Salem Witch Museum
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Learn more about the Salem Witch Trials that took place from February 1692 to March 1693 by going to the Salem Witch Museum in Salem, MA. This facility is also a fantastic place to learn about the history of witches, especially in Great Britain. After a series of trials accusing people of being witches, 14 women, five men and two dogs were hung because they were found guilty of being a witch. Although the Salem witch trials are the most famous, they are far from the only ones, and you can learn more about the other witch trials in the United States at this museum.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to the Salem Witch Museum is Logan International Airport, about 14 miles away. You can also use Beverly Regional Airport, about six miles away. Bus lines 435, 450 and 455 stop near the museum, as does the Newburyport/Rockport train. Salem is about 28 miles from Concord, MA, two miles from Peabody, MA and 22 miles from Cambridge, MA.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Salem Witch Museum
Visit Salem Witch Museum
In front of the museum, visitors will see a statue of Roger Conan, the first mayor of the town Naumkeag, later renamed Salem. There are two significant presentations at the Salem Witch Museum. The first immerses visitors into the witch trials in 1692 by seeing thirteen life-size stage sets, figures, lighting, and narration. The second helps visitors understand how the term "witch" has changed over time, with a particular emphasis on the term in England before the witch trials started in the United States. Visitors move through both areas at their own pace.
Fall is the perfect time to visit the Salem Witch Museum. During October, the museum stays open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Ticket Information
You must purchase tickets to the Salem Witch Museum online on the day you plan to attend the museum. They use a timed entry system, and the museum's staff ask that you come at most 15 minutes early. Furthermore, you cannot exchange tickets for a different time. Adult tickets to the museum are $17.50. Senior citizens can get in for $16, and children three to 14 get in for $14.50.
Family-Friendly Options
There is no child-friendly programming at the museum. Parents should decide if this museum is appropriate for their children. During the presentations, children may see pictures of the Devil. They may see the hanging of George Burroughs and also see heavy stones put on a person portraying Giles Corey. Parents should prepare their children ahead of time by discussing the events of the Salem Witch Trial with them.
The staff asks parents coming to the Salem Witch Museum to bring their smallest stroller. No stroller parking is available. Wagons are not allowed in the museum.
Large groups of 25 people or more who want to go to the Salem Witch Museum should call the museum ahead of time. A special group tour will be arranged, which is an excellent way to see this museum.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
You should arrive about 15 minutes before your timed entry. You will be let in precisely on time. Late entries are not permitted, and tickets will not be refunded. Consider visiting early in the day as this museum gets busier as the day goes on.
The first area you enter is where you will learn the history of the Salem Witch Trial. It has 13 life-size dioramas that you will walk by in order. During the audio-visual presentation, you will see the events that took place during the trial. This includes the pressing of Giles Corey, who refused to enter a plea during his trial. Heavy stones were placed on him. You will also see how George Burrows was hung during the trial.
The second main presentation area showcases the history of witch-hunting. This presentation covers the time before settlers moved to America and continues to explore how witches are perceived today.
Salem Witch Museum Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Situated in the infamous Salem, Massachusetts, this campground is surrounded by attractions and things to do. Not only do you have the attractions of Salem at your fingertips, with a Salem historic trolley tour stop right outside the campground, but you’re nestled on Winter Island, right on the water of the picturesque Salem Harbor. Visit the historic lighthouse and the House of Seven Gables, right at your doorstep. When you’re ready to walk the Freedom Trail, Boston is just 45 minutes away.
Harold Parker State Forest is a large park that is located to the north of Boston. This park includes a medium-sized campground with convenient access to multiple nearby lakes. The sites at Harold Parker State Forest are ADA-accessible, and you can fish on any of the lakes.
Cape Ann Camp Site is in Gloucester; it’s right on the coast. This RV park has been family-owned and -operated since 1949.
Activities Near Salem Witch Museum
Things to Do
Nature Watching
Salem Woods is a terrific place to watch nature. There, you might see cottontail rabbits, bullfrogs, mourning doves and other animals. Salem Woods consists of three connected locations, which are Highland Park, Thompson's Meadow and the Forest River Estuary. There are numerous hiking trails of various lengths.
Geocaching
Learn more about the Salem Witch Trials while having fun geocaching. Start at the historical home of Francis and Rebecca Nurse, who community members accused during the trial of being a witch. As participants continue, they will find a question at each site, and the correct answer will give them a clue to the cache's location.
Fishing
Anglers can find terrific striper fishing in nearby Lynn Harbor in the spring. You can go shore, wade, kayak and fly fishing. Anglers often have the best luck fishing in the tidal flats and salt marshes.
Swimming
Dead Horse Beach is a fantastic place for a day of swimming fun when the weather is warm enough. This beach is in Salem Willows, an upscale area featuring many restaurants, a miniature golf course, and a small amusement park. People often come here to watch the 4th of July fireworks.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
There is no dress code at the Salem Witch Museum. Dressing in layers is an excellent idea because you must wait up to 15 minutes until your time to tour the museum. During inclement weather, bring an umbrella or a winter coat.
Safety & Accessibility
Violent crime in Salem is much lower than the national average. This museum is in the northern part of the city, which is generally safer than the southern part.
While the main entrance to the Salem Witch Museum has stairs, there is a secondary door with a ramp that wheelchair users can use. Once inside the big room, it is easy to move around.
Conclusion
Learn more about the events of the Salem Witch Trial and how society's perception of witches has changed over time by visiting the Salem Witch Museum. Many terrific hotels, motels, and inns are nearby, so exploring the area is easy. Parents need to be aware that some displays may not be child-friendly. After enjoying the museum, head out to explore Salem, one of the many scenic and historic towns to be found within the New England area.
FAQ
Salem has many terrific campgrounds, but the museum does not offer one. Therefore, consider other nearby options, including Winter Island Park, Beach Rose RV Park and Sunset Park Campground.
The Salem Witch Museum is not overly RV-friendly because there is no parking lot. You must park on the street or nearby lots and walk to the museum. Consider using public transportation.
Staff at the Salem Witch Museum encourage parents to consider if this museum is a good place to bring their children because of the content presented, including a depiction of a hanging.
The Salem Witch Museum does not have any special programming for children. They urge parents to consider if the dioramas are appropriate for their child's developmental age.
Pets, except service dogs, are not allowed in the Salem Witch Museum. Since the weather in the summer can be hot, please do not leave pets in your parked car.