History Alive

History Alive

History Alive | Interactive Historical Theater | Salem, MA

About History Alive

History Alive is an immersive, historically-themed theater company based in Salem, Massachusetts, dedicated to bringing true stories from the past to life through interactive performance. Founded in 1992, the company has grown into an independent nonprofit producing original plays, educational programs, and collaborative theatrical experiences rooted in New England history. As the New York Times noted, History Alive offers something genuinely rare — history that is both educational and beautifully performed.

Our Experience

History Alive has been producing original interactive theater in Salem for more than three decades, collaborating with Pioneer Village, the House of the Seven Gables, and cultural institutions across the North Shore. Additionally, the company’s work has been featured by Frontline, American Experience, National Geographic, the History Channel, and television productions from the United States, Japan, France, Germany, and England.

Core Offerings

• Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop — live interactive performance
• Virtual classroom program — Cry Innocent at Ingersoll’s Ordinary
• Group visits for schools, adult groups, and corporate events
• Original productions on New England history and culture
• Custom theatrical experiences for galas, fundraisers, and commemorations
• Actor and costume services for film and television productions
• Period costume rental — 17th and 19th century ensembles
• Holiday caroling for hire

History Alive Cry Innocent

Cry Innocent is History Alive’s signature production — and one of Salem’s most celebrated historical experiences. The year is 1692, Bridget Bishop stands accused of witchcraft, and the audience serves as the Puritan jury. Approximately 45 minutes long, the show has been drawing school groups, tourists, and locals back for over thirty years. Moreover, it remains one of the most engaging ways to understand the human complexity behind Salem’s most infamous chapter.

Virtual & School Programs

The virtual version of Cry Innocent brings students into Ingersoll’s Ordinary — the Salem Village tavern where Bridget Bishop’s pre-trial examination took place. Students join as guests of the Ingersolls, spy on the proceedings, and interact with costumed characters in real time. In addition, optional talk-backs connect the 1692 trials to contemporary themes and popular culture, including The Crucible.

Original Productions & Collaboration

History Alive continues to develop new work rooted in New England’s rich and underrepresented histories — from Jenny Slew Sues for Her Freedom to Frederick Douglass and the Hutchinson Family Singers. The company also welcomes collaboration with event producers and media companies, providing actors, costumes, and props for television, film, and custom theatrical projects. Period costume rentals are available for productions requiring authentic 17th or 19th century ensembles.

What Makes History Alive Special

History Alive is not a tour or a museum — it is a living theater company that has spent more than thirty years making audiences feel genuinely present in history. Its interactive format invites participation rather than passive observation. Furthermore, a sustained commitment to producing new work on overlooked stories ensures the history it tells is always evolving and always relevant.

Contact

Location: Salem, MA
General Inquiries: query@historyalivesalem.com
Group Bookings: groups@historyalivesalem.com
Website: historyalivesalem.com
Facebook: facebook.com/historyalivesalem
Instagram: @cryinnocentsalem

The year is 1692. Bridget Bishop stands accused. The jury is you — History Alive has been making history this personal since 1992.