Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories

Join us for a behind-the-scenes guided tour featuring architectural treasures from PEM’s collection! The only walking tours in Salem that offer entry into historic buildings, PEM’s tours cover five centuries of happenings and characters from Witch City, including the infamous trials of 1692. Brick by Brick: Salem’s Hidden Architectural Stories explores Salem’s notable structures, from a millionaire’s mansion to a working-class sailor’s house, and examines how building materials and stylistic choices all tell a story of a particular culture, time, place and family. Meet the hidden figures who built and lived in PEM properties like the John Ward House, the Ropes Mansion and the Daniel Bray House, and learn about Salem landmarks like Derby Square, the Lyceum and the courthouses on Federal Street. Along the way, learn how the city’s history of colonization, revolution and maritime trade shaped its people and architecture. This tour involves walking around 1.5 miles, standing on hard surfaces and the use of stairs. Historic structures are not ADA accessible. Strollers may be used on the tours, but may not be brought into any of the historic structures. Historic houses may include areas of low lighting and uneven surfaces. Assisted listening devices are used on all tours. You can also follow our expert guides into the dark side of Salem history with Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders and Literary Legends, and walk through landmarks of 1692, plus the site of a gruesome murder that made headlines in 1830 and inspired Edgar Allan Poe. Or, try Sinister Streets & Salem Stories for a walking tour that includes a museum visit. ———————————————————————————————— Know before you go 2 hours, 1.5 miles Meet outside at the anchor in front of East India Marine Hall on Essex Street. This is an indoor/outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. We’ll see you rain or shine! $40 Adults (ages 17+) $37 Seniors (ages 65+) $30 Students (with school ID), military, veterans, MTA/Teachers $15 Salem residents, museum members and members’ children ages 6-16 years old No charge for children 5 years and younger (Ticket still required) Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: Online at pem.org In person at the Admissions desk Outside the museum on tour days (161 Essex Street) This walking tour ticket does not include museum admission, but our combination Sinister Streets & Salem Stories ticket does.