One of my favorite places to visit when going to Massachusetts is Salem. The town is so much fun! While we typically go in October with all the other tourists, we made a trip up to the North Shore this past weekend to see some sites without the crowds or fall leaves.
We made a couple of new stops this time with the kids and we are so glad that we did! The Witch Dungeon Museum and the New England Pirate Museums were so informative and entertaining!
There are many witch museums in Salem, so it can be a bit overwhelming to decide where to go. There is an entertainment package available where you can see three attractions at a low rate, though, which is a great route to go. This includes the Witch Dungeon Museum, The Witch History Museum, and the New England Pirate Museum. We were invited to check out the attractions on our visit.
The Witch Dungeon Museum was such a great experience! We walked into the building and were escorted in a theatre where we waited for a few minutes. Inside, there were plaques on the wall outlining the historical details of the witch hysteria. These were so interesting to read, as it was information I was not aware of, even having been to Salem so many times. Shortly after going into the theatre, we were treated to a theatrical performance, the re-enactment of the trial of Elizabeth Proctor, an accused witch in Salem in the year 1692. The performers did an excellent job!
After the show, we were taken on a tour of the witch dungeon. This dungeon is where the accused were held until they admitted their guilt or proclaimed their innocence and were hung. Inside are exhibits of what the conditions were like within the dungeon. This was a very eye-opening experience! I had no idea the quarters in which they were held. At one point, an area meant to hold 50 prisoners held over 150 people! The area was dark and cold and would often be flooded with sea water. Prisoners even had to pay for their own accommodations within the dungeon! Some prisoners were held in coffin sized cells and only allowed to stand, while others were tortured in other horrific ways.
We learned about the mass hysteria that plagued the town, as well as the surrounding areas, and how it lasted for about a little over a year. All of it was fascinating and shocking at the same time.
Our tour guide was so interesting and told the stories of those that once were housed inside and their accusers as if she personally knew them. She engaged our family in the tales and we learned so much, all the while being very entertained.
I’m surprised that I had never taken the time to come here before and I most definitely would come back again. I highly recommend this stop during your visit to Salem!
Come back soon to learn more about our experiences at the other attractions!
The Witch Dungeon Museum is located at 16 Lynde Street in Salem, MA. You can find out more by visiting their website.
themommyavenger.com 
A fascinating place full of history. I would love to visit someday 🙂
I love the sound of this place – it’s right up our street! Going straight on “the list”!
Wow! Who knew. The guide looks fun! I like the stage. I bet you will never forget your time there. Fascinating.
I think this would freak me out a bit, but still be entertaining!
What a fun place.. we used to live about 30 minutes from there, and went on Halloween.. That is the time to go there for sure.
Wow on so many levels. MA, you are a fantastic writer! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Salem has certainly built up a booming tourist trade around its sad past. I’ve never been there but will hopefully visit someday.
That’s totally creepy, but yet really cool. I’d love to check it out myself.
Very creepy. But I’m such a wimp!
I Can’t Wait To Take My Family Here I Grew Up In Boston It’s A Must See!
Isn’t it creepy being here considering the number of prisoners and execution done in the dungeon? It would be a nice place to visit though since it can give us a glimpse of an era.
So spooky!! This would be super interesting to visit.
That looks like a great place to visit. I would like to go.
OMG!!! Salem,Mass is on my to visit lists. This looks like an amazing museum to visit. The history is so rich there- I would be like a kid in a candy shop! LOL
That sounds like a great place to visit. My daughter would love to tour the museum.
I think this place is a must visit just seeing the pictures
haven’t been yet, but looks great!
I always find fascinating these places. I probably would have run out of memory in my camera – pic pic pic.
this sounds like a really fun place to visit.
Your post makes me want to rethink the beach this summer! Great post!
I always keep an eye on what you do and add your suggestions to my Places to vist list. 🙂
I have always wanted to go there! Thanks for allowing me to see it and check out some places. This will be a great help when I plan my trip!
How fun for the family! I have been to Salem a few times, wish I would of visited!
This is just in time for the new tv series of the same name- “Salem”. Looks like a really interesting vacation spot.
I’ll add this to our interesting places to visit but it will have to be when the boys get a bit older. I’m think at 2 and 4 it may be a bit on the scary side! The stories of Salem have always intrigued me though!!!
That looks like a really cool place to go. thanks for sharing
I so would love to go to Salem just because of the history. Thanks for sharing.
Great pictures and the tour sounds like a real experience! I wish I get the chance to visit there some time!
This looks like lots of fun.. I’ve always wanted to go to Salem.. so much history in one place.
I would have love to go to a place like this! Even if I would have been a bit scared at the same time lol
that is so cool! i always love vistiing interesting like this place
I’m curious about Salem and I hope I can visit this place someday.
[…] of costumed patrons fill the town. Some of our favorite destinations while in town have been the Witch Dungeon Museum and a fun interactive play called Cry Innocent, one that really delves into the history of the […]