Table of Contents Show
In February 1692, the worst witchhunt in American history began in Salem, Massachusetts.
Although not unique at the time, this period of mass hysteria led to the deaths of 25 innocent people. The Witch Dungeon Museum is one location in Salem where you can learn more about this tragedy.
Based on historical information from transcripts, the reenactment and guided tour will help you better understand the trial of Sarah Good. Let’s dive in!
Where Is the Witch Dungeon Museum?
Located in historic Salem, Massachusetts, the Witch Dungeon Museum transports visitors to Salem Village in 1692. The museum details various events from the Salem Witch Trials through live performances adapted from historical transcripts.
The Witch Dungeon Museum is located at 16 Lynde Street, just half a mile from the Salem Witch Museum on Washington Square.
The Witch History Museum is located about a third of a mile from the Witch Dungeon Museum on Essex Street. This Greater Boston city has no shortage of history or tourist attractions.
What Is Salem, MA, Known For?
Most widely known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the city of Salem has used this dark history to lure tourists for decades. Even the residents have taken the city’s past and permanently established the witch theme in daily life.
For example, an elementary school is named Witchcraft Heights. The Salem High School athletic teams have the Witches as their mascot.
During the Salem Witch Trials, more than 200 people were accused, and 19 were executed by hanging. It was the deadliest witch hunt in history.
Today, Salem, Massachusetts, is full of museums and notable places of interest that highlight these 13 months of hysteria.
What Can You See at the Witch Dungeon Museum?
Live shows run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Witch Dungeon Museum. As soon as you enter, you can feel transported to Salem Village in 1692. The entire reenactment is professionally done using historical transcripts from the era.
These performances follow the trial of Sarah Good, a poor, destitute colonial mother who was one of the first three women accused of witchcraft in 1692.
You can also take a guided tour of the dungeon and recreations of the village and Gallows Hill. You’ll see the actual cells where the accused were kept and the poor conditions of the imprisonment. Your entire visit won’t last more than an hour or so.
When Is the Witch Dungeon Museum Open?
The Witch Dungeon Museum is open from April 1 to November 30. During the season, you can visit any day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last tour starts at 5 p.m.
During Haunted Happenings in October, the museum is open on some nights.
Keep in Mind: If you enjoy spooky museums, you probably wanted to visit the Warren Occult Museum, but sadly it is no longer open. So Why Did The Warren Occult Museum Close?
How Much Is a Ticket to the Witch Dungeon Museum?
If you’d like to visit the Witch Dungeon Museum, entrance costs $13 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for children aged 4 to 13. You can purchase your ticket upon arrival at the museum.
However, a package deal with two other Salem museums saves you $8 per person. This combo ticket includes the New England Pirate Museum and Witch History Museum.
What Is the Witch History Museum?
If you visit the Witch Dungeon Museum, you may want to head a few minutes across town to also visit the Witch History Museum, which is part of the combo ticket deal. Here you’ll see another live presentation of the untold stories of 1692.
Following the reenactment, the guide will lead you downstairs, where you’ll meet Titbua, Rev. Samuel Parris’ slave. Like Sarah Good, Titbua was one of the first three women accused of witchcraft. During the guided tour, you’ll also visit Old Salem Village, which contains 15 life-size scenes from this dark period of American history.
The Witch History Museum is open every day from April 1 to November 30 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Like the other museum, it’s also open some nights in October for Haunted Happenings.
Keep in Mind: Did you know there’s a witches tower in Ohio? Click the link to learn the spooky story behind it!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Salem, MA?
If you want to visit these historical museums, you must avoid visiting Salem, Massachusetts, in the winter and early spring. The Northeast has harsh winters, and many places may close.
So you’re better off waiting until late spring or early fall. The summers have large crowds of tourists, but in the shoulder seasons, you’ll experience mild temperatures if you want to escape the summer heat.
Learn More About Our Nation’s Dark History at the Witch Dungeon Museum
The Salem Witch Trials have captured Americans’ interests for centuries. From plays to novels to films, this part of our history has been recreated in numerous ways.
But if you want true historical details, visit Salem, Massachusetts, for yourself. And the Witch Dungeon Museum is a great place to start.
Would you ever visit Salem and explore the sites and landmarks of the Salem Witch Trials?
