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History & Hauntings of Salem

History & Hauntings of Salem

witchcitywastg April 2, 2025

Mysteries & Murders of Salem

witchcitywastg April 2, 2025

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One of our favorite things about what we do is fin One of our favorite things about what we do is finding ways to make each experience feel personal and memorable when people book with us. 🖤 For this recent 40th birthday celebration, our guide Samantha completely transformed the tour into an immersive Salem experience the birthday girl will probably never forget. From the moment the tour began, Samantha stayed fully in character — cloak and all — warning the group that rumors were spreading that Puritan law may soon return to the Commonwealth, and that anyone with “witchy ways” should be careful not to reveal themselves publicly. 👀 The story built throughout the night until the group arrived outside the Witch House… then came the big moment. A proclamation from the sheriff was dramatically delivered and unrolled in front of the group accusing Jennah Ciers of “sundry acts of witchcraft.” The charges included consulting astrology before making major life decisions, hoarding jars, candles, herbs, and “perfectly useful” objects, brewing suspicious handmade soaps, and maintaining unsettling knowledge of Mercury retrograde and moon phases. ⚖️✨ Swipe to see the full sentencing issued by the court. To end the night, we walked the group over to their dinner reservation at @turnersseafood We love sharing Salem’s history, but we also love creating experiences that feel personal, immersive, and genuinely special for the people celebrating with us. Happy 40th birthday, Jennah. 🍾
One of our favorite things about what we do is fin One of our favorite things about what we do is finding ways to make each experience feel personal and memorable when people book with us. 🖤 For this recent 40th birthday celebration, our guide Samantha completely transformed the tour into an immersive Salem experience the birthday girl will probably never forget. From the moment the tour began, Samantha stayed fully in character — cloak and all — warning the group that rumors were spreading that Puritan law may soon return to the Commonwealth, and that anyone with “witchy ways” should be careful not to reveal themselves publicly. 👀 The story built throughout the night until the group arrived outside the Witch House… then came the big moment. A proclamation from the sheriff was dramatically delivered and unrolled in front of the group accusing Jennah Ciers of “sundry acts of witchcraft.” The charges included consulting astrology before making major life decisions, hoarding jars, candles, herbs, and “perfectly useful” objects, brewing suspicious handmade soaps, and maintaining unsettling knowledge of Mercury retrograde and moon phases. ⚖️✨ Swipe to see the full sentencing issued by the court. To end the night, we walked the group over to their dinner reservation at @turnersseafood We love sharing Salem’s history, but we also love creating experiences that feel personal, immersive, and genuinely special for the people celebrating with us. Happy 40th birthday, Jennah. 🍾
Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is r Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is right for you? Whether you’re drawn to the Witch Trials, ghost stories, haunted locations, Hocus Pocus filming sites, architecture, true crime, or paranormal investigation - there’s a tour waiting for you. Our guides are locals, historians, and storytellers who have spent years uncovering the layers of this city. Our History & Hauntings Tour has been named the #1 Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States by @tripadvisor - four years in a row. Salem is so much more than just Halloween. We can’t wait to explore with you! Swipe through to find your tour and book at witchcitywalkingtours.com 🖤
One of our favorite things about what we do is fin One of our favorite things about what we do is finding ways to make each experience feel personal and memorable when people book with us. 🖤 For this recent 40th birthday celebration, our guide Samantha completely transformed the tour into an immersive Salem experience the birthday girl will probably never forget. From the moment the tour began, Samantha stayed fully in character — cloak and all — warning the group that rumors were spreading that Puritan law may soon return to the Commonwealth, and that anyone with “witchy ways” should be careful not to reveal themselves publicly. 👀 The story built throughout the night until the group arrived outside the Witch House… then came the big moment. A proclamation from the sheriff was dramatically delivered and unrolled in front of the group accusing Jennah Ciers of “sundry acts of witchcraft.” The charges included consulting astrology before making major life decisions, hoarding jars, candles, herbs, and “perfectly useful” objects, brewing suspicious handmade soaps, and maintaining unsettling knowledge of Mercury retrograde and moon phases. ⚖️✨ Swipe to see the full sentencing issued by the court. To end the night, we walked the group over to their dinner reservation at @turnersseafood We love sharing Salem’s history, but we also love creating experiences that feel personal, immersive, and genuinely special for the people celebrating with us. Happy 40th birthday, Jennah. 🍾
Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is r Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is right for you? Whether you’re drawn to the Witch Trials, ghost stories, haunted locations, Hocus Pocus filming sites, architecture, true crime, or paranormal investigation - there’s a tour waiting for you. Our guides are locals, historians, and storytellers who have spent years uncovering the layers of this city. Our History & Hauntings Tour has been named the #1 Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States by @tripadvisor - four years in a row. Salem is so much more than just Halloween. We can’t wait to explore with you! Swipe through to find your tour and book at witchcitywalkingtours.com 🖤
Most people visiting Salem walk right past Old Tow Most people visiting Salem walk right past Old Town Hall and through Derby Square without realizing they’re standing in what used to be one of the busiest waterfronts in America. This area was once filled with ships arriving from around the world, helping transform Salem into a global trading powerhouse in the late 1700s. Today the waterfront looks completely different, but traces of that history are still everywhere — from Derby Wharf to Old Town Hall sitting on the site of Elias Hasket Derby’s former palace. Of course now, most people recognize Old Town Hall from Hocus Pocus and the iconic “I Put a Spell on You” sung by the incomparable Bette Midler. ⚓️ Come explore Salem’s hidden history, filming locations, and waterfront stories with us at Witch City Walking Tours — voted the #1 cultural & historical tour company in America four years in a row. #salem #salemma #hocuspocus #history
One of our favorite things about what we do is fin One of our favorite things about what we do is finding ways to make each experience feel personal and memorable when people book with us. 🖤 For this recent 40th birthday celebration, our guide Samantha completely transformed the tour into an immersive Salem experience the birthday girl will probably never forget. From the moment the tour began, Samantha stayed fully in character — cloak and all — warning the group that rumors were spreading that Puritan law may soon return to the Commonwealth, and that anyone with “witchy ways” should be careful not to reveal themselves publicly. 👀 The story built throughout the night until the group arrived outside the Witch House… then came the big moment. A proclamation from the sheriff was dramatically delivered and unrolled in front of the group accusing Jennah Ciers of “sundry acts of witchcraft.” The charges included consulting astrology before making major life decisions, hoarding jars, candles, herbs, and “perfectly useful” objects, brewing suspicious handmade soaps, and maintaining unsettling knowledge of Mercury retrograde and moon phases. ⚖️✨ Swipe to see the full sentencing issued by the court. To end the night, we walked the group over to their dinner reservation at @turnersseafood We love sharing Salem’s history, but we also love creating experiences that feel personal, immersive, and genuinely special for the people celebrating with us. Happy 40th birthday, Jennah. 🍾
Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is r Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is right for you? Whether you’re drawn to the Witch Trials, ghost stories, haunted locations, Hocus Pocus filming sites, architecture, true crime, or paranormal investigation - there’s a tour waiting for you. Our guides are locals, historians, and storytellers who have spent years uncovering the layers of this city. Our History & Hauntings Tour has been named the #1 Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States by @tripadvisor - four years in a row. Salem is so much more than just Halloween. We can’t wait to explore with you! Swipe through to find your tour and book at witchcitywalkingtours.com 🖤
Most people visiting Salem walk right past Old Tow Most people visiting Salem walk right past Old Town Hall and through Derby Square without realizing they’re standing in what used to be one of the busiest waterfronts in America. This area was once filled with ships arriving from around the world, helping transform Salem into a global trading powerhouse in the late 1700s. Today the waterfront looks completely different, but traces of that history are still everywhere — from Derby Wharf to Old Town Hall sitting on the site of Elias Hasket Derby’s former palace. Of course now, most people recognize Old Town Hall from Hocus Pocus and the iconic “I Put a Spell on You” sung by the incomparable Bette Midler. ⚓️ Come explore Salem’s hidden history, filming locations, and waterfront stories with us at Witch City Walking Tours — voted the #1 cultural & historical tour company in America four years in a row. #salem #salemma #hocuspocus #history
Meet Seán. Originally from Maryland, and now livi Meet Seán. Originally from Maryland, and now living right here in Salem. He’s someone who truly lives and breathes history. Between traveling as a historian, lecturing, and constantly researching, he sets an incredibly high bar for tour guides — not just on our team, but honestly around Salem in general. If you’ve toured with him, you know how much care he puts into the stories and the history behind them. He told us about giving a private tour to descendants of Sarah Wildes, one of the women accused during the Salem Witch Trials. They wanted to learn more about their ancestor, and by the end of the tour there were tears. Moments like that are a reminder that this history is still very real and personal for so many people. He’s also someone who’s always helping other guides learn, grow, and stay sharp — which says a lot about who he is. We’re really proud to have him on our team and wanted to introduce you. Have you ever toured with Seán?
One of our favorite things about what we do is fin One of our favorite things about what we do is finding ways to make each experience feel personal and memorable when people book with us. 🖤 For this recent 40th birthday celebration, our guide Samantha completely transformed the tour into an immersive Salem experience the birthday girl will probably never forget. From the moment the tour began, Samantha stayed fully in character — cloak and all — warning the group that rumors were spreading that Puritan law may soon return to the Commonwealth, and that anyone with “witchy ways” should be careful not to reveal themselves publicly. 👀 The story built throughout the night until the group arrived outside the Witch House… then came the big moment. A proclamation from the sheriff was dramatically delivered and unrolled in front of the group accusing Jennah Ciers of “sundry acts of witchcraft.” The charges included consulting astrology before making major life decisions, hoarding jars, candles, herbs, and “perfectly useful” objects, brewing suspicious handmade soaps, and maintaining unsettling knowledge of Mercury retrograde and moon phases. ⚖️✨ Swipe to see the full sentencing issued by the court. To end the night, we walked the group over to their dinner reservation at @turnersseafood We love sharing Salem’s history, but we also love creating experiences that feel personal, immersive, and genuinely special for the people celebrating with us. Happy 40th birthday, Jennah. 🍾
Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is r Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is right for you? Whether you’re drawn to the Witch Trials, ghost stories, haunted locations, Hocus Pocus filming sites, architecture, true crime, or paranormal investigation - there’s a tour waiting for you. Our guides are locals, historians, and storytellers who have spent years uncovering the layers of this city. Our History & Hauntings Tour has been named the #1 Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States by @tripadvisor - four years in a row. Salem is so much more than just Halloween. We can’t wait to explore with you! Swipe through to find your tour and book at witchcitywalkingtours.com 🖤
Most people visiting Salem walk right past Old Tow Most people visiting Salem walk right past Old Town Hall and through Derby Square without realizing they’re standing in what used to be one of the busiest waterfronts in America. This area was once filled with ships arriving from around the world, helping transform Salem into a global trading powerhouse in the late 1700s. Today the waterfront looks completely different, but traces of that history are still everywhere — from Derby Wharf to Old Town Hall sitting on the site of Elias Hasket Derby’s former palace. Of course now, most people recognize Old Town Hall from Hocus Pocus and the iconic “I Put a Spell on You” sung by the incomparable Bette Midler. ⚓️ Come explore Salem’s hidden history, filming locations, and waterfront stories with us at Witch City Walking Tours — voted the #1 cultural & historical tour company in America four years in a row. #salem #salemma #hocuspocus #history
Meet Seán. Originally from Maryland, and now livi Meet Seán. Originally from Maryland, and now living right here in Salem. He’s someone who truly lives and breathes history. Between traveling as a historian, lecturing, and constantly researching, he sets an incredibly high bar for tour guides — not just on our team, but honestly around Salem in general. If you’ve toured with him, you know how much care he puts into the stories and the history behind them. He told us about giving a private tour to descendants of Sarah Wildes, one of the women accused during the Salem Witch Trials. They wanted to learn more about their ancestor, and by the end of the tour there were tears. Moments like that are a reminder that this history is still very real and personal for so many people. He’s also someone who’s always helping other guides learn, grow, and stay sharp — which says a lot about who he is. We’re really proud to have him on our team and wanted to introduce you. Have you ever toured with Seán?
On this day in history — May 10, 1692 — Sarah Osbo On this day in history — May 10, 1692 — Sarah Osborne died in Boston prison, becoming the first of five known prison fatalities connected to the Salem Witch Trials. Sarah Osborne was one of the first accused of witchcraft in Salem alongside Tituba and Sarah Good. Already ill and bedridden, she had been unable to attend church for over a year, something that drew suspicion within the deeply religious Puritan community. After the death of her first husband, her relationship with a former indentured servant became the source of local gossip, with rumors that they had lived together before marriage. In Salem Village, rumor and fear spread quickly - and people like Sarah Osborne became easy targets. A warrant for her arrest was issued on February 29, 1692. Already weakened by illness, she may have contracted “jail fever” as she languished in custody for over two months before dying on May 10. Her death marked the beginning of the deadly human cost of the Salem Witch Trials. 🕯️
One of our favorite things about what we do is fin One of our favorite things about what we do is finding ways to make each experience feel personal and memorable when people book with us. 🖤 For this recent 40th birthday celebration, our guide Samantha completely transformed the tour into an immersive Salem experience the birthday girl will probably never forget. From the moment the tour began, Samantha stayed fully in character — cloak and all — warning the group that rumors were spreading that Puritan law may soon return to the Commonwealth, and that anyone with “witchy ways” should be careful not to reveal themselves publicly. 👀 The story built throughout the night until the group arrived outside the Witch House… then came the big moment. A proclamation from the sheriff was dramatically delivered and unrolled in front of the group accusing Jennah Ciers of “sundry acts of witchcraft.” The charges included consulting astrology before making major life decisions, hoarding jars, candles, herbs, and “perfectly useful” objects, brewing suspicious handmade soaps, and maintaining unsettling knowledge of Mercury retrograde and moon phases. ⚖️✨ Swipe to see the full sentencing issued by the court. To end the night, we walked the group over to their dinner reservation at @turnersseafood We love sharing Salem’s history, but we also love creating experiences that feel personal, immersive, and genuinely special for the people celebrating with us. Happy 40th birthday, Jennah. 🍾
Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is r Trying to figure out which Salem walking tour is right for you? Whether you’re drawn to the Witch Trials, ghost stories, haunted locations, Hocus Pocus filming sites, architecture, true crime, or paranormal investigation - there’s a tour waiting for you. Our guides are locals, historians, and storytellers who have spent years uncovering the layers of this city. Our History & Hauntings Tour has been named the #1 Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States by @tripadvisor - four years in a row. Salem is so much more than just Halloween. We can’t wait to explore with you! Swipe through to find your tour and book at witchcitywalkingtours.com 🖤
Most people visiting Salem walk right past Old Tow Most people visiting Salem walk right past Old Town Hall and through Derby Square without realizing they’re standing in what used to be one of the busiest waterfronts in America. This area was once filled with ships arriving from around the world, helping transform Salem into a global trading powerhouse in the late 1700s. Today the waterfront looks completely different, but traces of that history are still everywhere — from Derby Wharf to Old Town Hall sitting on the site of Elias Hasket Derby’s former palace. Of course now, most people recognize Old Town Hall from Hocus Pocus and the iconic “I Put a Spell on You” sung by the incomparable Bette Midler. ⚓️ Come explore Salem’s hidden history, filming locations, and waterfront stories with us at Witch City Walking Tours — voted the #1 cultural & historical tour company in America four years in a row. #salem #salemma #hocuspocus #history
Meet Seán. Originally from Maryland, and now livi Meet Seán. Originally from Maryland, and now living right here in Salem. He’s someone who truly lives and breathes history. Between traveling as a historian, lecturing, and constantly researching, he sets an incredibly high bar for tour guides — not just on our team, but honestly around Salem in general. If you’ve toured with him, you know how much care he puts into the stories and the history behind them. He told us about giving a private tour to descendants of Sarah Wildes, one of the women accused during the Salem Witch Trials. They wanted to learn more about their ancestor, and by the end of the tour there were tears. Moments like that are a reminder that this history is still very real and personal for so many people. He’s also someone who’s always helping other guides learn, grow, and stay sharp — which says a lot about who he is. We’re really proud to have him on our team and wanted to introduce you. Have you ever toured with Seán?
On this day in history — May 10, 1692 — Sarah Osbo On this day in history — May 10, 1692 — Sarah Osborne died in Boston prison, becoming the first of five known prison fatalities connected to the Salem Witch Trials. Sarah Osborne was one of the first accused of witchcraft in Salem alongside Tituba and Sarah Good. Already ill and bedridden, she had been unable to attend church for over a year, something that drew suspicion within the deeply religious Puritan community. After the death of her first husband, her relationship with a former indentured servant became the source of local gossip, with rumors that they had lived together before marriage. In Salem Village, rumor and fear spread quickly - and people like Sarah Osborne became easy targets. A warrant for her arrest was issued on February 29, 1692. Already weakened by illness, she may have contracted “jail fever” as she languished in custody for over two months before dying on May 10. Her death marked the beginning of the deadly human cost of the Salem Witch Trials. 🕯️
During the Salem Witch Trials, many people believe During the Salem Witch Trials, many people believed witches could work through “familiars” — spirits that often appeared in the form of animals and carried out the witch’s bidding. And despite the stereotype, it wasn’t always black cats. In the trial records, accusers described birds, dogs, and other animals believed to be connected to the devil. The association between witches and black cats actually began centuries before Salem. In medieval Europe, black cats became linked to heresy, witchcraft, and the devil — beliefs that carried into colonial New England by 1692. It’s one of the many layers of fear, folklore, and religious belief that fueled the Salem Witch Trials and still shapes how people picture witches today 🐈‍⬛ We explore the real history behind beliefs like this on our walking tours— voted the #1 Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States

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Sunday to Saturday
9:00 AM to 11:00 PM

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32 Derby Square Salem, MA 01970 (Outside on the 3 staircases of the Old Town Hall)

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781-608-6986

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2024
No. 1 Cultural & Historic Tour in the U.S. by Trip Advisor
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2024
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