As an institution that has been at the center of Salem’s history community for more than 50 years, we are often gratified to hear from visitors who have nostalgic memories of the Salem Witch Museum.
Many vividly recall the experience of arriving through the doors of the striking nineteenth-century building, and walking into the darkened auditorium illuminated by a glowing red circle at the center of the floor. In this immersive exhibit, visitors are introduced to the history of the Salem witch trials as they watch 13 life-size tableaux illuminated in time with dramatic lighting and narration. This unique theatrical presentation is an excellent opportunity for learners of all ages to witness the web of fears and panic which led to the infamous witch-hunt of 1692.
Though a nostalgic atmosphere, the Salem Witch Museum is constantly striving to meet the needs of contemporary audiences. In 1999, the exhibit Witches: Evolving Perceptions was added. This staff guided tour explores the European witchcraft trials, evolution of the image of the witch, and endurance of witch-hunts in the modern world. This exhibit was renovated in 2020, introducing new displays, bringing dated content in line with the latest scholarship, and including two new artifact cases. A similar renovation of the museum’s front vestibule area was completed in March of 2022. Keep an eye on the Salem Witch Museum’s social media pages for news about the latest developments and updates, more projects are always in the works!
Tours of the Salem Witch Museum are offered every half hour, beginning at 10:00 am and concluding at 5:00 pm. For group pricing and reservations visit: https://salemwitchmuseum.com/group-tours/
Unable to bring a class for an in-person visit? Our Education Department offers virtual programming for students from elementary age to university level. Choose from a number of interesting presentations about the Salem witch trials, The Crucible, life in colonial New England, or the legacy of witchcraft. Each program consists of a 30-45-minute presentation with additional time for Q&A with a member of the education staff. Students will see images of sites connected to the Salem witch trials, artifacts from the museum’s collection, primary source documents, and more! For more information about these virtual programs visit www.salemwitchmuseum.com/virtualprogramming
Looking for additional educational opportunities? The Salem Witch Museum’s website is constantly growing and includes many new resources for students and educators. These include free lesson plans, primary source guides, student question videos, recordings of past lectures, and much more! Do you have students completing academic projects about the Salem witch trials? Are you an educator incorporating this history into your curriculum? Check out our Student and Teacher Resource Pages at www.salemwitchmuseum.com/student-resources and www.salemwitchmuseum.com/teacher-resources
Written by Rachel Christ-Doane, Director of Education for Salem Witch Museum.
Photos Courtesy of Salem Witch Museum.
