Of Witches & Seafarers

The Salem Wax Museum at 288 Derby Street, in Salem is a destination that takes the visitor through Salem history with the help of scenes created with wax figures that were produced in London. Scenes include Roger Conant discovering Salem, Bridget Bishop being tried during the Salem Witch Hysteria of 1692, and Elias Hasket Derby representing Salem's great sea captains of the 18th Century.

The tour of the Wax Museum is self-guided, with placards at each scene to explain the stage of Salem history represented before you. At the conclusion of your exploration of Salem's historical scenes, you head downstairs into the "Souvenir Factory." The Souvenir Factory is a unique addition to the Salem Wax Museum experience, because it gives families an opportunity to create something to take home from their Salem experience. There is a gravestone rubbing station, candle making, spin-art, a make-your-own stuffed Salem bear station, and wax hand creations. Prices are different for each souvenir, but none were more than $20.

Also at The Salem Wax Museum is the Salem Witch Village, which is an interior tour of the history of witches and witchcraft, and Frankenstein's Laboratory - a haunted house. in the dungeon of the Wax Museum. I have it on good authority from a 7-year-old that Frankenstein's Laboratory is "really cool, funny, and scary."

The Salem Wax Museum also offers Candlelit Tours, and in October it is transformed into the Haunted Neighborhood.

Photos: One of the scene captions from the exhibits; Making a grave rubbing in the "Souvenir Factory."

It's Vacation Week!

There is lots to do in Salem during February vacation week - here are a few ideas:

- Explore art and culture at the Peabody Essex Museum. http://www.pem.org/. The PEM was ranked one of the nation's top 10 art museums for children. In addition to the galleries that present American art, maritime art and history, and art from China, India, Japan, and beyond, the PEM has an interactive, hands-on Family Center.
- Visit the Salem Wax Museum and spend some time in their Salem Souvenir Factory, where you can create a variety of souvenirs to take home. http://www.salemwaxmuseum.com/. The Salem Wax Museum's presentation depicts Salem's history from the Witch Trials of 1626 through the Maritime age in the 18th century.
- Explore the Salem Maritime National Historic Site - which includes the replica tall ship, Friendship. This National Park Service site was the first National Historic Site in America and includes a free 17-minute film, To the Farthest Ports of the Rich East, the Friendship, The Custom House, Derby House, and Narbonne House. www.nps.gov/sama

The weather forecast for this week looks pretty good for walking the red line, too. You will find all of Salem's attractions and historic sites along the red line, which is painted on the sidewalks of Salem. Stretch your legs off of the Red Line and walk out to Derby Light in Salem Harbor (be warned, it's usually windier and colder on the walk back to Derby Street!) and around Salem Common. If you do get a chill, slip into one of Salem's yummy restaurants for a warming bite to eat.

Discover the magic of school vacation in Salem!