Samuel Pickman House Archives - Haunted Adventures

The Pickman House, built in 1672 by mariner Samuel Pickman, stands as one of Salem’s oldest structures. Initially hidden under a Victorian exterior, its colonial origins were rediscovered in the 20th century. Architectural details like decorated post corbels reflect late 17th-century craftsmanship. Originally constructed as a “single-room plan with chimney bay,” the house exemplifies early…

The display highlights the Charter Street Cemetery Interment Research Project, showcasing gravestone photographs and a description of efforts to document and preserve historical burial records. Centered on Dorothy Cromwell, one of the earliest individuals interred at the cemetery with a recorded death in 1673, the project encourages visitors to share connections or contribute information. This…

The Federal-style mansion at 31 Charter Street once served as the original site of Salem Hospital. Donated by philanthropist John Bertram in 1874, the building welcomed its first patient on October 1st of that year. The hospital operated there until 1917, when it moved to its current location on Highland Avenue. This site represents an…

Colonial-era mourning customs in Salem, Massachusetts, emphasized elaborate funeral traditions. The illustration depicts a funeral procession where mourners accompanied the deceased to the burial ground, often to the sound of tolling church bells. Mourning tokens such as gloves, rings, and scarves were given as invitations to the funeral, symbolizing respect and status. These practices became…

A serene brick pathway winds its way toward the Old Burying Point Charter Street Cemetery Welcome Center, flanked by a blanket of fallen autumn leaves and verdant plants. The colonial-style structure, adorned with red-trimmed windows and door, harmonizes beautifully with the warm tones of the season. Overhead, tree branches frame the scene, their leaves casting…

An elegant advertisement for Robert Brookhouse, a goldsmith and jeweler once located on Essex Street in Salem, reflects the artistry of 19th-century design. Below it, a plaque discusses the cultural shift in funeral practices during the 1800s, highlighting the emergence of the mortician profession and the transition from elaborate rituals to simpler traditions. It notes…

The Samuel Pickman House, deeply connected to Salem’s rich history, features classic colonial architecture with its sloped roof, red accents, and prominent brick chimney. Located at the intersection of a red brick sidewalk and a paved road, it harmoniously bridges the past with its modern surroundings. Bathed in bright sunlight, the house’s historical details stand…

The warm colors of fall surround the Pickman House, one of the oldest buildings in Salem. Crisp leaves cover the ground, and trees with orange and yellow leaves frame the scene. The wooden fence and red trim on the house add to the cozy autumn atmosphere. The person in the photo blends perfectly with the…

The Pickman House in Salem, Massachusetts, stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. Once owned by prominent figures, including Chief Justice Benjamin Lynde, the house is associated with significant events such as the burial of Primus, an enslaved African-American man interred at Charter Street Cemetery. The house was saved from demolition during the…

A detailed historic map of Salem Massachusetts, crafted by Sidney Perley and dated between 1858-1928, hangs prominently on the wall. The intricate layout highlights key landmarks and streets, reflecting the town’s rich past. Below the map, an informational plaque provides an introduction to the Charter Street Historic District, which has been listed on the National…