March 2, 2023

Salem Offers Unique Ways to Honor Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day

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Many Venues and Local Scholars Provide Insight into the Women of the City’s History

SALEM, Mass.— Salem, Massachusetts, celebrates some of the most notable women from the city’s past with walking tours and lectures during Women’s History Month in March. So many spots in every corner around Salem have a story linked to a remarkable woman. In fact, many of the historical venues in Salem were inspired by or created by women, including the House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Witch Museum, Charlotte Forten Park, and Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie. These businesses and historic women have paved the way for close to 50 women-owned businesses now operating in Salem.

“Salem is often a place that people visit to learn about the history of some exceptional women,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of Destination Salem.  “The venues throughout the city always provide events and exhibitions to honor the work of these women and give a voice to stories that haven’t always been heard.”

Some events specifically during Women’s History Month include:

A Feminist View of 1962, History Witch Walking Tours – Pre-scheduled experience

History Witch Walking Tours owner Stacey Csaplar will guide guests through the historic area of Salem and discuss the societal expectations and mores that set the stage for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. She will share what a woman’s life was truly like beyond the colonial dame cliche. Participants will see these women through their own eyes as healers, entrepreneurs, authors and more. This walking tour can be scheduled to accommodate the itinerary of any guests. Stacey Csaplar will pick up the group at a downtown Salem location of their choice, either a hotel, shop, or restaurant and can suggest other things to do in and around Salem. For more information visit: historywitchwalkingtours.com. 

Tituba, Maryse Condé and Escrevivência: Black Women and the Word as Legacy, Salem Witch Museum (Virtual lecture)
Wednesday, March 8, 6 – 7:30 p.m. (International Women’s Day)

Tituba, an enslaved woman in the household of Salem Village’s minister, was one of the first to be accused of witchcraft in 1692. Under enormous pressure, she became the first to confess and claim there were more witches hiding in the colony. Through word Tituba was defined as a witch and through the word she accepted this identity and thus kept herself alive. Maryse Condé’s acclaimed novel “Tituba, Black Witch of Salem” has sought to fill in the gaps in this story. This free virtual lecture will be given by teacher and writer Maria Carolina. In this presentation, Maria will discuss the concept of escrevivência (a term that refers to the specific writing of black women who, by narrating their own experiences, honor their ancestors) through the character Tituba and her relationship with Maryse Condé and other black women around the world. More information can be found here.

The Women of The House of The Seven Gables and Their Community (In-person lecture)
Sunday, March 14, 2 – 4 p.m.

The House of the Seven Gables board member, Robin Woodman, will present a lecture entitled, The Women of The House of the Seven Gables and their Community. Woodman’s lecture will focus on the Turner women, who occupied the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion from 1668 until 1782 when the house was purchased by Captain Samuel Ingersoll. She will also touch on the Ingersoll women and The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association founder Caroline Emmerton. All these women played a role in the Salem community and witnessed many important moments in history. Tickets purchased help the institution to fund their mission to preserve, share, and continue the American story. More information can be found here.

There are many resources available to research some of the women trailblazers. A write-up on some of the most notable women in Salem’s history can be found here.

Visit www.Salem.org or reach out to Destination Salem any time to find more information on everything happening in Salem, Massachusetts.

About Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a destination recognized worldwide for its rich history, including the tragic Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the glorious maritime era that left its indelible mark on Salem through architecture, museums, and artifacts, and for its month-long celebration of Halloween. Approximately 1.8 million people visit Salem annually, generating nearly $140 million in tourism spending and supporting 1,000 jobs.

About Destination Salem
As the destination marketing organization for the City of Salem, Destination Salem cooperatively markets Salem as one of Massachusetts’ best destinations for families, couples, and domestic and international travelers who are seeking an authentic New England experience, cultural enrichment, American history, fine dining, unique shopping, and fun. For more information, visit Salem.org.