Salem Massachusetts Museums and other attractions

We have been through Salem four times. I love this town. It is actually pretty small, but jam packed with history. Anyone who appreciates history and especially weird history will love this place!

I will try not to rehash what most people already know. There are many books covering the events of the 1692 Salem witch trials. It is still a fascinating and mysterious point in American history.

The town has capitalized on it in a big way too. There are several museums, gift shops and other attractions relating to the trials and the general historical strangeness of the area.

As we have been through this area, as travelers several times, I will try to give a brief review of some of the attractions we have enjoyed the most.

I should take a moment to say that the town is very touristy with many novel tourist stops. Expect to pay $8-$15 at each museum or attraction on admission, even the smaller ones. Take a few extra dollars to each stop for post cards and gifts.

One thing that surprised me on our first visit was the use of the word "museum." I expected to see many artifacts and actual items from the witch trials. That is not the case. Few actual relics still exist, and the best ones are the obvious ones in the cemetery and the "Witch House" (the only building still standing directly linked to the trials).

The New England Pirate Museum, The Witch Dungeon Museum, and The Witch History Museum are three separate museums that offer a deal when you buy passes to all 3. They are within walking distance of each other and the other main attractions.

All three pretty much involve period dressed actors leading tours through life sized scenes of historical figures and events. The actors do a great job, and the scenes are pretty fun too. The Witch Dungeon Museum did have a piece of wood from the actual witch jail. The pirate one was just a lot of fun too. Our pirate guide really got into the part.

There are other cool museums in the area too, including the most noticeable one, the Salem Witch Museum. There is the newer Lizzie Borden Museum too. I can't get enough Lizzie Borden (more on her later). There is a traditional haunted house attraction there too, I can't think of the name at the moment, but we had fun taking their tour.

I love Nathaniel Hawthorne. The part in the House of the Seven Gables where Judge Pyncheon is setting in the house dead is about some of the creepiest writing ever. Hawthorne was born in Salem and spent a lot of time here. There are several references to him in Salem. Obviously, one of the big attractions in Salem, especially relating to Hawthorne is the actual House of Seven Gables. As much as I love Hawthorne and the preservation of historical houses, I must say that the house tour is disappointing, in my opinion. I would suggest going only if you are a huge fan of the novel, and really feel the need. It is the House of the Seven Gables though, and many people will see it just because of the name. Unfortunately, I get the impression that it is being managed with that same kind of attitude.

The Peabody Essex Museum is huge, and can take up a day or so on your travel schedule by itself. It is the oldest continuously operating museum in the US and has impressive collections of Asian and maritime art. The museum is also in control of many historically significant buildings in Salem.

Depending on your time and budget, I would pretty much suggest seeing all of the museums and attractions. Even if you think the period dressed actors and the life size scene museums are cheesy, they are fun.