The Witch House
Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
Ages: | Kids, Teens, Adults |
In/Outdoor: | Indoor |
Cost: | $$ see below |
Category: | Historic Landmarks |
The Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in Salem and neighboring communities.
Judge Corwin served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which ultimately sent nineteen to the gallows. All nineteen refused to admit to witchcraft and maintained their innocence.
The house is an excellent example of seventeenth-century architecture. Judge Corwin, buried in the nearby Broad Street Cemetery, purchased the structure in 1675 when he was 24 years old and lived there for more than forty years. The house remained in the Corwin family until the mid-1800's.
The house is on two floors with two large rooms on each floor. The house has white painted walls and the floors are covered with pine boards. The windows of the house are small, and there is little light in the rooms and halls. The whole interior is arranged as it would have been in the 17th century.
On the first floor, there is a parlor and kitchen. In the kitchen there is a large fireplace and two tables with chairs, and there is a display of kitchen items from the 17th century. In the parlor, there is a big dining table which is set for dinner and features glasses, plates, tableware, and candleholders. On the second floor, there are two bedrooms, one on the left-hand side and the other on the right-hand side.
Today, Witch House tours blend information about seventeenth-century lifestyles, furnishings, and architecture with fascinating insights into the events of 1692. Visitors gain a deeper comprehension of the lives of those involved in the Witchcraft Trials through examination of the material culture of the period.
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HOURS | ↑ top |
Open March 15-November 15, daily 10am-5pm
Call for Winter Hours / Extended Hours in October
COST | ↑ top |
Guided House Tour
Adult $10.25 Senior $ 8.25 Child (7-14) $ 6.25
Self-guided House Tour
Adult $8.25 Senior$6.25 Child (6-14) $4.25 Children Under 6 are free
WEBSITE | ↑ top |
LOCATION | ↑ top |
310 1/2 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970 map
Phone: (978) 744-8815
RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with The Witch House before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...