Salem Witch Trials Memorial

The Basics

Enter the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a small park, through the stone threshold where the accuseds’ statements of innocence are inscribed. Then feel the palatable history as you rest on one of the 20 granite benches, each inscribed with the victim’s name and date of execution. Designed by Maggie Smith and James Cutler, the memorial is based on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC.

Salem is chockablock with witchery reminders, and guided tours often combine the Salem Witch Trial Memorial with visits to the 1637 Burial Point, downtown Salem, and the Salem Witch Village. Many visitors come as a day trip from Boston, only 30 minutes away, and spend time exploring the town of Salem, which is compact and very walkable.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a must for anyone into witchy, spooky history.

• The memorial does not offer any services but is close to facilities at the Salem Witch Village and the Salem Wax Museum.

• The Salem Village Witchcraft Victims Memorial, distinct from the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away in Danvers, Massachusetts.

• The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is on Liberty Street between Charter and Derby streets. Many of the town’s historic sites, hotels, and restaurants are within a few blocks. Parking is available for a fee on public streets and in the town’s many parking lots. Direct train service from Boston to Salem is available daily on the Newburyport/Rockport line from North Station.

When to Get There

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is open year-round, and is outside so best to visit when the weather is pleasant. Many nearby attractions have limited (if any) hours in winter, which means fewer lines but cold toes. The town hosts events all year, including events for the new and full moons. October, the season of the witch, brings Halloween, the Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, and many other events in tune with the season.

The Witch Trials, Then and Now

The Salem Witch Trials, held in 1692, began with the hanging of Bridget Bishop at Proctor’s Ledge near Gallows Hill, also in Salem. John Hathorne, the judge of the Salem Witch Trials, died in 1717 and is buried at the Old Burying Point Cemetery next door to the memorial. The witch trials’ tercentenary, celebrated in 1992, featured a dedication speech by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel.

Ways to explore

Salem is chockablock with witch-themed sights, and guided tours often combine the Salem Witch Trial Memorial with visits to the Old Burying Point Cemetery (Charter Street Cemetery), House of the Seven Gables, and the bronze statue of Bewitched actress Elizabeth Montgomery. Ghost and witch trial tours are the most popular ways to cover Salem and its dark history, and they can easily be paired with independent visits to the Salem Witch Museum and Salem Witch Village for a deeper dive into local history and lore.

Accessibility

This outdoor site is paved and level, making it easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

Age limits

Though the memorial does not have a minimum age limit, the historic events it highlights may be disturbing to young visitors.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, flowers or stones to leave at the site

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, jacket, sun protection

Not allowed

Standing or climbing on benches or walls, candles, plastic floral wrapping

Amenities

The Charter Street Cemetery Welcome Center, located next to the memorial, has an information desk and gift shop.

Address 

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is on Liberty Street between Charter and Derby Streets in the heart of the city. Most historic sites, hotels, and restaurants are located within a few blocks and are easy to reach on foot.

Driving

From Boston, take I-93 north to I-95, then follow signs to Route 128 and Route 114 to Salem. Park at the multilevel parking garage on New Liberty Street and walk about five minutes to the memorial.

Public transportation

From Boston, take the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport/Rockport Line (aka the “Purple Line”) from North Station and get off at Salem. Walk through downtown Salem for about 15 minutes to reach the memorial.

Best times to visit

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a more contemplative stop at this evocative memorial.

Best days to visit

Avoid weekends, when the site is often crowded with day trippers. Mondays to Thursdays are the best days to visit.

Best months to visit

Salem and its attractions are overrun during the month of October; come between spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Special events

Halloween is Salem’s largest annual celebration, and the city offers themed performances and festivities during Salem Haunted Happenings. It also brings visitors in droves, so expect large crowds.