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Salem History Tour: Explore Centuries of Stories
4.9
769 Ratings
Salem
Discover Salem’s rich history with master storyteller Kenneth Glover. Experience witch trials, Puritan life, and more on this 2.5-hour guided walking tour.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Essex Street Pedestrian Mall - The tour begins on Historic Essex Street.
- Mcintire Historic District - To be clear, admission into the historic buildings of Salem’s McIntire district is not a part of the experience.
Kenneth provides historical storytelling and narrative while viewing the exteriors of historic locations and homes. Stops include the Witch House, the Ropes Mansion and gardens, stately Chestnut Street, the Pickering House and Hamilton Hall.
- Salem - Downtown Salem with stops including The Old Town Hall at Derby square and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
What's Included
- 2.5-hour walking tour of Salem’s historical sites
What's Not Included
- The walking tour does not enter the historic homes interpreted.
Additional Information
Book the Salem historical tour with a five star rated guide and masterful storyteller, Kenneth Glover. He has guided Salemwalkingtours.com for ten years and presents a vivid picture of Salem with the words and observations of the people who made the history. The experience includes moments of the witch trials and great Salem stories. This tour is best for guests interested in Salem’s total history through the centuries. The lives of the Puritans and colonists, religion and law, The great age of sail, The American Revolution and 19th century. If you want a tour with a guide who is a researcher of Salem history and an exceptional storyteller then this tour will be a highlight of your trip.
- This tour covers the history of Salem, Massachusetts. It’s not a tour whose only subject is the Salem Witch Trials.
- We do not enter buildings on the tour.
- I recommend using the MBTA for weekend visits in October. Demand for parking often outstrips its availability and causes significant traffic delays. Parking information at Salem.org
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday are great days to visit Salem in September and October to avoid crowds.
- The tour is closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
- The tour is conducted in all seasonal weather, including rain and cold. Dress accordingly.
- Tour gathers 15 minutes prior to departure. Tour begins promptly.
Location
190 Essex St
Essex Street
The tour begins from the Coven’s Cottage, 190 Essex Street. It is located at the intersection of Central Street and Essex Street by the Essex County’s Shopping Mall historic Clock. The tall Green Clock. Look for Kenneth in his broad-brimmed hat in front of the Coven’s Cottage.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(769 Ratings)
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Y9564ekjacquelineh
Sep 21, 2024
September Tour - The tour is both educational and entertaining. Ken brings history alive with great stories. Wonderful experience! I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sasha_b
Sep 21, 2024
Excellent tour! - Excellent tour! The guide was very well versed on the history of Salem. He was super attentive to his customers and took his time to answer all of our questions. Would 100% recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Leslie_a
Aug 14, 2024
Nice tour - Tour guide was knowledgeable
He kept us engaged
He gave us water and a sweet treat.
He sang and voice was beautiful we enjoyed our tour
Review provided by Viator
Passenger20501
Jul 23, 2024
Look no further. The best tour to really understand Salem history. - We took a tour with Ken and couldn't be more grateful. This is not your typical tour with a set script. Seeking a deep dive into Salem's history, especially our family's roots, Ken delivered beyond our expectations. He guided us to our ancestors' graves and provided an insightful tour of Salem's historic neighborhoods, including the Hamilton House. Ken's extensive knowledge, backed by original documents, showcased his dedication to Salem's heritage. It was an honor to spend time with such a knowledgeable historian."
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_r
Jul 23, 2024
For the best tour, look no further. - We took a tour with Ken and couldn't be more grateful. This is not just the typical tour with a set script. Seeking a deep dive into Salem's history, especially our family's roots, Ken delivered beyond our expectations. He guided us to our ancestors' graves and provided an insightful tour of Salem's historic neighborhoods, including the Hamilton House. Ken's extensive knowledge, backed by original documents, showcased his dedication to Salem's heritage. It was an honor to spend time with such a knowledgeable historian.
Review provided by Viator
Lesley_r
Jul 21, 2024
Great Tour! - Very informative experience. Highly recommend! Got a great overview of the city, from its beginnings until the present time.
Review provided by Viator
James_r
Jul 14, 2024
the best tour of Salem one could ask for - My wife and I travel a lot, and we always enjoy Salem. We chose this tour because we felt it would provide a good mix of the history of Salem. We were not disappointed. As a person who has studied the history of Salem for decades, I can tell you that Kenneth is brilliant in eloquently telling the story from the beginnings of the settlement, through the witch trials, and beyond. He was not only accurate in his stories, but he actually was able to make you feel like you were there. His thoughtful personal touches (no spoilers here) made it that much better. Kenneth is not just a tour guide - he lives and breathes the history of Salem and has had a part in it. Trust us and listen to his stories - you will not be disappointed!
Review provided by Viator
Kathryn_s
Jul 6, 2024
Excellent tour with the most knowledgeable & passionate guide! - We thoroughly enjoyed our Salem history tour! Our guide, Kenneth Glover, was exceptional! He is a storyteller and delivers the historical facts and stories in a way that keeps you interested the entire time! We were very impressed, had a fantastic time, and learned so much!
Review provided by Viator
M1142gojennifers
Feb 26, 2024
Best part of Salem, this tour - Highly recommend Kenneth! He was shared his knowledge in a way that was enjoyable for us as parents and my teenage son. He was also a very kind and compassionate person, not important for the tour, but it's wonderful to support people that care about the community and world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gabbyemartin
Sep 2, 2024
Respected local historian… be prepared to spend half your day - Kenneth is an excellent and respected local historian and kind person. I only wish that there had been some sort of notice ahead of time that the tour could run an hour over. I only had one day in Salem and had paid for entry to local museums that I had not been able to see during my visit because this tour had ran so far over and ended taking half the day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor