About the Salem Witch Museum
First opened in 1972, in a renovated historic church building the Salem Witch Museum is one of the most popular attractions in the historic coastal city. The Witch Museum explores the dark events of the Salem Witch Trials that took place back in 1962. These notable trials involved hearings for people accused of witchcraft between February 1962 and May 1693. Over 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and thirty people were found guilty.
The Witch Museum features two presentations. The first offers tourists an in-depth view of the events that transpired during the 1692 Salem witch trials. Viewers will immerse themselves in the dark events of the Salem witch-hunt through 13 life-size stage sets, complete with figures, lighting, and narration.
The second presentation, titled “Witches: Evolving Perceptions,” educates viewers on the meaning of the word “witch” and how the image of a witch has evolved throughout time.
This attraction primarily focuses on the European witch trials, a series of witch hunts that occurred in Western Europe from the 13th to the 18th centuries. It is estimated that 35,000 to 50,000 people were executed during this period. In addition, the presentation also discusses the events leading up to the Salem witch trials.
The Salem Witch Museum is located at 19 ½ Washington Square North, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970. It is open year-round, Monday through Sunday, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and a few weeks in January when the museum is closed for maintenance in preparation for the upcoming season. The Witch Museum has presentations offered every half-hour starting at 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
There is a gift shop on-site that sells a variety of witchcraft-related items, books, souvenirs, and educational materials related to the witch trials and the history of Salem.
The History of the Salem Witch Museum
On May 6th, 1972, the Salem Witch Museum opened its doors, becoming the first establishment to tell the full story of the Salem Witch Trials to both local and traveling visitors.
The site where the current museum sits was once the home of Reverend John Higginson, the minister of Salem in 1692. Reverend Higginson, born on August 6th, 1616, was originally from England. In 1660, he left Guilford, intending to return to England with his family. However, due to bad weather, his boat entered Salem Harbor, where he was invited to become the pastor of the church.
In 1692, one of Reverend Higginson’s daughters, Ann Dolliver, was accused of practicing witchcraft. She was arrested and jailed.
The building you see today was constructed by New York architect Minard Lafever between 1844 and 1846 for Salem’s East Church. It served religious purposes until 1956, after which it was sold and became the Salem Antique Auto Museum and Americana Shops.
Is the Salem Witch Museum Scary?
The Witch Museum portrays the tragic history of events such as the pressing of Giles Corey and the hanging of George Burroughs, which may not be appropriate for all ages.
Whose Statue Is in Front of the Salem Witch Museum?
In front of the Witch Museum stands a statue of Roger Conant, born April 9th, 1592, the founder of Salem.
Roger Conant built the first house in Salem on the road now known as Essex Street. In 1913, the Conant Family Association approved sculptor Henry Hudson’s design for a bronze statue of Roger Conant.
Additional Interesting Facts About the Witch Museum
Judge Samuel Sewall: The museum highlights the story of Judge Samuel Sewall, one of the judges during the trials, who later publicly confessed his regret and guilt for his role in the executions.
Interactive Learning: The museum offers interactive components, including educational panels and displays that encourage visitors to think critically about the causes and consequences of the witch trials.
Research Resource: The Salem Witch Museum serves as a valuable resource for researchers and students studying the witch trials, providing access to historical documents, artifacts, and scholarly materials.
Community Engagement: The museum is actively involved in the local community, participating in events and programs that promote historical awareness and education about the Salem witch trials and their broader implications.
Purchasing Salem Witch Museum Tickets
Prices for the Salem Witch Museum tickets are as follows.
- Adult – $17.50
- Senior Citizen’s (62+) – $16.00
- Children ages 6-14 – $14.40
Tickets are sold ONLY ONLINE and they are available to purchase at MIDNIGHT on the day of your visit.
VERY IMPORTANT During the Halloween season, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets at 12 AM on the Salem Witch Museum’s official website, as they typically sell out immediately.
For further information you can contact The Salem Witch Museum at 978-744-1692
Accessibility
For international visitors, the museum offers its main attraction in several languages, including French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, and Cantonese, upon request.
The Salem Witch Museum is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, and it offers resources for those who are hearing or visually impaired.
Places to Stay Near the Salem Witch Museum
If you are looking to get a hotel near the museum you have many options.
The Hotel Salem – Located right on right on Essex Street, The Hotel Salem offers great accommodations that include a rooftop bar and restaurant.
Hawthorne Hotel – The Hawthorne Hotel is a historic hotel located in Salem, Massachusetts. Established in 1925, it is named after the famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who was born in Salem. The hotel features a classic New England architectural style and has 93 rooms, including suites and a penthouse. It is known for its elegant decor, historic charm, and reputed hauntings, making it a popular destination for both tourists and ghost enthusiasts.
The Salem Inn – The Salem Inn is a charming historic inn located in Salem, Massachusetts. Comprised of three historic homes—the Captain West House, the Curwen House, and the Peabody House—the inn offers a unique and intimate lodging experience. Each house dates back to the 19th century and features period architecture and decor, providing guests with a sense of the rich history of Salem.
Note that these hotels are highly sought after and may go on sale the first week of November for the following year. Book your rooms as early as possible as everything will sell out for the Halloween season.
Questions and Answers
Is the Salem Witch Museum appropriate for children?
The museum is generally appropriate for older children, particularly those with an interest in history. However, parents should be aware that the subject matter involves executions, accusations of witchcraft, and the dark side of mass hysteria. Some younger children might find the presentations frightening due to the life-size figures and dramatic lighting.
Does the museum discuss other witch trials?
Yes. In addition to the Salem Witch Trials, the museum’s second exhibit, “Witches: Evolving Perceptions,” looks at the history of witch hunts from Europe and how witches have been portrayed in different cultures over time. This includes an examination of how fear, superstition, and scapegoating have led to witch hunts in various eras.
How long does a visit to the museum take?
A typical visit to the Salem Witch Museum lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The museum experience is largely guided by the recorded presentation, and once it finishes, visitors are free to explore the exhibit area and gift shop.
Where is the Salem Witch Museum located?
The museum is located at 19 ½ Washington Square North, across from Salem Common, one of the city’s central historic areas. It is within walking distance of many of Salem’s other major attractions, including the Peabody Essex Museum and the Witch House.
Is the Salem Witch Museum accessible?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, and the staff is accommodating to visitors with disabilities. They provide assistance where necessary, though it is advisable to contact the museum ahead of time for specific concerns.
Does the Salem Witch Museum have original artifacts from the witch trials?
No, the Salem Witch Museum does not house original artifacts from the 1692 witch trials. The Salem Witch Museum uses recreations and displays to tell its story, focusing more on interpretive education than on displaying original artifacts.
What is the busiest time to visit the Salem Witch Museum?
The museum experiences its highest volume of visitors during the Halloween season, particularly in October, when thousands of tourists flock to Salem for the city’s famous Haunted Happenings events. It’s best to visit in the off-season (November through May) for a quieter, more relaxed experience.
What is the location of the Salem Witch Museum?
The Salem Witch Museum is located at 19 ½ Washington Square North, in Salem, MA. It is situated across from Salem Common, a central area that is within walking distance of other notable attractions in Salem.
Reviews of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trial Museum
“The tableaus in the first room, though somewhat dated and likely from the museum’s original opening, still provided a unique and engaging storytelling experience. The second part of the exhibit felt a bit rushed, with more tableau presentations that didn’t allow much time to explore the remaining artifacts. Despite that, I would definitely visit again!”
“Don’t let the impressive exterior fool you—inside, the space is quite small, with the gift shop being larger than the actual museum. The focus here leans more toward modern Wicca, witches in media, and Paganism, rather than an in-depth exploration of the history of the Salem Witch Trials and the area. The group “tour” consists of a single room where you listen to illuminated, non-animatronic wax figures narrating the events of the trials. After that, you’re led into three small display rooms, but the props make it hard to fully view the exhibits, as you continue to listen to narrated statues. And that’s essentially the end of the tour, which leads directly to the gift shop. While I appreciate theatrics, I found the experience underwhelming. As someone who enjoys learning about history, this felt more like a tourist trap and left me disappointed.”
“This was an excellent introduction to understanding the Salem Witch Trials. The first part of the tour offers a chronological account of the events, while the second part explores the history of witches, not only in real life but also in literature and film. Be prepared for a short wait before the next tour begins, as tickets are purchased online on the day of your visit.”
“Considering the quality of the Peabody Essex Museum, it was surprising to enter a nearby museum that seemed state-of-the-art for the 1960s, complete with static dummies and a poor voiceover delivering a speech that lacked historical accuracy. Visitors are quickly herded through two rooms, where they are presented with a disjointed narrative about a historical period of persecution. Unfortunately, rather than using that perspective to illuminate persecution throughout history, the presentation abruptly shifts focus toward Wicca.At the end, there is a wall with a clear message, but the museum fails to connect that message to the overall story. For the price of admission, they should hire an AV firm to update the presentation, which is outdated and, frankly, embarrassing. It felt more like a cash grab, delivering the bare minimum for the highest possible return. The experience was generally dull, especially for children, many of whom were pulled out early on. On the upside, there’s a gift shop where you can spend even more money.”
Photos of the Salem Witch Museum
