Tour guide in Boston Donald F.

Boston, United States

English

Tours Delivered,
Since Mar 10, 2020

27.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm Donald F., your private tour guide in Boston

Guide #33975

4.8 (24)

Hello, I'm Donald. In the 16 years I've lived in Salem, I have shown the city to hundreds of people—personal friends, college classes, teacher enrichment programs, Historic Salem, Inc. special events. Although I had known Salem as a Boston native, a summer visitor to the North Shore, and a historian of colonial America, I turned familiarity to intimacy by walking every street in the city of Salem to observe its historic waterfront, its urban development, most interesting buildings from the 17th century to the 21st, and the special character that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. I will be happy to show you the Salem that I now know well. Let me tell you a bit about myself—born in Boston (19 miles from Salem), educated at the Boston Latin School (founded in 1635), Brown University (A. B. ) and University of Pennsylvania (Ph. D. ), college teacher, museum director, lecturer, tour planner and guide for several institutions, and longtime President of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, Honorary Trustee of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, appointed member of the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and Director Emeritus of Historic Deerfield, a museum of New England history and life. A.B., American Civilization, Brown University Ph.D., American Civilization, University of Pennsylvania Appointed member, Massachusetts Historical Commission Fellow, Massachusetts Historical Society Elected member, American Antiquarian Society past President, Colonial Society of Massachusetts Licensed guide, City of Salem I find that walking tours are the most effective way to see a city or town.

Delivers tours starting at

  • Boston

Tours by Donald F.

Customize your tour

Contact your local guide to know more!!

4.8

Traveller reviews for this guide

24 reviews

  • Kathleen P.
    March 2026

    Our Salem walking tour surpassed our expectations—my husband said it was “amazing.” Erudite and gracious, Donald generously shared his encyclopedic knowledge with us. More than two hours passed quickly as we dodged puddles and snowdrifts, admiring beautiful historic buildings and learning much about Salem through the centuries. We’re deeply grateful to Donald for this...

    Replied from Donald F.

    Dear Kathleen and James, Thank you for your very generous message. I certainly enjoyed seeing Salem with you and responding to your very interesting and interested questions and comments. Donald

  • K.j. R.
    November 2025

    Donald is so incredibly knowledgeable and kind. If you want to dive into all the details of the area's history, this is the tour for you!

  • Amy G.
    July 2025

    What a lovely introduction to Salem! Donald had more knowledge and details about Salem then we thought possible but if you look at his bio (one of the reasons we choose him for our tour) you would understand. Donald's personal service and customization of our walking tour such as meeting us right at the Salem Ferry boat upon our arrival from Boston was great. Highly...

  • Tj K.
    October 2024

    Donald is an amazing guide that put Salem’s history in the broader context of world events and global trade, while also tipping his hat to the witch trials.

    Replied from Donald F.

    Dear TJ, Thank you for your rating and your kind comments. I certainly enjoyed seeing Salem with you three, your good questions and comments, and your real interest in Salem's history. Nice to see a Fay boy. I was delighted by his knowledge of The Crucible! Donald