Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
4.5
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Each of this park's 20 stone benches represents a person executed in the infamous 1692 witch trials.
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- Eileen TVirginia33 contributionsNice well kept memorialNice well kept memorial. You can take 5 minutes here or 30 depending on your interest. It’s just memorial stones with who was hung with the name and date of death, but definitely is a must see during a Salem trip.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 October 2023
- Danika10Brownsburg-Chatham, Canada174 contributionsWitch trial memorialI came to Salem with my family and my mother. My mom and I felt this feeling of sorrow when we visited the memorial. We almost cried. We’re not tied in any way to any of the victims but we could feel it. The memorial is beautiful. I wish I had brought a flower for each of them.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 October 2023
- juliebfromindyIndianapolis, Indiana2,503 contributionsBeautiful memorialThis is a beautiful memorial to the people who were killer during the Salem witch trials. I loved how each name is on a bench and how the memorials are left on the bench ranging from pennies to flowers. I love the proximity to the graveyard. It is a must see. Free to enjoy and easily accessible.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 13 October 2023
- stephen kMassachusetts2 contributionsGreat memorialI reccomend to take a guided tour so you won't miss the significant factors associated with the memorial. It has lots of significance. The entire place is very symbolic and a beautiful memorial to the innocent lives that were treated so tragically during this time in history. The museum gives you a lot of facts and stories behind the cemetery and who people are.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 23 March 2024
- hoben57Houston, Texas101 contributionsA Nice Place to WalkThis is nice little park with a walking path with bench-like memorials to the folks accused of witchcraft and executed. The benches have their name and execution method. People leave flowers and other memorials. It was a nice quiet place to walk and ponder how whacko those witch hunters were back then.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 May 2024
- Kristi CStanwood, Washington39 contributionsSomber memorial worth visitingWe visited this twice. First as the last stop on an evening tour. We are very glad we first experienced this spot as part of a tour as it gave so much context to what we were seeing. We came back in the day time to take a closer look. Highly recommend taking a tour that includes this stop.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 July 2024
- Paul Smith PalliserPeru364 contributionsThe rainy afternoon set the mood for this placeVery nice and well kept memorial site. It was mildly raining when I got there so walking through the cemetery made the mood somber but just right to take in the sights. Definitely is a must see during a Salem trip.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 4 August 2024
- KimmerOshawa, Canada19 contributionsShould be a stop for every tourist going to SalemIf you go to Salem as a tourist, then visiting the memorial for the Witch Trial victims is a must. Without the horrific murders these women and men experienced at the hands of townsfolk you would likely not be there. It is simple, poignant and doesn’t glamorize the event. Located right in the heart of town, it is convenient for all to go and pay their respects.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 August 2024
- greeneyes630Maugansville, Maryland2,400 contributionsInterestingWe stopped on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Stone wall with slabs sticking out with the names of accused witches. It’s outside the Old Cemetery so worth visiting the two. 2 woman were sitting on slabs meditating, this is why we can’t have nice stuff. This is why they yell at people to not step on the grass in the cemetery. Oddly staff didn’t tell them to not sit there.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 August 2024
- Grover RPensacola, Florida22,266 contributionsSobering and Poignant and My Favorite Part of SalemIn the middle of all the hustle and bustle of every commercial gimmick of Witches and Halloween, sits a quiet and historic spot that is both sobering and poignant and perhaps my part of Salem. It is a small, green park between historic structures and the graves of the first cemetery in Salem. In all the hysteria about witches here, this is the only place that focuses on the victims of one of the greatest and grossest miscarriages of justice in the history of the United States. This quiet, shaded park is dedicated to the victims of witch trials with a bench for every innocent person killed for being a witch in the hysteria of 1692 Salem. In total 200 people were accused, 30 people were found guilty and 25 people died (19 hangings, 1 crushed and 5 died of disease in jail). The 20 who were executed are recognized with the dates and type of death on a stone bench. For me a visit really hits you that so many people could be so wrongly put to death in this country even if before this country was founded. Legally speaking, this is the darkest place and time in our country's history, and you are forced to ask yourself, why? If you come to Salem, you should absolutely visit this site.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2 082 reviews
Excellent
1 261
Very good
587
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204
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26
Terrible
4
Tarian
Winchester, VA37 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
The memorial is beautiful at night but it is worth seeing regardless of the time of day. A true perspective of the number of victims. We went of the "Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours" with Jeff. He provided a great amount of detail for each victim.
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thattexascouple
Fort Worth, TX68 contributions
Sept 2021
When visiting, please take a guided tour or purchase a guidebook that points out all of the significant factors associated with the architecture of the memorial. It has so much more significance than just brick wall. The entire memorial is very symbolic and a beautiful memorial to the innocent lives that were treated so tragically during this time in history.
Written 13 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN5 785 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
This is next to a cemetery and a visitors center. It’s right out the back door of the Peabody Essex museum (reviewed separately and highly recommended). Near several kitschy witch themed attractions.
This is easy enough to stop by while you’re strolling through town, but it shouldn’t be an intentional stop on your itinerary. Not much to this, unless you’re you’re genuinely wanting to pay respects.
This is easy enough to stop by while you’re strolling through town, but it shouldn’t be an intentional stop on your itinerary. Not much to this, unless you’re you’re genuinely wanting to pay respects.
Written 6 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor W
15 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
This is one of the first things we did when we came to Salem. I recommend buying tickets at the Wax museum first and walking though there before visiting. The museum gives you a lot of facts and stories behind the cemetery and who people are. One guy was pressed to death, in the museum they have a wax body that looked like him in real life. It’s nice to put a face to the name.
Written 18 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RedheadedWanderer
Brooklyn, NY189 contributions
May 2021
Salem has embraced its reputation as "Witch City" but behind the more commercial elements of the modern town is the somber historical event that resulted in 20 people executed. This centrally located and tasteful memorial allows one to pay respects to those lives lost and to consider the meaning of tolerance. This memorial was dedicated in 1992 (with Elie Wiesel there to speak at the event) to mark 200 years since the Salem Witch Trials.
Sitting next to the old cemetery, the memorial space feels quiet and tucked away, allowing for reflection. Each of the 20 women and men honored here have their names inscribed on stone benches protruding from the short encircling wall, with trees in the center of the space. When we visited, every single name had flowers or other tributes laid beside them. Words taken from the court transcripts are etched in stone as well.
Sitting next to the old cemetery, the memorial space feels quiet and tucked away, allowing for reflection. Each of the 20 women and men honored here have their names inscribed on stone benches protruding from the short encircling wall, with trees in the center of the space. When we visited, every single name had flowers or other tributes laid beside them. Words taken from the court transcripts are etched in stone as well.
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chachar70
Boston, MA63 contributions
Aug 2022
Its a powerful memorial to the prosecution that these women and men faced that was all completely contrived to punish enemies. The memorial is lovely. The memorial itself is nice. I would have loved a little more information through out on signs etc. Just saw the one at the beginning. I would have liked to have known more about each of the 19 people memorialized- just had their names.
My only comment was that the docent or volunteer was really rude. I had a few kids with us. They sat on the wall at the end of the cemetery. I know they shouldn't have done that- but they were 10 and 9 and honestly had never been to a cemetery before. I was happy they stayed in one place and were sitting there peacefully while the grownups looked around . There were two volunteers there and were very snippy, unwelcoming, unfriendly. Were just there to correct everyone and not to welcome or answer questions. Over and over we saw them scolding people for minor things. Maybe they should just keep it closed to the public as they were both super angry at everyone.
The man yelled to the kids across 50 people "This aint Disneyland, have some friggin respect and get off the wall" It kind of caused a scene as like 50 people turned and looked and the kids were horrified and almost started crying. They had no idea. There were no signs not to sit on the wall or anything. Not trying to excuse their behavior, but the volunteers could have walked over and privately asked them to please get off the wall instead of screaming at them in front of 50 people. Totally unnecessary. In general in Salem- got a very unfriendly, annoyed vibe everywhere we went. We came to learn about the history and have a nice day out. volunteer behavior was over the top.
My only comment was that the docent or volunteer was really rude. I had a few kids with us. They sat on the wall at the end of the cemetery. I know they shouldn't have done that- but they were 10 and 9 and honestly had never been to a cemetery before. I was happy they stayed in one place and were sitting there peacefully while the grownups looked around . There were two volunteers there and were very snippy, unwelcoming, unfriendly. Were just there to correct everyone and not to welcome or answer questions. Over and over we saw them scolding people for minor things. Maybe they should just keep it closed to the public as they were both super angry at everyone.
The man yelled to the kids across 50 people "This aint Disneyland, have some friggin respect and get off the wall" It kind of caused a scene as like 50 people turned and looked and the kids were horrified and almost started crying. They had no idea. There were no signs not to sit on the wall or anything. Not trying to excuse their behavior, but the volunteers could have walked over and privately asked them to please get off the wall instead of screaming at them in front of 50 people. Totally unnecessary. In general in Salem- got a very unfriendly, annoyed vibe everywhere we went. We came to learn about the history and have a nice day out. volunteer behavior was over the top.
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise M
Castle Rock, CO3 963 contributions
Sept 2021
We did this on our own and had no regrets. The memorial is a beautiful tribute to the people who were so unfairly persecuted and executed and it serves as a lesson for us today as well. We saw notes on some of the stones from descendants that were quite emotional. This is a must-do, and quite a departure from the shops that are capitalizing on the witch hype.
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nutsforvacation
Marriottsville, MD47 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
There are 20 stone “benches” to memorialize the 20 people who were wrongly accused of witchcraft and thus executed. I don’t think the benches are meant for sitting. Each one is carved with the person’s name and the date of and method of execution.
It was a very busy Wednesday afternoon in July, but people respectfully passed by each marker.
It was a very busy Wednesday afternoon in July, but people respectfully passed by each marker.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pauline W
Barnard Castle, UK81 contributions
Sept 2022
Each large stone has been engraved with an innocent person accused and killed for being a witch. Along side their name is how they were put to death. People often leave flowers on each stone to commemorate their passing and as an apology
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kikelly22
Saint Paul, MN104 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This place was really done well. Although it made us a bit sad to see how these people were all killed. Unjustly as well. However that’s history. The flowers laid there were a nice touch and even notes from some of their ancestors. Good stop for sure.
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The park is very, very small. You would not let your dog go loose and you can have a dog.
Written 26 January 2019
It is an open memorial. Any daylight hours. There are no gates.
Written 25 October 2018
Is this a tour? Can you just walk up to the benches for free?
Written 24 October 2018
You can walk to the benches for free, and through the old cemetery, but you should not sit on the benches, or walk over any of the graves/stand on them.
Written 27 April 2019
Is a sleeping infant in a baby bjorn welcome on the tour to accompany their parents? asking for a 4 week old...:/
Written 24 July 2018
A tour is mentioned above (£9.30), Im just wondering how long this might take?
Written 31 October 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Waynesboro, Mississippi
Otis jr Blackledge Salem witch trials Court case            View all The Salem witch trials
Written 1 April 2018
Brandalee W
Allport, Pennsylvania
are leashed dogs allowed to walk this? also, are there any benches or places to sit if needed for a person with bad knees?
Written 4 August 2017
Hi, I think you talk about the external Witch Trials Memorials. Dog are permitted in the Trials Memorials and there are seats.
Now, if you talk about the Museum, dogs are not allowed. Seats (mainly benches) are available all over the Museum.
Written 9 August 2017
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial itself does not conduct tours. You are free to wander the grounds of the memorial and cemetery on your own, and it is free to enter. Several of the private tours for which you need to purchase tickets do stop at the memorial and cemetery, but they are not affiliated with the memorial. Hope that helps! Enjoy Salem!
Written 3 January 2015
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