Historic places in Salem

19 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Salem.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Fort Lee
These 5 point irregular star fort is what remains of earthworks constructed in 1776, during the Revolutionary War. Some original bits remain, although it has been modified dozens of times over the years. Granted to the Federal Government in 1867, it was returned to Salem in 1922. Some trails and interpretive signs were added at the nation's bicentennial, but they were removed and the site is today overgrown. The paths are well trod today, and it's certainly worth a visit to any history buff.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Hamilton Hall
One of the finest examples of Federal style building, Hamilton Hall was completed in 1807 by Samuel McIntire. Upon opening the townsfolk held many celebrations and banquets here, feting high status guests. That tradition continues today; hosting concerts, lectures, weddings, and other joyful events in the lives of Salem's residents. The hall is owned by a non-profit, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Mon-Fri 10AM-2PMFree
See
House of the Seven Gables
Turner-Ingersoll Mansion
One of the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansions in New England. Made famous by the eponymous 1851 Nathaniel Hawthorne novel. The oldest sections of the home date to 1668, when it was built for Captain John Turner and his family. The home has been altered and modified countless times over the centuries as family fortunes ebbed and flowed. Eventually; in 1908, wealthy philanthropist Caroline Emmerton purchased the home and set about effecting its restoration. Supervised by Boston's city architect; they restored the home to its former glory, making only the occasional sacrifice to historical accuracy. Visitors today will discover low ceilings, extensive Georgian paneling, and hidden staircases among hundreds of period curios. Walking the grounds is always a charming activity. The fresh ocean breezes are sure to invigorate. Also on site is the home where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born. It was moved here in 1958 and is worth a few minutes of your time.
10AM-4PM daily$20, $12 children 5-12, $5 grounds pass
See
Narbonne House
Built in 1675, this home wouldn't be added to the park until 1964. Acting as a counterpoint to some of the more grandiose structures, this is a remarkable example of a 17th century middle-class family home. Exhibits within the house showcase rare early ephemera and artifacts discovered during archeological digs on-site. The taller bits belong to the original structure, which remains (mostly) as it was when absorbed in the 1960s. The small adjacent sidewalk is a "hidden gem" entrance to the larger Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Irregular tours via Salem Armory Visitor CenterFree
See
New England Pirate Museum
The museum includes a walking tour that consists of an artifacts room, a recreation of life down by the docks where the pirates did their recruiting, and reenactments and representations of such famous pirates as Sam Bellamy, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with Witch Dungeon Museum and Witch History Museum.
10AM-5PM with extended hours in OctoberAdults $8, children 4-13yr $6, seniors $7
See
Peabody Essex Museum
PEM
The Peabody Essex Museum is a leading museum of Asian art and culture and early American maritime trade and whaling; its collections of Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese art, and in particular Chinese export porcelain, are among the finest in the country. Founded in 1799, it is the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. The museum owns and exhibits a number of historic houses in downtown Salem. In 2003, it completed a massive $100-million renovation and expansion, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, and moved a 200-year-old 16-room Chinese home from Xiuning County in southeastern China to the grounds of the museum. Gift shop available in person and online.
Thu-Mon 10AM-5Mon. Caféː 10AM-4PMAdults $25, seniors $23, students $15, youth (under 16), veterans/military and Salem residents admitted free; the 200-year-old Yin Yu Tang Chinese merchant's house is included in basic admission but requires a separate timed reservation
See
Peirce-Nichols House
One of McIntire's earlier commissions, this home was built in the Georgian style for Jerathmiel Peirce and completed around 1784. It was later transformed by the architect into a Federal masterpiece, celebrating the marriage of daughter Sarah Peirce to George Nichols. The home has been owned by Peabody Essex Museum since 1917, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1968.
Irregular tours offered by PEM
See
Phillips House
Grandiose in design, its construction began with the death of Elias Derby, one of America's first millionaires. After some squabbling over the inheritance, heir Nathaniel West completed the mansion in 1821. Four rooms from Elias' earlier home were moved to fashionable Chestnut Street to make up the core of the house. Purchased and restored in 1911 by Anna Phillips and her husband, they lived here until their deaths in 1955. Today the mansion is owned by Historic New England and showcases an eclectic collection of family heirlooms and historic technologies.
Jun-Oct: Thu-Sun 11AM-4PM, tours on the hour$15, $13 seniors, $7 children
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Pioneer Village
Created in 1930, this is America's first living-history museum. Based around a recreated Puritan village, it gives visitors the opportunity to observe how the lives of Salem's earliest English settlers might have been lived. Holds space for the Naumkeag and other Massachusett peoples. You'll get some amazing pictures, but overall it's quite small, you'd be hard pressed to spend 30 minutes here.
Sat Sun noon-4PM$5
See
Proctor’s Ledge
This memorial is the execution site for those "convicted" during the Salem Witch Trials. Here, nineteen souls were hung about the neck until dead during the closing months of 1692. For many years the site was assumed to be nearby Gallows Hill, until extensive research by the history department at Salem State University discovered the true location in 2016. This small park features a stone wall with each of the deceased's names etched in stone. Quiet and somber, the ledge was dedicated in 2017, 325 years after the executions.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Salem Arts Association
Housed in a historic building dating to the 1650s, the Salem Arts Association features over 180 new and upcoming North Shore artists specializing in all media and disciplines. Pieces on display are constantly rotating and available for purchase. The association is an all volunteer run non-profit. Check their calendar for a variety of events that take place throughout the year.
Sat Sun noon-6PMFree
Do
Salem Willows Arcade and Park
An oceanfront neighborhood and amusement park with a bit of a carnival atmosphere. It's quite good fun, if you're looking for something slightly kitschy and definitely well loved. You'll find a merry-go-round and other rides for smaller children, and an arcade for the older ones. The arcade features video games, pinball, skiball, tickets & prizes, air-hockey tables, and so on. Unfortunately, the only real food options are low quality pizza and Chinese, which you may have to wait over 30 minutes for! The exception to this rule is E.W. Hobbs, well known for quality popcorn and ice cream. Feel free to bring your own eats, the grassy parks and beaches make perfect picnic spots. Parking is ample, and public restrooms are available. Historically, Salem Willows is named for the European white willow trees planted here in 1801. The trees created a shaded canopy for patients convalescing at a nearby smallpox hospital. The area became a public park in 1858, and in the 20th century it became a North Shore summer destination. The beaches here are a great spot to watch 4th of July fireworks; as you can see the shows put on by Salem, Beverly, and Marblehead.
11AM-9PM dailyFree
See
Salem Witch Museum
The museum includes a narrative on the history of the trials in 1692 and also an exhibit on witchcraft through the ages.
Daily 10AM-5PM (until 7PM July, August)$16.50, under 14 $14.50
Buy
Salemdipity
Salem tees, sweats & souvenirs. Halloween collectibles, witch hats, books on Salem’s history & modern day witchcraft, Salem charms & pentacles, Amy Brown fairy figures, prints, & notecards.
11AM-7PM daily
Eat
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
Classic New England seafood dining combining a lively oyster bar with Salem's first, fresh, locally-sourced seafood market. The lobster pie might be absurdly priced, but it never fails to delight. Built in the historic Lyceum Hall downtown, featuring brick walls and high tin-covered ceilings. Sister locations in Gloucester and Melrose.
Tue-Thu 4-9PM, Fri-Sun noon-9PM$20-50
See
Winter Island Park
Fort Pickering and Waikiki Beach
This park and historic district spans about 18 acres and is home to Fort Pickering and Waikiki beach. Used for defensive purposes since at least the 17th century, most of the remaining buildings date from World War II, when the U.S. Coast Guard monitored these waters for German U-boat activity. Pickering Light has been guiding sailors safely home since 1871, although the city of Salem has been responsible for keeping the beacon lit since 1983. Urban explorers may enjoy picking through the abandoned seaplane hangar. See the Sleep section for campsite information.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Witch Dungeon Museum
Has witch trial reenactments. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with New England Pirate Museum and Witch History Museum.
10AM-5PM with extended hours in OctoberAdults $8, children 4-13 yr $6, seniors $7
See
Witch History Museum
The Salem Witch Museum is dedicated to the Salem witch trials. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with New England Pirate Museum and Witch Dungeon Museum.
10AM-5PM with extended hours in OctoberAdults $8, children 4-13yr $6, seniors $7
Do Not mapped
Salem Trolley
Your standard issue tourist trolley bus. Offers one hour narrated historical tours of Salem, stopping at all the main sites in town. Not a hop-on, hop-off service. Museum admission not included. Heated cars. Buy tickets in person day of at the National Park Service Visitor Center.
Apr-Oct 10AM-5PM daily$22

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Salem (CC BY-SA 4.0).