Salem Witch Trials Memorial
A solemn memorial honoring the victims of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, featuring inscribed granite benches and adjacent to a historic cemetery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial honoring the victims of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, featuring inscribed granite benches and adjacent to a historic cemetery.
"This place is very special and I hope it is honored. The memorials are right next to a cemetery."
🚶♀️ Walk Quietly
This is a place for reflection. Keep voices low and be mindful of others' experiences.
💐 Leave an Offering
Many visitors leave small tokens of respect. If you choose to, do so thoughtfully.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inscribed Granite Benches
Memorial Site
Each bench bears the name of an accused individual, a poignant reminder of the lives lost.
Old Burying Point Cemetery
Adjacent to Memorial
One of the oldest burying grounds in the country, offering a glimpse into colonial history.
Victims' Last Words
Memorial Site
Some stones feature the final words of those condemned, a powerful testament to their experiences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Reflection
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Quietly
This is a place for reflection. Keep voices low and be mindful of others' experiences.
💐 Leave an Offering
Many visitors leave small tokens of respect. If you choose to, do so thoughtfully.
🕰️ Visit Early
Beat the crowds by arriving first thing in the morning for a more serene visit.
📸 Respectful Photos
Take photos, but avoid being intrusive or disrespectful to the solemn atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Quietly
This is a place for reflection. Keep voices low and be mindful of others' experiences.
💐 Leave an Offering
Many visitors leave small tokens of respect. If you choose to, do so thoughtfully.
🕰️ Visit Early
Beat the crowds by arriving first thing in the morning for a more serene visit.
📸 Respectful Photos
Take photos, but avoid being intrusive or disrespectful to the solemn atmosphere.
📚 Learn the History
Research the trials beforehand to deepen your understanding and appreciation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Salem Witch Trials Memorial to be a deeply moving and essential stop for understanding American history. Many appreciate the respectful atmosphere and the poignant tribute to the victims. While some note it's more of an attraction than a purely historical site, the overall sentiment is one of gratitude for the remembrance and the peaceful, reflective experience it offers.
"When I was going there I knew it was going to be more of an attraction than coming to see a part of American history. This place is very special and I hope it is honored. As I did wander through the streets My eyes weren't focused on the books as much as the architecture around there I must say it was beautiful. Well I'm really grateful for is that you do see the respect from a lot of people not touching the offerings. I was so excited to go there and I'll be frankly honest with you it lived up to it the whole town everything. What I think would be peaceful is a 5:00 a.m. cup of coffee walk no people no stores just the history the architecture the pride in a build in a fear of injustice."
Anne Hoke
"My family was taking a vacation visiting all the new England states. Of course we had to have Salem on the list of places to check out. We have always wanted to visit this town because of the history of it. The witch trials memorial was cool but also very surreal. Reading about this, and actually seeing the memorials of people who were killed and also having it listed on how they died was an eye-opener. There were a lot of people visiting the memorial and people are leaving little keepsake’s on the benches where the memorials were. The memorials are right next to a cemetery that has to be probably the oldest one I’ve ever seen. Definitely need to check this place out if you’re in town. This is one of the few places you do not need to book reservations for first."
Eric Jageman
"The cemetery and memorial are truly sad and reflective of not only of past actions resulting from lies and finger pointing but of the continued use to harm people today. So many killed in one year!"
Carole Disbrow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is located at 24 Liberty Street, Salem, MA 01970. It's easily accessible by foot in downtown Salem. If driving, parking can be challenging, especially during peak season, so consider public transport or ride-sharing.
Limited street parking is available, but it fills up quickly. Several paid parking lots are also nearby, such as the Museum Place Garage. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can take the MBTA Commuter Rail from Boston's North Station to Salem Station. The memorial is a short walk from the station.
The memorial grounds are generally accessible, with paved paths. However, some areas of the adjacent cemetery may be uneven.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings, especially outside of October. Early October weekdays can still be busy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is free. It's an open-air memorial and cemetery.
The memorial and adjacent Old Burying Point Cemetery are generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set closing times for the outdoor space.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. It is a public space dedicated to remembrance.
While the memorial is outdoors and accessible, visiting at night might be less safe and less conducive to reflection due to darkness.
No reservations are needed for the Salem Witch Trials Memorial itself, as it's a public space.
🎫 🤔 Onsite Experience
It's a somber and reflective space featuring granite benches inscribed with the names of those accused and executed during the 1692 trials. It's adjacent to the Old Burying Point Cemetery. 
Expect a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Many visitors leave small offerings on the benches. It's a place to learn about a dark chapter in history and honor the victims.
Each bench is dedicated to an individual accused during the Salem Witch Trials, listing their name and how they died, serving as a memorial to their suffering.
Yes, you can take photos, but it's important to do so respectfully. Avoid being disruptive or treating it like a typical tourist photo op.
The memorial is a dedicated space with inscribed benches honoring the victims. The Old Burying Point Cemetery is a historic graveyard adjacent to the memorial, containing graves of many early Salem residents.
📸 📸 Photography
The inscribed benches themselves offer poignant photo opportunities. Capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the stones can be very atmospheric.
While there are no official restrictions, it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid using flash photography directly at any memorial stones or disturbing other visitors.
Many visitors capture close-ups of the inscribed names and last words, as well as wider shots that include the benches and the cemetery for context.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a more reflective mood, enhancing the solemnity of the memorial.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in public memorial spaces and cemeteries due to privacy and respect concerns. Always check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the educational aspect and the importance of remembering history to prevent similar tragedies. The adjacent Old Burying Point Cemetery can also be a point of interest, explaining it as a place where people from long ago are remembered. Keep the visit brief and focused on respectful observation rather than prolonged exploration for younger children.
👻 History Buffs & Paranormal Enthusiasts
+1Pair your visit with the Old Burying Point Cemetery to explore the resting places of historical figures. Many visitors also find the Witch House at Salem and the Salem Witch Museum to be complementary experiences that delve deeper into the trials and the era.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Take your time reading the names and inscriptions, and consider journaling your thoughts afterward. The memorial is easily navigable on foot, and you can easily combine it with other historical sites in downtown Salem at your own pace.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial serves as a solemn tribute to the victims. Designed by Maggie Smith and dedicated in 1992, it features thirteen granite benches, each inscribed with the name of one of the accused and their manner of execution or death. The memorial is intentionally placed adjacent to the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where some of the accused are believed to be buried, further connecting the site to its historical context.
Visiting the memorial offers a chance to reflect on the dangers of mass hysteria, injustice, and the importance of due process. It's a place where visitors can pause, read the names, and contemplate the tragic events of 1692, ensuring that these individuals are remembered and their stories are not forgotten.
Visiting the Old Burying Point Cemetery
Among the notable figures buried here are Judge John Hathorne, an ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne and a magistrate during the witch trials, and Giles Corey, who was pressed to death for refusing to enter a plea. While not all victims of the witch trials are definitively buried here, the cemetery's proximity to the memorial underscores the historical context of the events.
Visitors often find the cemetery to be a peaceful, albeit somber, place for reflection. It's a well-maintained site, and exploring its grounds provides a deeper understanding of the historical landscape in which the witch trials unfolded. Remember to tread carefully and respectfully among the ancient headstones.
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