Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour

9 Ratings

Salem

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Discover the stunning architecture of Salem’s McIntire district on a guided walking tour. Explore three centuries of architectural styles and learn about Salem’s rise to wealth in the 18th century.

Duration: 2 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Red’s Sandwich Shop - We talk about the location (in close proximity) of Red’s (London Coffee House) Diehl-Marcus building (oldest extant bank building in Salem) and the 1803 Customs Building.
The Custom House - This is where we touch on Salem’s history of spice trade, her motto (and why we have it), point out where the old ship building yard used to be (near where the Adirondack chairs are located at the far end of the open space) and then discuss the mansions visible from near Derby Wharf.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial - We discuss the witch trials and the Pickman House.
Salem Common - We point out the Hocus Pocus location (the old school) but then talk about how Salem Common evolved, from a series of marshy pools and unusable ground in the 17th and early 18th centuries, to the manicured pleasure park of the 19th century, and how it became the new fashionable district starting in the mid-to-late 19th century, Salem’s last gasp of wealth and mansions, with Second Empire and Greek Revival style buildings.
The Derby House - This is a discussion of Georgian architecture, and how this simple building reflects the burgeoning wealth and power of Salem and New England merchants as a whole.
The Daniels House Tours - We talk about how First Period buildings were modified and adapted to reflect current trends and tastes over the centuries.
Narbonne House - a perfect way to show how 17th century (First Period) architecture could be (and was) added to and modified to enlarge it.
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church - We touch on the unique religious heritage of Salem.
Peabody Essex Museum - Discussion of the Peabody-Essex Museum, and its origins, and showing how one side of Essex Street retains its 19th century appearance (mostly) and how the Witch City Mall shows the attempt to “modernize” Salem during the destructive period of the 1960s.

What's Included

Architectural Guide of Salem
Licensed Guide

What's Not Included

Gratuity not included

Additional Information

Do you love architecture? We do! No trip to Salem is complete without a tour of the most beautiful sections of Salem. Come experience over three centuries of architecture from First Period American, to Georgian Colonial and the stately Federal style. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets of Salem, discovering hidden gems, viewing over two dozen sites, and sharing stories of Salem’s rise to becoming the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century. We discuss how Salem is at once a modern and (by American standards) very, very old city, and one where the 17th century and the 21st century not only go hand in hand, but cheek to cheek. Every aspect of American history from warfare to trade to religion to industry is reflected in the structures that still stand (and are still being used) to tell the story of this legendary town. Tours run RAIN or SHINE. We do NOT cancel for weather. For a full refund, you must cancel 24 hours prior.

Children must be accompanied by ticketed adult
Our Tours run rain or shine, we do not cancel for weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly.
Dog friendly!
Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and WCWT will not be held liable.
By choosing to purchase a ticket, you and your ticketed guests will be agreeing to our liability waiver which includes a release of liability on our tours as well as a photo release.
We do not enter any buildings or cemeteries on this tour, this is an outdoor activity only.
Tour group size may be up to 39 guests per group
There are no public restrooms on the tour route. Please plan accordingly.
Not recommended if not able to stand for long periods of time

Location

32 Derby Square

Derby Square

We meet on the side of the Old Town Hall with 3 staircases

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

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(9 Ratings)

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Jimlz4596gu

Jun 16, 2024

Great sense of history - I have taken WCWT's traditional History and Hauntings tour and found it fascinating and informative. However this tour, lead by superstar Sean, went a step further into Salem's fascinating historical development, as exhibited by its wonderfully preserved buldings. One learns that there is much more to Salem than ghost stories and witches. I highly recommend it.