Destination Salem–fun things to do and see

Sixteen miles north of Boston is a city I truly love. Salem, MA is known as the witch city because of that town’s involvement in the witch hysteria of 1692. It was here, upon Gallows hill twenty men and women who were innocent were sentence to death. Their crime: witchcraft. It is in this city we learn much from the past. We can ascertain the consequence of intolerance and their ultimate results.

The city of Salem is much more however than the madness of 1692. Founded in 1629 by Roger Conant and a band of fishermen arriving from Cape Ann, it soon became the leading port of trade wit the East Indies and China. Visitors can view some of the maritime history artifacts at the Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street. It is her we discover over two million pieces of art from Africa, China, Japan, Korea, North America, etc. We can also tour the “Friendship of Salem”–a replica of a trade ship from the golden age of colonial America.

As we venture through the years though we come to the fateful year: 1692. The town of Salem has decided to embrace the tragic events and honor those 20 men and women who lost their lives due to narrow-mindedness and fear. (Those who came to this country to practice religious liberty ultimately became guilty of intolerance themselves.)

Today, Salem is a bustling city full of shops, restaurants and historical attractions. The Hawthorne Hotel 18 Washington Square has been operating since 1925 and has been seen in a number of television venues such as: Bewitched and Ghost Hunters. A new Salem Waterfront Hotel and Marina, 225 Derby Street is also located within walking distance of downtown.  Bed and Breakfasts are also scattered throughout town.

Nathaniel Hawthorn’s, The House of the Seven Gables is a must for anyone interested in the literary as well as the historical Salem. Built in the late 17th century, the house is best known for its characterization in Hawthorn’s novel of the same name. The historical fiction, published in 1851, tells the tale of guilt, redemption and atonement. It has been claimed Hawthorn wrote the novel as an apology for his ancestor’s role in the witch trials.

Across town is the Jonathan Corwin house, better known as the Witch House. It had been the home of the lead investigator during this terrible period. The house, located at 310½ Essex Street is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct linkage to the Salem witch-hunts. Mr. Corwin purchased to home in 1642 and resided there until his death. Although it has been rumored the suspected persons were cross-examined here, no evidence of this has ever been found. The house though is still a great example of 17th century architecture and a must see for anyone interested in this historic period.

Salem is full of museums and shops a visitor is likely to enjoy discovering. Some of these are:

The Pirate Museum–where you learn about the glory and horrific days of those men (and sometimes women) who turned to a life of piracy.

The Salem Witch Village–where sightseers get an insight in what it was like to live in Salem in 1692.

The Salem Wax Museum–tell the story of the famous witch-hunts of 1692

The Witch Trial Memorial–commemorates those 20 men and women who lost their lives by refusing to give-in to false accusations of witchcraft and died in the truth.

Cry Innocent–a live re-enactment of the trial of Bridget Bishop where you, the audience, decide guilt or innocence.

After you visit these dens of knowledge you can stop-off at the many souvenir shops in Salem or maybe have your fortune read by a real 20th century witch. The city also offers a number of festivals throughout the year. Below is a list of just some of the annual gatherings:

Salem Film Fest

Restaurant Week (spring and fall)

Massachusetts Poetry Festival

Salem Arts Festival

Salem Maritime Festival

Salem Celebrates the 4th

Salem Heritage Day

Salem Haunted Happenings

Whether it’s history, art or literature, Salem has something for everyone. Why not stop by the city that made witchcraft cool and also provides a teachable moment on intolerance and religious liberty? The Arabic and Hebrew word for Salem is “Peace” and the tall maritime ship “Friendship” invites visitors to come to its shores and explore this wonderful oasis of knowledge. It’s a place where we may gain insight into the past and, at the same time enjoy ourselves. In other words, the city of Salem is more than just being the witch city.

For further information, visit www.salem.org