The Salem Witch Trial House is a historic landmark located in Salem, Massachusetts. It holds significant historical and cultural importance as it was the site of the infamous Salem witch trials that occurred in the late 17th century. The witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft. The house stands as a reminder of the hysteria and paranoia that gripped the Salem community during this time. Between 1692 and 1693, more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft, and 20 were executed. The trials were characterized by mass hysteria, false accusations, and a lack of due process.

The Witch House- Home of Judge Jonathan Corwin of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials

The Witch House in Salem, Massachusetts is a foreboding, nearly black home that was the residence of the wealthy Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the infamous Salem Witch Trial judges. A Must See Gem, it is the only building still standing in Salem (town) with direct ties to the 1692 Trials. A mansion in the early colonial times of Salem, the house is furnished well & according to period. Corwin sometimes heard criminal cases in his home & possibly recorded testimony from the Witch Trials there. His ties to the trials were deep. His nephew, George Corwin, was the Sheriff responsible for carting the victims to execution & for overseeing the torture of Giles Corey. Corwin was also related to another Salem Witch Trial judge by marriage and his own child was counted among those “afflicted” by the witchcraft of others. His mother in law was accused of witchcraft that year.

‘The Witch House’ has really interesting exhibits & some unique early colonial artifacts. If you’ve been to other historic homes, you’ve likely seen a spinning wheel, hand loom, rope bed & butter churn. But this house has the period pieces, in addition to some fascinating looks at early colonial & Puritan life, medicine, beliefs & practices that I’ve not seen elsewhere. They give a unique look into the superstitions about witchcraft & the practices some used to ward it off that gives context to better understand the Salem atmosphere. They have info on the 1692 Witch Crisis, as well as reproduction copies of the handwritten, surviving papers of the Witch Trial transcripts. I was hungry for more, but appreciated the info they provide. The exhibit plaques & signs aren’t in the best shape, but the info on them is fascinating & unusual & worth the read!

Main highlights aside from the actual home include:

• A meat fork owned by accused & executed Witch Trial victim John Proctor– one of the only surviving possessions of a victim. His wife, Elizabeth, was also convicted, jailed, and sentenced to death for witchcraft. She was released at the end of the hysteria, before execution. Several of their children were also accused.

• An actual 1st period New England poppet (primitive ‘puppet’ doll) played with by children but believed to be used by witches in attacking people through witchcraft

• A 1672 Physick book with a Snail Water recipe for Rheumatism & pages from a mid 1650s book with common Cow & Horse Dung recipes prepared as other ‘cures’.

Hours are seaso nal, so check the site according to your visit, but busy season is typically 10-5 daily. Current cost is $8.25 adults, $6.25 seniors, $4.25 kids- under 6 are free, as of this writing. Guided tours are $2 more, each, and are 30-45 minutes.

We visited the Witch House as Part of our Salem Witch Trial Sites- Itinerary Part B . It is one of the Top 5 Salem Witch Trial Sites ; Do not miss!

‘You are a liar. I am no more a witch than you, and if you take away my life, God will give you blood to drink!’- Sarah Good, Hanged July 19th, 1692

Share with Friends & Pin it for Later!

On the Market: A Home with Ties to the Salem Witch Trials

The trials were characterized by mass hysteria, false accusations, and a lack of due process. The Witch Trial House, also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a crucial role in the trials. It is one of the few remaining structures associated with the trials and provides a glimpse into the lives of those involved in the witchcraft accusations.

Sign up for our weekly home and property newsletter, featuring homes for sale, neighborhood happenings, and more.

Photo via J. Barrett & Company

348 Lowell Street, Peabody
Price: $600,000
Size: 3,910 square feet
Bedrooms: 6
Baths: 2

A home that once belonged to the family of John Proctor, one of the victims of the Salem witch trials, hit the market last week in Peabody. The house stands on land Proctor once leased, but according to a Boston.com report, it’s unclear how much of the home Proctor actually lived in, if he did at all.

In the mid-1600s, Proctor opened a tavern near Salem Village, an area that eventually became present-day Peabody. It’s this slice of land on Lowell Street—then a main thoroughfare called Ipswich Road—where Proctor operated a farm and opened the tavern. The house at 348 Lowell Street may or may not have been home to the tavern at some point.

If you’ve read Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, a fictionalized version of Salem’s infamous hysteria, you may be familiar with Proctor’s story. When his third wife, Elizabeth, was accused of witchcraft, he swiftly came to her defense, denouncing the accusations and challenging the accusers. His opposition to the trials lead him to be accused of witchcraft by a young woman named Abigail Williams. While both Elizabeth and John Proctor were convicted, Elizabeth was not put to death because she was pregnant. John Proctor, however, was hanged on August 19, 1692. The aftermath of the trials reverberated in the Proctor family for generations after, and his ancestors lived on the property for almost two centuries after his death.

Today, the 1600s Colonial on former Proctor land retains a handful of original features, including a hearth in the living room and several other wood-burning fireplaces. Exposed bricks, beams, and hardwoods give the place old-world charm, while outside, a more modern in-ground pool could be the focal point of a summer barbecue. The whole centuries-old package asks just $153 per square foot—not bad for your very own slice of New England history. Boston.com reports the Peabody Historical Society is interested in purchasing the place. Its history makes it ripe for researching, and for a possible archaeological dig, per Boston.com. Ever get into a bidding war with a historian? No, us either.

For information, contact Joseph Cipoletta, J. Barrett & Company, jbarrettrealty.com.

Photo via J. Barrett & Company

Photo via J. Barrett & Company

Photo via J. Barrett & Company

Legend, Lore & Legacy

Yes, we all know Salem has a darker side. But let us separate fact from lore as we walk through the city’s beautiful tree-lined streets and historic neighborhoods. Salem’s history is filled with enterprising people who brought riches and opportunity to its citizens. Let’s bypass those good folks for now and peek at the rest of the story….

Visitors to the Salem Witch Trial House can experience a guided tour that takes them through the various rooms and environments of the house. They can learn about the events leading up to the trials, the trials themselves, and the aftermath of the hysteria. The house is furnished with period pieces and artifacts, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The Witch Trial House serves as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of upholding justice and due process. It is a place of reflection and learning, allowing visitors to understand the complexities of the Salem witch trials and their lasting impact on American history. In addition to the Witch Trial House, there are other attractions in Salem dedicated to the witch trials, including the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch Trials Memorial. Together, these sites provide a comprehensive look at the events of the trials and their historical significance. Overall, the Salem Witch Trial House is a significant historical landmark that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about one of the most notorious events in American history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness, justice, and the consequences of mass hysteria..

Reviews for "The Salem Witch Trial House: A Place of Historical Significance"

1. John Smith - 2/5 stars - While I understand the historical significance of the Salem witch trials, I was extremely disappointed with my visit to the Salem witch trial house. The tour felt rushed and lacked proper storytelling. The tour guide just seemed to be going through the motions without any passion or enthusiasm. The house itself was rundown and in need of some serious maintenance. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with my experience.

2. Emily Anderson - 1/5 stars - I cannot express how much I regretted visiting the Salem witch trial house. It was one of the most boring and uneventful tours I have ever been on. The tour guide seemed disinterested and barely shared any intriguing or detailed information about the history of the witch trials. The house itself was in dire need of renovation and looked dilapidated. Honestly, I expected so much more from a place that holds such historical significance. Save your money and skip this disappointment.

3. Rebecca Thompson - 2/5 stars - As someone who has always been fascinated by the Salem witch trials, I was really looking forward to visiting the Salem witch trial house. Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The tour guide seemed to rush through the explanations and didn't provide enough context or background information. The house itself was not well-maintained and lacked the ambiance one would expect from a historical site. Overall, I left feeling dissatisfied and wishing I had spent my money on a different witch trial-related attraction in Salem.

Dark Arts and Witchcraft: The Salem Witch Trial House