The Salem Witch Museum examines one of the most enduring and emotional events in American History, the Salem witch trials of 1692. The museum consists of two presentations. The first provides an immersive look into the events of 1692. Visitors experience the drama of that dark time though thirteen life-size stage sets, figures, lighting and narration as they are witness to the web of lies and intrigue of the Salem witch-hunt. Our second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, explores the meaning behind the word witch and evolution of the image of the witch over time. This presentation focuses on the European witch trials and the background leading to the Salem witch trials. In addition, this presentation discusses the emergence of the stereotypical witch and the phenomenon of witch-hunting.
In 1668, merchant and ship-owner John Turner built a house on Salem Harbor destined to become one of America’s most beloved historic homes. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, The House of the Seven Gables is best known today as the inspiration for world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. In 1910, Salem activist and philanthropist Caroline Emmerton restored the house and opened it as a museum and Settlement House to support the local immigrant community. Over a century later, The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association carries on Emmerton’s mission and vision by offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes and providing a platform for immigrant voices on the North Shore. Enjoy public programs and events, embark on tours of our historic mansion, and relax on our seaside lawn and gardens today!
The first three women to be accused of witchcraft in 1692 were easy targets for a witch-hunt – Tituba, a slave; Sarah Good, a beggar; and Sarah Osborne (alternate spelling Osburn, Osborn, Osbourne), an invalid who scandalized the neighborhood by marrying a former indentured servant. However, the next two individuals to be accused were shocking. Both respected and established within the community, Martha Corey was a full communing church member and a deeply religious woman, while Rebecca Nurse was a 71-year-old devout, God-fearing woman who had raised eight children to adulthood, all of whom lived nearby. Rebecca and her husband Francis worked diligently on their 300-acre farm, located in the very center of Salem Village.
True to the spirit of its past, PEM is dedicated to creating a museum experience that celebrates art and the world in which it was made. By presenting art and culture in new ways, by linking past and present and by embracing artistic and cultural achievements worldwide, the museum offers unique opportunities to explore a multilayered and interconnected world of creative expression. It has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating and collecting museum in the United States.
Established on March 17, 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the United States, Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. Located in the urban setting of Salem, the park preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England's maritime history and global connections.
The Salem Willows is a scenic, seaside public park. One of Salem’s Treasures, Salem Willows is a great way to spend the day. With a video arcade, the best popcorn in New England, a picnic area, and a seaside promenade, you won’t want to leave. The Salem Willows is open year-round to the public. The amusement portion of the park operates seasonally and consists of various privately owned businesses, where hours of operation may vary.
This authentic New England seafood house is complete with a fresh fish market and turn-of-the-century oyster bar. Turners expanded its retail operation to historic Gloucester, the nation’s oldest fishing port in 2006, with Turner’s Seafood Market. Continuing to expand its culinary footprint and notoriety in offering diners New England’s best seafood experience, in November 2013 historic Lyceum Hall in Salem became home to the family’s latest seafood experience. Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall provides classic lunch and dinner fare, creative daily specials, authentic shuck and serve oyster bar and the city’s only seafood market.
Innovative, sustainable, inspired menus, raw & sushi bars, carefully paired wine list all lead to an extraordinary dining experience. The menu emphasizes creatively prepared fresh seasonal seafood. The raw bar offers the freshest local oysters, clams, chilled lobster, colossal crab and jumbo shrimp. Finz is committed to serving sustainable seafood. They work with fishermen and fishing communities that share a commitment to sustainability wherever they are in the world.