The Salem Witchcraft Walk of 1692 is a notable event in American history that took place in Salem, Massachusetts. It is remembered as a witch hunt and mass hysteria, where numerous individuals were accused and convicted of practicing witchcraft. The event began in February 1692, when three young girls - Betty Parris, Abigail Williams, and Ann Putnam - claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused three local women of witchcraft. This marked the beginning of a series of accusations and trials that unfolded over the course of several months. Accusations of witchcraft quickly spread throughout the community, leading to the arrest of many individuals. The alleged witches were subjected to harsh interrogations and trials, which often involved spectral evidence, where the afflicted girls claimed to see the spirits of the accused tormenting them.
After departing from Houdini Way, we learned about what life in Europe was like before the colonies were settled, and how this society gave rise to the Puritan culture that existed in Salem during 1692. Jeff did an excellent job of portraying Puritanism so that even if you are totally unfamiliar with it as a form of religious extremism, you’ll be brought up to speed in no time.
After departing from Houdini Way, we learned about what life in Europe was like before the colonies were settled, and how this society gave rise to the Puritan culture that existed in Salem during 1692. As the tour continued, Jeff s style of storytelling along with close attention to detail gave us the full picture of what life in 1692 was like so that we could better understand why people would have suspected that the Devil had a hand in what was happening in Salem.
The alleged witches were subjected to harsh interrogations and trials, which often involved spectral evidence, where the afflicted girls claimed to see the spirits of the accused tormenting them. The reliance on such testimonies and the lack of concrete evidence caused the trials to be highly biased and unfair. The judges, including Chief Justice William Stoughton, upheld the belief in witchcraft and conducted the trials with a presumption of guilt.
Experience Salem in 1692 with Better Than Fiction Salem Walking Tours
This October in Salem, Massachusetts, Better Than Fiction Salem Walking Tours is sharing the history of the Salem Witch Trials through their 1692: Salem and Witchcraft Walking Tour. The tour, along with their tour on Salem’s Dark History, runs multiple dates and times throughout Salem Haunted Happenings offering a detailed look at the events of 1692 while seeing sites around Salem today.
If you are interested in taking any walking tour in Salem, or participating in any timed events this fall, we strongly recommend getting your tickets in advance. You can find tickets for both of Better Than Fiction’s tours at btftours.com, and learn more about our experience taking the 1692 Salem and Witchcraft Walking Tour below.
Better Than Fiction’s tours depart from the newly named Houdini Way (across from 15 Front Street). While performing in Salem in 1906, one of Harry Houdini’s escapes was a break out of a jail cell at what was then the Front Street Police Station. Better Than Fiction company owner and guide Jeffrey Lilley was instrumental in the naming of Houdini Way, and on July 15, 2021 the City of Salem made the name Houdini Way official.
After departing from Houdini Way, we learned about what life in Europe was like before the colonies were settled, and how this society gave rise to the Puritan culture that existed in Salem during 1692. Jeff did an excellent job of portraying Puritanism so that even if you are totally unfamiliar with it as a form of religious extremism, you’ll be brought up to speed in no time.
As the tour continued, Jeff’s style of storytelling along with close attention to detail gave us the full picture of what life in 1692 was like so that we could better understand why people would have suspected that the Devil had a hand in what was happening in Salem. Jeff’s anecdotes on Puritanism shared throughout the tour added layers to the logistics of the Salem Witch Trials with each stop around town, allowing for an entertaining and interactive look into Salem’s past.
The tour covered events from the Witch Trials from the afflictions of Betty Parris and Abigail Williams to the executions of innocent victims, while covering all of the necessary details in between, including laws from the time, religious beliefs, forms of torture that were used for the accused held in Salem’s jail and in the case of the pressing of Giles Corey, and so much more. The tour even went far beyond the end of the Witch Trials to share how these tragic events had ripple effects throughout the rest of Salem’s history, and even how some outcomes of the Trials are still happening today.
While not focused on ghost stories, Jeff’s enthusiasm for history made the tour very entertaining, and even being quite familiar with the Salem Witch Trials we heard stories that we did not know going into the tour. Some of the sites we stopped at during the tour were even new-to-us in that we were not aware of what had taken place in certain specific locations around town in 1692.
Perhaps the most valuable part of the tour is the way that Jeff used the Salem Witch Trials to make connections to the present, even going beyond the installation of the Salem Witch Trials Memorial (where we ended our tour). Jeff portrayed the humanity in all of the people involved in the Witch Trials (or the lack thereof depending on the person) in such a way that really helped put some context behind names and dates and give us greater understanding of the Trials.
We don’t want to give away too many specifics, because Jeff really does a better job of sharing this time in Salem’s history (and we want you to get the most out of your tour), but if you book your next Salem walking tour with Better Than Fiction, here is some of what you can expect:
- The tour stops at 5-7 sites relevant to the Salem Witch Trials in just under a mile’s walk.
- The tour is approximately an hour and a half long.
- In terms of content, you’re getting the full story of the Salem Witch Trials, from the arrival of the Puritans in Salem (with context from even earlier before they left Europe) through the end of the Trials, later outcomes in the 18th and 19th centuries through the present.
- Tours typically run twice daily at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, with additional tours on the calendar throughout October (purchase tickets here).
- If you are interested in a later tour, Better Than Fiction also offers tours of Salem’s dark history (learn more here).
Prior to starting Better Than Fiction Tours, Jeff earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology while in Bath, England and he spent eight years serving in the United States Marines. During his undergraduate career, he gained his first tour experience while giving campus and city tours in the international office. Prior to that, his service in the Marines focused on primary MOS (infantry) and duty as Armor Custodian, as well as his role as a combat instructor and martial arts instructor where he was responsible for training and logistical operations. He also spent several seasons narrating the haunted hayride at Witch’s Woods in Westford and he has worked with Historic Tours of America in Building 21 in Key West, where he also gave several summer ghost tours.
He began giving tours and sharing his interest in Salem’s past after his move to our historic seaport, and later made the decision to open his own company focused on accurate yet compelling storytelling, in Better Than Fiction Tours.
To book your tour, visit btftours.com.
Remember to book early for tours during Salem Haunted Happenings, and enjoy your visit!
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Better Than Fiction’s tours depart from the newly named Houdini Way (across from 15 Front Street). While performing in Salem in 1906, one of Harry Houdini’s escapes was a break out of a jail cell at what was then the Front Street Police Station. Better Than Fiction company owner and guide Jeffrey Lilley was instrumental in the naming of Houdini Way, and on July 15, 2021 the City of Salem made the name Houdini Way official.
This led to a significant number of guilty verdicts, resulting in the execution of 20 individuals, mostly women, by hanging. One man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death, a brutal punishment where heavy stones were placed on his chest until he was crushed. The Salem Witchcraft Walk came to an end in late 1692 when Governor William Phips, alarmed by the scale of the accusations and convictions, disbanded the Court of Oyer and Terminer that oversaw the trials. He also issued a general pardon for those who were still imprisoned. Despite the end of the trials, the damage had already been done, with many lives lost and the community deeply scarred by the events. The Salem Witchcraft Walk of 1692 serves as a cautionary tale of how mass hysteria, fear, and injustice can be manipulated to incite paranoia and lead to innocent lives being destroyed. In the aftermath of the events, there was a growing realization of the injustice that had occurred, leading to a shift in legal standards in regards to witchcraft accusations. Today, the Salem Witch Trials are remembered as a dark period in American history and a reminder of the importance of due process, fairness, and evidence in the justice system..
Reviews for "An Enchanting Experience: Step into the World of Salem Witchcraft Trials"
- John Smith - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with the "1692 Salem Witchcraft Walk." The tour guide was not informative and seemed uninterested in providing accurate historical information. The tour felt rushed, and we barely had time to ask any questions. Additionally, the tour lacked any interactive elements or immersive experiences, making it an underwhelming and forgettable experience. I would not recommend this tour to anyone looking for an engaging and educational experience.
- Emily Johnson - 2 stars
While the concept of the "1692 Salem Witchcraft Walk" was intriguing, the execution fell short. The tour guide seemed to lack expertise and stumbled over historical facts. The tour route was also poorly planned, with long stretches of walking between sites that left us feeling exhausted and disconnected from the experience. Furthermore, the group size was too large, making it difficult to hear and interact with the guide. Overall, I believe there are better and more enjoyable ways to learn about the Salem witch trials.
- Sarah Thompson - 1 star
My experience with the "1692 Salem Witchcraft Walk" was highly disappointing. The tour guide seemed more interested in joking and entertaining the crowd rather than providing accurate historical information. I was hoping for a more serious and educational experience, but instead, I felt like I was on a comedy show. I should have researched more before booking this tour and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Salem's dark history.