Salem Wax Museum, Salem Witch Village Good Choices for Learning About a Wretched Time

Witch souvenirs abound in Salem Massachusetts. Scary trinkets are hawked at many a corner store in town. But besides being a place where commercialism capitalizes on a dark time that has become sensationalized, there are many locations that work hard to educate the pubic about a wretched period in American history.

The Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers and the Salem Witch Village are good choices for learning about the atrocities that occurred nearby in the 1600s. Located at 288 Derby Street, the wax museum houses life-like figures with facial expressions so intense, that viewers are immediately drawn to check out the informational placards to find out what was happening with the people depicted.

Besides giving details of the town's history and what really happened during the witch trials, the period dress of the figures gives those touring a feeling that they're actually observing the goings on of the day.

While they're in the vicinity, museum goers can step outside the facility and walk through the Old Burial Point which is believed to be the second oldest cemetery in the United States that permits visitors on the grounds. Those soaking in the history can then head over to the nearby Witch Trials Memorial which honors those persecuted during the hype of 1962.

The Salem Witch Village aims to rid people of preconceptions and to educate people on the truth, fabrications, superstitions and other aspect of witchcraft and how legends evolved. Through a gripping guided tour, visitors learn how misinformation and prejudice caused misery and mistreatment of victims and resulted in deadly, tortuous consequences. The Witch Village is next to the wax museum, and both sites are handicap accessible.

Viewers of these educational landmarks walk away with a better understanding of the myths and realities of the day and a profound sense of the wrongdoing that unfolded from a lack of tolerance and propaganda. It gives viewers pause as the incidents of this period compare, in some ways, to other atrocities in history and some current injustices that are happening around the world today.

The Salem Wax Museum gift shop offers many touristy trinkets. But after taking in the information available through these sites, people have the chance to sport their wares with a new mission. People purchasing can use their goods to help educate others about the myths and realities they've learned.

For further details on the Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers, visit www.salemwaxmuseum.com. For more information on the Salem Witch Village, go to www.salemwitchvillage.net. To learn more about Salem, Massachusetts check out www.salem.com.