Join us for a behind-the-scenes 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 is an indoor/outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. We’ll see you rain or shine!

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 available, and tour guides will use microphones.

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.