A common misconception about the historic homes in Salem is that every one of them was somehow related to the Witch Trials of 1692. While it's true that many structures do date back to the earliest colonial days of the seaside city, not every house has direct ties to the Trials. In fact, there's only one house still remaining that does, and it's referred to as 'The Witch House.'

Also going by the name of the Jonathan Corwin House, named after one of the judges who presided over the cases, it's the only one of its kind that has direct ties to the tragedy that left a dark stain on Salem's history. While often overshadowed by tours of the House of the Seven Gables and the two witch museums in town, The Witch House also offers tours - and a unique glimpse into the history of those who did the convicting.

Related: These Historic Landmarks In Salem, Massachusetts Are Completely Free To Visit

A Brief History Of Jonathan Corwin & The Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials spanned over the course of one year between 1692 and 1693. During this time, it was confirmed that at least 200 people were accused of witchcraft. Of those 200 people, it's known that 59 of them were convicted while 31 were found to be guilty. Of the 31 who were given a guilty sentence, 20 of them were hanged while one was crushed to death. While there were several judges who presided over the cases, Jonathan Corwin was one of those who deemed the accused parties 'guilty' of using witchcraft. As evidence, Corwin used what's known as spectral evidence, which is essentially hearsay - based on the visions, dreams, or perceived hallucinations of witnesses.

Corwin replaced the previous judge, Nathaniel Saltonstall, who was quick to resign after Bridget Bishop - one of the accused - was sentenced to death. Corwin, alone, is responsible for the hanging of 19 people following the sentences carried out by the Trials. Until the very end, the 19 people he sentences maintained their innocence.

The Witch House

Purchased by Corwin in 1675, it was still the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin when he was called to the stand to determine the fate of 19 people. For more than 40 years, Corwin resided in the house until his eventual passing. After that, he was buried in the Broad Street Cemetary which is within walking distance of The Witch House. Today, the house remains in its 17th-century stature, with not much having changed since.

Of course, the house has undergone repairs and maintenance, but those who visit will see how Corwin kept it when he was still alive. In addition to learning about what life was like during the late 17th century, visitors will get a sense of what it must have been like to live in Salem during the chaos and the paranoid fear that plagued the community. For one full year, the townspeople of Salem lived in accusatory shades of gray, with no two neighbors trusting one another and judges who were all too eager to carry out sentences that bore no evidential weight to them.

Related: Home Of The Witch Trials: Here's What To See And Do In Salem During Off-Season

Visiting The Witch House

As an exquisite example of 17th-century architecture, the former home of Jonathan Corwin is entirely gothic in nature, which was traditional during that time. As unintentional as it may have been, the house elicits an eerie, albeit striking, presence, with its deep brown exterior and thatched glass windows. The Corwin family maintained ownership of the house well into the 1800s. In 1944, however, almost a century later, the house was faced with what could have been its eventual demise if the Salem community hadn't stepped in. Impassioned Salem residents did what they could to raise $42,500 to save the historic house, which is what allowed it to be turned into a museum. The museum has been open since 1948, educating visitors on the Salem Witch Trials ever since.

Those visiting will be privy to a way of life during the 17th century that was very specific to Salem and the surrounding seaport, as well as an up-close look at period-accurate furnishings and architectural details. Much of what was preserved is on display to this day, giving guests a rare glimpse into an unusual and unsteady time in America's history. When guests leave The Witch House, they'll have a deeper understanding and knowledge base of what actually occurred in this early American settlement.

*Tickets can be purchased at the museum gift shop. Those inquiring about school, individual, or group rates could be eligible for discounted ticket prices.

Tickets & Hours

  • Guided House Tour: Adult - $10.25, Senior - $8.25, Child (7-14) - $6.25
  • Self-guided House Tour: Adult - $8.25, Senior - $6.25, Child (6-14) - $4.25, Children under 6 are free
  • Hours: March 15th - November 15th, daily 10 AM - 5 PM

Next: Not All Ghost Stories: Explore Salem's History By Adding These Tours To Your Itinerary