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Salem Wax Museum

Some of Salem's early history isn't pretty, but thanks to the wonders of wax, it becomes eerily real at the Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers. Lifelike wax representations show the town's founding in 1626 and its maritime life in the 1700s and early 1800s. But most visitors are preoccupied with depictions of Salem's 1692 witch trials, which resulted in the hanging of 19 men and women accused of witchcraft.

Wax figures include such Salem residents as The Scarlet Letter author, Nathaniel Hawthorne; Colonel John Hathorne, the merciless judge of the witch trials; and Tituba, the accused "witch" who intensified the 1692 hysteria. You'll also see some of New England's pirates. The museum turns history into a multimedia, interactive presentation. Young visitors will enjoy such hands-on activities as gravestone rubbing from reproduced stones, learning to tie sailor's knots, visiting a recreated jail cell from 1692, and posing as a pirate.

Behind the museum lies Old Burial Point, reputedly the nation's second oldest burial ground and final resting place of some notable figures from Salem's history. Adjacent to Old Burial Point is the Witch Trials Memorial, honoring the victims of the "witch hunt" hysteria. Both Old Burial Point and the Memorial are open to visitors. The museum also houses a gift shop, where you can buy such items as ships in bottles, New England confectionaries, T-shirts, and books.

Location
The Salem Wax Museum is at 288 Derby Street in Salem. Driving directions are provided at the museum's Web site. Parking is available on streets near the museum, and in the parking garage adjacent to the museum.

Hours of operation
The museum is open seven days per week, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (April through June), 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (July and August), 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (September), and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (November through March). Hours vary in October.

Admission

Adults	$5.50
Senior citizens	$5.00
Children/students	$3.00
Children age 5 and under	Free

Admission prices vary in October during Halloween events. Discounts are available for AAA, AARP, and WGBH members, as well as students and military personnel with valid ID.

Contact information

• Call (978) 740-2929 or toll-free (800) 298-2929
• E-mail info@salemwaxmuseum.com.

Disabled access
Disabled access is provided.

Additional information
Visit the Salem Wax Museum Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.