Salem will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2026. The city boasts a rich history, playing a pivotal role in the American Revolution and being the wealthiest seaport per capita from 1790 to 1812. Notably, Salem is also known for the 1692 Witch Trials. During this period, there were 156 official complaints, around 200 accused individuals, 70 afflicted persons, nine judges, numerous jurors, and hundreds of spectators. Estimates suggest that there could be 100 million descendants from those involved in the 1692 Witchcraft Trials. While many descendants are aware of their heritage, others are not, and most have never been in the public eye. However, some are famous, and others are infamous, which might surprise you. This tour will guide you through the historic downtown area of old Salem Towne, highlighting key figures from the 1692 Witchcraft Trials and their descendants. Perhaps you are one of them.

• Traffic and parking in October can be very difficult. Give yourself extra time to get here and park no matter what your GPS is telling you. Check Salem.org for details on where to park.
• Our public walking tours can pose challenges for participants with mobility and accessibility concerns. Tours are 90 minutes long and about one mile in length. Each participant must be able to complete the one-mile tour within 90 minutes, providing for frequent stops to view sites and for information from the tour guide. As Salem is a historical city, there are narrow and uneven sidewalks, bricks, cobblestones, and stairs. During events and festivals (and particularly October), with crowds and street vendors, the streets can become difficult to navigate.