Salem Witches and Wonder Women

Women of Salem: The Subversives

Did you konw that no one was actually burned at the stake during the Salem witch trials? Burning at the stake occurred in 16th and 17th century Europe while Salem practiced hanging during their witch trials.

Salem is the site of dramatic history and fascinating architecture. Discussions of the events of Salem often focus on the men of the town and their achievements. But what about the women of Salem who often fought just as hard- if not harder- for human rights, civil liberties, and historical preservation as their counterparts? While the Salem witch trials of 1692 are a well known piece of the city's history, there are many notable women of Salem whose stories need to be told. 

"I went with my sister and thought it was such a great way to round out our Salem trip. I loved getting to hear the stories of these amazing women."

What Is Our Salem Witches and Wonder Women Tour About?

Our Salem Witches and Wonder Women tour will tell the stories of the women of Salem from the 17th century to present whose transgression of societal norms helped shape the city we see today. From entrepreneurs to abolitionists to trailblazers, these women pushed the boundaries of their time and inspired generations after them- whether they knew it or not. 

What You Will See On This Tour

Our walking tour takes you through 1.8 miles of Salem real estate, where you will visit different sites linked to these groundbreaking women, amongst them:

• Mary Spencer, who hid escaped enslaved people while traveling from town to town selling candy.
• Jenny Slew, daughter to an enslaved man and a white lady who was kidnapped and then sued for her freedom.
• Laurie Cabot, the "official witch of Salem", who paved the way for the modern witch culture embraced in Salem today.
• Charlotte Forten Grimke, the first black teacher of an integrated classroom in the US.

We will stop at each site and our professional tour guide will explain the importance of what happened there and how women were instrumental in the building of this great nation- and how their contributions still resonate today.

Come join us on our Salem Witches and Wonder Women tour, and experience the conviction, the perserverance, and the grit of some of the women of Salem.

"Everything, and I mean everything, is about strong, powerful women."

- Jesse Peyronel