A Day Trip to Salem: Witches, History & Culture 🧙‍♀️

Inspired by a recommendation from an MIT friend over dinner last night, I drove to Salem this morning — a uniquely American town known for its witch trials, historic charm, and literary connections. Here’s what I explored: 1️⃣ Salem Witch Museum ($17.5) My first stop illustrated the haunting history of the 1692 witch trials. It all began when the minister’s daughter fell mysteriously ill, sparking panic and accusations that led to 20 innocent people being executed as “witches.” 🕯️ The museum uses dramatic narration and lighting to recreate the trial scenes. Exhibits also delve into the symbolism of witches across cultures and draw parallels to other historical scapegoating events — such as the internment of Japanese Americans and discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities. One powerful equation stuck with me: Fear + Trigger = Scapegoat. A moving and thought-provoking experience. 2️⃣ Peabody Essex Museum ($20, including Yin Yu Tang) This world-class museum is home to Yin Yu Tang — an entire Qing Dynasty merchant’s house originally built in Huang Village, Anhui, China. 🏯 In 1997, the house was carefully disassembled (every beam and tile labeled!), shipped to the U.S., and rebuilt in Salem. It opened in 2003 and drew tens of thousands of visitors on its first day. The audio guide (available in Mandarin and English) tells intimate stories of the eight generations who lived there. A truly breathtaking cultural journey. 3️⃣ Hawthorne’s Salem As the hometown of Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter, Salem is filled with literary history. The House of the Seven Gables 🏰: The inspiration for Hawthorne’s novel. His ancestors were involved in the witch trials — a legacy of shame he carried throughout his life. Salem Custom House ⚓: Where Hawthorne once worked. The building retains his desk and chair! In the 18th–19th centuries, Salem was a booming port — collecting over $20 million in taxes between 1789–1840. 💡 Bonus: I visited in May (off-season), parked all day for just $7.50 😭✨ — compared to Boston’s $40/2 hours! A deeply layered town where history, injustice, art, and ocean winds converge. Highly recommend! #Salem #WitchCity #YinYuTang #TravelUSA #History #Literature #NewEngland