“Still making history.”
From the early settlers to the famous witch trials of 1692 and the influence of literature on the city to being a cultural destination for Halloween, Salem is a place that has a rich and complex history set against the backdrop of a charming New England town. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or fall anywhere in between, Salem offers many highlights for an educational student tour. The city of Salem is home to so many attractions that will thrill and delight anyone who takes some time to slow down and fully embrace such a weird and wonderful city.
Situated on Cape Ann, a stretch of land jutting out into the Atlantic, and a short car or ferry ride north of Boston, Salem, originally called Naumkeag or the Hebrew word for peace, was founded in 1626 by Roger Conant and a group of immigrants. Two years later in 1628, the Massachusetts Bay Company and John Endicott arrived to provide some relief for the weary townsfolk and lay the foundation for the Puritans and Salem as we know it today. In the following years, Salem saw growth and began trading with the West Indies, the first militia muster was established, as well forts, and the Custom House which collected taxes on cargo.
By the time 1668 rolled around, The House of the Seven Gables was built by the wealthy merchant John Turner. Three generations called the mansion home before it was acquired by the Ingersoll family who were relatives of Salem native Nathaniel Hawthorne. The famous Witch House was completed in 1675 and home to Judge Jonathon Corwin. He presided over the Salem Witch Trials and early questioning of the suspected witches even occurred here. Over the following years, Salem saw numerous changes from new buildings to the first armed resistance of the Revolution and an influx of wealth. The fabulous Peabody Essex Museum was founded in 1799 and the city continued to grow due to its proximity to the water and maritime role. While one could spend a great deal of time delving into the city’s rich history, perhaps the best way to experience it is to see it first hand on a student tour. And what better starting point is there than the Witch House itself!
The house has the distinct honor of being the only building in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 Witch Trials. The event that Salem is most well-known for, the Witch Trials happened over a period of three months and saw the deaths of 19 innocent people. 14 women and 5 men were hanged with one man being pressed to death. It was a time of complete hysteria and fear of the unknown as the courts believed in the devil and spectral evidence. The trials ceased only when Governor William Phipps disbanded the court after his own wife was accused of being a witch. Here at the Witch House, students and their teachers will have a chance to see Judge Corwin’s 17th century home and artifacts from this troublesome time. Another must-see attraction on your educational tour is a visit to the House of Seven Gables.
