Within the spellbound home of the witch in Salem, magic and mystery intertwine. The air is thick with enchantment, as if every corner holds a secret waiting to be revealed. The walls whisper ancient incantations, while the flickering candlelight casts eerie shadows upon forgotten relics. In this bewitching abode, potions bubble and cauldrons simmer, their potent aromas filling the air. Books filled with spells and hexes line the shelves, their pages worn and weathered from years of use. Crystals and mystical artifacts adorn every surface, each possessing its own unique energy.
The Witch House at Salem, aka the Corwin House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin.
Several other Wheaton alumni and students also have ties to the Salem Witch Museum, including Sheila Cran-Barry 58 staff member , Alexander Grover 09 former manager and sophomore Hannah Donovan staff intern. We stopped by VampFangs where my friends looked into getting a new bite, and I spent about twenty minutes talking to an employee that nearly had me eloping before an intervention came.
Crystals and mystical artifacts adorn every surface, each possessing its own unique energy. The witch herself, a figure of power and wisdom, moves through the rooms with grace and purpose. Her presence is both commanding and comforting, a testament to her deep connection with the mystical forces that shape the world.
Wheaton News
At Wheaton, Tina Koutsos Jordan ’82 developed a love of studying the past from professors like Alexander Bloom. Now, every day she gets to relive history and show others the value of not repeating the past.
Jordan, director of the Salem Witch Museum, joined the staff nearly 40 years ago while an undergraduate at Wheaton (she majored in government). The museum’s exhibits focus on a dark chapter in U.S. colonial history, from 1692–93, when mass hysteria and witchcraft accusations resulted in the executions of 20 people (mostly women) and the deaths of five others.
“The thing about witch trials and witch hunting is that fear makes people irrational. We’re trying to make people step outside of themselves. Before making rash judgments, we want them to examine all the evidence,” she said.
Under Jordan’s leadership, Salem Witch Museum guests are immersed in the history of the trials through life-size stage sets, figures, lighting and a narration of the witch hunt.
But the museum also offers programs like “Witches: Evolving Perception,” a supplemental exhibit asking guests to look at and identify how fear and triggering events have led to scapegoating throughout modern history—from Japanese interred in camps during World War II to Muslim-Americans getting physically abused or denied service following the 9/11 attacks.
The museum also keeps the public informed of new discoveries. For example, two years ago, scholars pinpointed the execution site (by hanging, not by burning as some incorrectly believe) of 19 of the accused witches to a Salem lot in a residential neighborhood (behind Walgreens) called Proctor’s Ledge.
“It’s an important piece of the witch trial story. At the memorial’s dedication, it was wonderful to witness how the Salem community commemorated this important chapter in American history and reaffirmed why we need to continue to teach the lessons of the trials,” Jordan said.
What motivates Jordan to stay here? Endless opportunities to learn.
Professors and researchers from local universities, colleges and historical societies partner with her and the museum to impart the latest scholarship on the trials and the continued relevancy.
Several other Wheaton alumni and students also have ties to the Salem Witch Museum, including Sheila Cran-Barry ’58 (staff member), Alexander Grover ’09 (former manager) and sophomore Hannah Donovan (staff intern).
Jordan, who also is vice president of Destination Salem, the board overseeing the city’s tourism and cultural office, is gearing up for a busy fall season—the biggest opportunity to make the past relevant.
In October, when thoughts of ghosts and witches are on the mind, tourism peaks and the museum usually draws 65,000 of its more than 350,000 annual visitors.
Her black robes flow around her as she works her magic, casting spells and divining the future. But amidst the enchantment, there is also a sense of solitude. The witch's home is a place of refuge, a sanctuary for those seeking answers or solace. Here, the outside world fades away, and one can truly immerse themselves in the realm of the supernatural. Within the spellbound home of the witch in Salem, the line between reality and the mystical blur. It is a place where imagination comes to life, and dreams become tangible. It is a glimpse into a world rarely seen by mere mortals, a place where the extraordinary is the norm..
Reviews for "The supernatural legends surrounding Salem's infamous witch house"
1. Mark - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to visit the witch's home in Salem, but I have to say I was quite disappointed. The tour guide was not very knowledgeable and seemed uninterested in answering our questions. The house itself was in a state of disrepair with faded paint and crumbling walls. It felt more like I was wandering through an abandoned building than exploring the home of a witch. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this attraction unless they make some serious improvements.
2. Jessica - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for this tour, but unfortunately, it fell short in every aspect. The tour guide was rude and dismissive, rushing us through the house without providing any meaningful information. The "witch's home" was underwhelming, to say the least, with tacky decorations and a complete lack of historical accuracy. It felt like a cheap haunted house rather than a fascinating glimpse into Salem's witchcraft history. Save your money and skip this tour, it's not worth it.
3. Ryan - 2/5 stars - This tour left a lot to be desired. The guide didn't seem to have a deep understanding of the subject matter and his stories lacked enthusiasm and depth. The interior of the house was dimly lit, making it difficult to see the supposed artifacts and features. Additionally, I found the admission fee to be quite steep for what was ultimately a lackluster experience. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this tour to anyone looking for an interesting and informative investigation into Salem's witch history.