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the historical context of Salem, Massachusetts. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of 17th-century life and the events that shaped one of the most notorious periods in American history. The museum’s commitment to education and preservation ensures that the legacy of the Witch House continues to inform and engage future generations.
Photos of the Salem Witch House
As it may be hard to read the above photo Says “Welcome to the Witch House. This was once the home of Jonathan Corwin, a wealthy merchant and politician. It is his role as magistrate and judge that forever galvanized his presence in the Salem Witch Trials, one of the most tragic events in early American History. As an influential merchant from a prominent local family, he was appointed the positions of Town selectman and Representative and was deeply involved in the affairs of Salem Town long before the Witch Hysteria of 1692. As a member of the militia, he was relied on to make decisions that affected the lives of hundreds of colonists.”