First settled by Europeans in 1626, Salem was among some of the first coastal villages governed by the Massachusetts Bay Company. During the first few years of a transitional government, Naumkeag was renamed Salem (meaning peace), chosen to signify the peaceful transition.
   Today it's hard to image any better place to get into the Halloween spirit than Salem, Massachusetts. This town, known widely for its witchcraft trials of 1692, begins Halloween festivities in early October. Salem gets everyone in the mood with month long Halloween Happenings, offering family fun and spooky entertainment. Festivities are kicked into full swing with their annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, filled with pageantry, creepy costumes, music and plenty of enthusiasm.
   Pictured here is the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a magistrate who investigated accusations of witchcraft in the Salem area. Corwin served on the court that sent nineteen witches to their death. The Witch House is the only dwelling standing in Salem with ties to the trials. The seventeenth century home was rescued by the Salem community in 1944, as they raised over 40,000 dollars to restore the home. Retaining its 300 year old look, the house is operated by the City of Salem as a museum. Tours are available of the Corwin House from May through early November, with extended hours during October.

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