Salem, Massachusetts, population 40,000, is most noted in history for the Salem witch trials that took place in 1692. It is a commuter suburb of Boston, located along the northern shores of the state. An area rich in maritime heritage, Salem has beautiful architecture and a diverse population.
The House of the Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, is located in Salem; and is one of the oldest mansions still standing in New England. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site has a visitor's center and was the workplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne as well as sea captains and craftsmen.
Salem houses the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest privately run museums still in existence. The museum is a window to New England history with costumes and military paraphernalia among the exhibits. The Salem Witch Museum and Witch House both give a perspective of the witch trials, through dioramas and audiovisual tours.
Located sixteen miles north of Boston, Salem is a commuter town in Northeastern Massachusetts, along the eastern border of the state.
Jutting out into Massachusetts Bay, Marblehead might be a small town with 20,000 residents, but it is one of New England's largest yachting centers. Marblehead's Old Town is a maritime village along the cliffs of the bay, and remains a prestigious community. Bostonians often travel to Marblehead for a day at the beach or seaside park.
Fort Sewall was used during the Revolutionary War to protect the harbor, and is now a popular park for picnicking. Several historic mansions are available for tours and Marblehead is at it's busiest during Race Week, a boating race, at the end of July.
Marblehead is located just north of Boston and south of Salem along the eastern border of Massachusetts.
