The Salem witch trials threatened the very core of the early Massachusetts Bay Colony. The extraordinary hysteria involved more than 400 people and led to the deaths of 25 innocents — men, women and children — between June 1692 and March 1693. Explore rarely-exhibited original witch trial documents from PEM’s Phillips Library collection and learn the true story of this tragedy as told through the voices and with the possessions of those directly involved. Many unfounded theories about the Salem…

Organized by the architecture of the alphabet, Salem Stories presents 26 vignettes about the people, places and events that made Salem, Massachusetts, the city it is today. The exhibition starts at “A is for Always Indigenous” to acknowledge the Native communities who have lived for millennia on the land where the museum now sits. It ends with Z is for Zoology and coincides with the return to the galleries of a leatherback turtle specimen captured in 1885, a favorite of…

Christmas in Salem is thought to be the nation’s longest running holiday house tour. It is also the annual fundraiser for Historic Salem, Inc., an advocacy group dedicated to preserving Salem’s historic resources and educating the community on their value. This year, instead of walking into each house, we have set up a website with a pay wall. Once you have purchased your ticket, video content will be available for you to view. The homes will be numbered similarly to our in-person tour…

The Salem witch trials threatened the very core of the early Massachusetts Bay Colony. The extraordinary hysteria involved more than 400 people and led to the deaths of 25 innocents — men, women and children — between June 1692 and March 1693. Explore rarely-exhibited original witch trial documents from PEM’s Phillips Library collection and learn the true story of this tragedy as told through the voices and with the possessions of those directly involved. Many unfounded theories about the Salem…

Organized by the architecture of the alphabet, Salem Stories presents 26 vignettes about the people, places and events that made Salem, Massachusetts, the city it is today. The exhibition starts at “A is for Always Indigenous” to acknowledge the Native communities who have lived for millennia on the land where the museum now sits. It ends with Z is for Zoology and coincides with the return to the galleries of a leatherback turtle specimen captured in 1885, a favorite of…

This event is currently cancelled (and may return in the future) check this page for updates. Historic Salem, Inc. and a pair of very generous homeowners invite you to go INSIDE THE DANIELS HOUSE! This tour runs throughout the year and charts the changing tastes and lifestyles to which this 350-year-old architectural marvel bore witness, from the rustic simplicity of the original c1667 house to the grand Federal mansion that grew around it. This tour will explore the first floor…

Running every December, this evening of tales in one of America’s oldest houses is devoted to stories about early Salem, Winter traditions and the festive season. Tickets ($20) available online.

Did you know our DIY crafts are now available to go?  Projects include make-your-own brooms, tarot boxes, Ouija boards, straw witches, divination runes, pentacle wreaths and more. Pick-up or delivery anywhere in the US. Learn more here.