WALKING TOURS

Essex Heritage offers walking tours based in Salem, but also partners with local historians, historic sites/museums and other non-profits to offer tours in different cities & towns in Essex County.

​Salem Heritage Trail: Salem Witch Trials
​(Self-Guided Walking Tour)

This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred. Since much of Salem has changed drastically since 1692, very little remains with direct ties to these historical events. However, this tour will use the Heritage Trail as a guide and will point out original locations, help debunk persistent legends, and reveal the true history that has been obscured over the centuries. ​
Price: $5 (per guidebook*) Fee also includes exclusive access to to online content about the history and myths of the Salem Witch Trials. 
​You must purchase online in advance - these are not available for purchase in person. 
​Guidebooks* can be picked up at the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center (245 Derby Street, Salem MA)
They are open daily 9am-5pm.

Myths & Misconceptions Guided Walking Tour

The Salem Witch Trials occurred over 300 years ago and have since been portrayed in countless books, documentaries, movies, and TV shows. With so many different interpretations over the years, it can be difficult to distinguish historical fact from dramatic fiction.

This guided walking tour seeks to debunk any misconceptions you might have about the Salem Witch Trials, by sharing historic images, documents, and locations to uncover these myths and discover the truth behind this infamous time period in Salem's history.

Walking Tour tickets will include free entry to our documentary film Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence, it features authentic dialogue taken from court transcripts and commentary by renowned Salem Witch Trial scholars. Scenes depicted in the film were shot at actual locations associated with the Witch Trials of 1692. (Film is shown daily at 11:00am,1:00pm and 3:00pm) 

*For the 2025 season, we will not be operating with regular hours, and this tour will be available by appointment only.  Please contact us directly to arrange your visit.

This walking tour lasts approximately 65-75 minutes, and includes stops at the Witch Trials Memorial, and the site of the original 17th century Jail.

Prices
Adult: $20
Senior (62+): $17
Child (6-16): $15
Under 6 FREE
*To schedule a private tour please email [email protected].
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  • Please provide at least 1 week advance notice for all reservations.
  • A minimum fee applies for groups with fewer than 5 adults.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding regarding our limited staffing at this time. 
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