A carnival called Salem

I was really looking forward to visiting the town of Salem, Massachusetts. Who has not heard of Salem and the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, and the subsequent annulment of the convictions 20 years later? I was fascinated by the story of a town turning against innocent people because they did not conform with the rest of society, and wanted to explore Salem to learn more.

In some ways, I was glad to have visited, and in some ways, I was truly disappointed.

We toured the Peabody Essex Museum, which had an excellent, in-depth exhibit on the Salem Witch Trials. We visited the thought-provoking Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and wandered through the Charter Street Cemetery - one of the oldest European burial grounds in America. We snapped photos of the 1819 Custom House, and learned that is where Nathaniel Hawthorne penned his famous novel, The Scarlet Letter.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Charter Street Cemetery - trees have grown around the headstones

Here's another pic of me, taking a pic of the Custom House

We also marvelled at the spectacle that Salem has become. Today. Salem is a haven for modern witches, goths, and anyone who wants to dress up in black and burn incense. There are gift shops and stores on every corner (and often several in between) that sell all manner of witchy kitsch, ‘magical’ equipment, and other junky trinkets. Sadly, I felt a bit like I was wandering through a Goth theme park rather than a historical city.

A sad display right outside the Charter Street Cemetery

What exactly does Frankenstein have to do with Salem?

At least one on every street

That being said, I’m told Salem is a great place to visit in the month of October, where the witch vibe is ramped up to the extreme, and you are minority if you are not dressed the part! I’m not sure we’ll bother with the 3,400km return trip, however. Once is enough for me.