Register by November 1!
Explore art, history, and culture at the Peabody Essex Museum. Our visit includes a docent-led tour highlighting treasures from the Peabody Essex Museum’s renowned collection, spanning from the 1600s to the present day. The tour also includes a special focus on the Salem Witch Trials, offering insight into one of the most pivotal, and haunting chapters of local history. This ongoing exhibit tells this story through court documents and authentic historic objects directly tied to people in Salem and nearby communities in the late 17th century. En route to Salem, Elizabeth Kapp, curator of history at the Wood Museum of Springfield history will provide an engaging lecture on the Springfield’s witch trials, which occurred before the famous Salem witch trials. Elizabeth will delve into Springfield’s lesser-known witch trials—which actually predate those of Salem—offering a fascinating regional perspective. Before the trip, don’t miss the Springfield Museums’ special exhibition, Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem, curated by Knapp and on view through November 2, 2025.
Founded in 1799 by Salem sea captains, the Peabody Essex Museum’s expansive permanent collection includes outstanding works of painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, decorative arts, and architecture. In 2003, Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese house, was relocated to the Peabody Essex Museum from southeastern China. We will have the option to explore the stately 16-bedroom home that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Huang family.
Lunch is on your own—choose from the museum café or one of the many charming restaurants in Salem’s historic downtown.
Guides: Jeanne Fontaine
Monday, November 10
Depart: 8 am; return: 5:30 pm
Includes admission, bus travel and driver tip.
