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Private tour in Boston Giovanni A
Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692 Walking Tour
5.0
(27) reviews
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2 hours
1
Tour date
Start time
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2 hours
1
Giovanni A.
5.0
Guide rating
39
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5 hrs
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Hi! I am Giovanni. I am a seasoned raconteur and have been giving tours in Salem for 10 years. I love bringing guests around our city and telling them about our nearly 400 year history. Salem is the fourth oldest city in Massachusetts (it's older than Boston) and is one of the oldest cities in the US. Everyone knows us for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but we are so much more. We were the richest seaport per capita in the United States in the early 1800s. We are a revolutionary city and home to many famous people and inventors. TV & Movies are constantly shot in our city and we have four centuries of architecture. And, of course, we're haunted too. I enjoy seeing the expression on guests' faces when I tell them our history. It provides the same joy for me as watching someone open a present I just gave them. I have always had a love for history and antiquity so giving tours in a major historic city is a perfect fit. I am not only a Salem historian, but am a retired CPA, former sports/news journalist and have performed standup, improv, and sketch comedy throughout New England and NYC as well as a SAG-AFTRA actor, having been in local and feature films. Masters degree in accounting (Suffolk University) BS in Journalism (Suffolk University) Licensed tour guide in the City of Salem. Board member of Salem United Executive Board Member of Salem Tour Association SAG-AFTRA member We're not allowed to go inside any homes/buildings. We're not allowed to do tours on Federal property (Custom House & Wharves). I can only take 2 guests in my vehicle. I can accompany you in your car or we can potentially arrange for a larger vehicle.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Giovanni A.
The hysteria that resulted in the execution of 20 people and hundreds of witchcraft accusations
Overview of your Boston tour
Examine the demographics, theories and personal stories comprising the dire events of 1692 in Salem. You will see many of the locations that are full of witch trial history. The structures are long since gone except for a few. This is a fascinating tour that will shed new light on what happened during the infamous witchcraft hysteria which turned neighbor against neighbor. Learn about the events leading up to the hysteria, how it started, stories of those involved that include perspective from the accused, judges and bystanders and how the trials came to a halt. The witchcraft hysteria lasted a total of 15 months, but resulted in 20 executions with five more people dying in jail. Hundreds were accused from all over Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk Counties. I have over 10 years of experience teaching the witchcraft trials and believe you will come away from this two-hour tour with a detailed understanding of what was involved in the one of the most compelling episodes in our early history.
Your Boston tour itinerary
The tour starts at the Plaza in front of Salem's old Town Hall on Front Street. From there, we go to Sheriff Corwin's home location (will explain the Sheriff's role & impact) First Church (will describe vision of the town and church's role) Judge John's Hathorne's home location (short stop) Clerk of the Court Stephen Sewall's home location (will discuss what happened to the young girls) Witch House (Judge Jonathan Corwin House; will discuss the judges' role) Witch Dungeon Museum (outside only; will discuss jailing process) Court of Oyer & Terminer location (will discuss how the court worked) Bridget Bishop's home location (will tell her story) Salem Jail location (short stop) The site where Giles Corey was crushed (will explain his story). The Witchcraft Memorial
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Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking Tour.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Salem, MA, USA
This tour meets In Salem, Massachusetts at the plaza in front of old Town Hall on Front Street. A different meeting point in SALEM can be agreed upon, but there are no pickups outside of the walkable downtown Salem area.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
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EnglishActivity level
Accessibility
Traveller reviews for this private tour in Boston
27 reviews
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2 hours
1
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2 hours
1
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.