Historic Overview of Salem Walking Tour
Overview
Discover why Salem is the true birthplace of the United States of America with the best history tour in the city. Explore over four centuries of Salem’s remarkable history from its illustrious founding in 1626, to its place as a thriving 21st Century city. The witch trials made Salem infamous, but there’s so much more. Explore Salem’s critical role in the American Revolution, how it led the great Age of Sail, and all about the many important and famous people who’ve called Salem home. Experience all of Salem’s history in our 90 minute tour. We'll discuss a little bit of everything, including the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, the Great Age of Sail, revolutionary history, inventors, famous visitors, TV & Movies shot here and more.The United States just wouldn’t be the same without Salem.
Inclusions
- 90 minute Historic Salem Walking Tour
- Local and Professional Guide
- Guide uses an amplifier so everyone can hear the Salem History
- We visit locations that have compelling history unknown to many locals
- Hear tales of Maritime and Revolutionary significance.
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour, 8 Central Street, Salem, MA 01970-3703
Discover why Salem is the true birthplace of the United States of America with the best history tour in the city. Explore over four centuries of Salem’s remarkable history from its illustrious founding in 1626, to its place as a thriving 21st Century city. The witch trials made Salem infamous, but there’s so much more. Explore Salem’s critical role in the American Revolution, how it led the great Age of Sail, and all about the many important and famous people who’ve called Salem home. The United States just wouldn’t be the same without Salem.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Custom House, 178 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970-5136
Listen as your guide weaves together the town's fascinating past, beginning with its illustrious founding in 1626. Walk past buildings, monuments, and other sites like the US Custom House while you learn about the early colonial struggles of the citizens. Hear harrowing tales of the Salem Witch Trials and the fear that the accusations and executions — mostly by hanging — brought to the Puritan village. Continue your tour as your guide narrates the revolutionary industrial growth of the town and modern-day expansions up to recent changes.
Duration: 10 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour, 8 Central Street, Salem, MA 01970-3703
Discover why Salem is the true birthplace of the United States of America with the best history tour in the city. Explore over four centuries of Salem’s remarkable history from its illustrious founding in 1626, to its place as a thriving 21st Century city. The witch trials made Salem infamous, but there’s so much more. Explore Salem’s critical role in the American Revolution, how it led the great Age of Sail, and all about the many important and famous people who’ve called Salem home. The United States just wouldn’t be the same without Salem.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Custom House, 178 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970-5136
Listen as your guide weaves together the town's fascinating past, beginning with its illustrious founding in 1626. Walk past buildings, monuments, and other sites like the US Custom House while you learn about the early colonial struggles of the citizens. Hear harrowing tales of the Salem Witch Trials and the fear that the accusations and executions — mostly by hanging — brought to the Puritan village. Continue your tour as your guide narrates the revolutionary industrial growth of the town and modern-day expansions up to recent changes.
Duration: 10 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Parking available in garages on New Liberty, Bridge, and Congress Streets
- Parking available in lots at Church Street, Front Street, and Klopp Alley. Metered parking near us. Use Passport Smart Phone App for meters. Bus parking available on New Derby Street and Hawthorne Boulevard.
- Tour departs at 11:30am. Check in 15-20 minutes before your tour time at Salem Historical Tours office, located at 8 Central Street
- The City of Salem has rescinded its face mask and proof of vaccination order. You no longer have to show proof of vaccination or wear a face mask to enter our office and gift shop. It is subject to change in the future.
- Traffic and parking in October can be very difficult. Give yourself extra time to get here and park no matter what your GPS is telling you. Check Salem.org for details on where to park.
- We use an amplifier so everyone who is social distancing can hear us. Masks are no longer required outdoors or indoors. You can wear a mask if you want to wear one.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
bmogilski
September 2020
History of Salem and various persons involved in the settlement. The guide was very knowledgeable of all past and current goings on in Salem
History of Salem and various persons involved in the settlement. The guide was very knowledgeable of all past and current goings on in Salemdavidsco27
November 2019
I've been to Salem many times, but really didn't know much about the history, so I finally decided to take one of these tours to hopefully learn more about the city and its rich history. Well, I have to say, this one was well worth it. Our tour guide, not only pointed out the typical historical s...
I've been to Salem many times, but really didn't know much about the history, so I finally decided to take one of these tours to hopefully learn more about the city and its rich history. Well, I have to say, this one was well worth it. Our tour guide, not only pointed out the typical historical sites, but gave us a lot of back story on them, and some of the ones more off the beaten track. Things I never would've learned just Googling or asking just anyone on the street. Bonus, he's also a standup comedian and made the entire tour a blast by inserting some very funny anecdotes. All in all this tour was thoroughly enjoyable and well worth the time and moneyRichard D
September 2019
I would rate it 3 1/2 stars if I had that option. Good, but not great. Even though description of tour stated that witch trials would not be discussed, many reviews I read contradicted that and specifically stated that the information was included. I think there was enough time and opportunity to...
I would rate it 3 1/2 stars if I had that option. Good, but not great. Even though description of tour stated that witch trials would not be discussed, many reviews I read contradicted that and specifically stated that the information was included. I think there was enough time and opportunity to include some witch trials info because there was not an overwhelming amount of Salem history that was covered. The bottom line is, I was glad I took the tour.cjwdoglover
August 2019
My husband and I took our grandchildren on a trip to Boston and it’s environs in June . Salem was on our list to see. We are so happy we chose this walking tour. The guide was very knowledgeable about Salem’s history and while discussing the witch trials informed our group about all of Salem’s hi...
My husband and I took our grandchildren on a trip to Boston and it’s environs in June . Salem was on our list to see. We are so happy we chose this walking tour. The guide was very knowledgeable about Salem’s history and while discussing the witch trials informed our group about all of Salem’s history and importance to Massachusetts. I highly recommend this tour.Judy_G
October 2023
Bob had some unique stories and makes places come alive with the telling of tales. We all learned some new things about the area.
Bob had some unique stories and makes places come alive with the telling of tales. We all learned some new things about the area.dkeith
October 2023
Took this tour as it was one of the few not focused on witches and the witch trials. Entertaining with good pacing that covered a nice bit of ground in Salem and was never boring. The topic did shift to the trials on occasion but not unduly so. Would have liked a bit more information on the seapo...
Took this tour as it was one of the few not focused on witches and the witch trials. Entertaining with good pacing that covered a nice bit of ground in Salem and was never boring. The topic did shift to the trials on occasion but not unduly so. Would have liked a bit more information on the seaport aspect of Salem and its very early history. So reasonable tour overall but could have been better.