Salem Witch Board Museum

Description

Picture this: you’ve just stepped into a world where the mysterious meets the macabre. The Salem Witch Board Museum isn’t your run-of-the-mill tourist spot – it’s the only museum on Earth dedicated entirely to those fascinating conversation pieces we know as Ouija boards. I’ve gotta tell ya, even as someone who’s visited dozens of museums, this place had me totally captivated from the moment I walked in.

The collection here is absolutely mind-blowing. You’ll find yourself face-to-face with hundreds of witch boards spanning different eras, each with its own story to tell. From ornate Victorian-era pieces to funky mid-century designs, these boards chronicle not just the evolution of a “game,” but America’s fascinating relationship with the supernatural.

Key Features

• Massive collection of historical Ouija boards from various time periods
• Detailed exhibits explaining the cultural impact and evolution of spirit boards
• Original Kennard parlor board from 1890
• Interactive displays showing how different boards worked
• Rotating special exhibitions featuring rare and unique pieces
• Fascinating documentation of spiritualism movement
• Educational presentations about board manufacturing history
• Collection of vintage advertisements and marketing materials

Best Time to Visit

Lemme tell you something about timing – October is absolutely electric here. The whole town of Salem goes totally Halloween-crazy, and the museum really leans into the spooky vibes. But honestly? I actually prefer visiting in September or early November. You’ll get all the atmosphere without the massive crowds that descend during peak season.

Winter visits have their own charm too – there’s something extra ethereal about examining these mysterious artifacts while snow falls outside. Plus, you’ll practically have the place to yourself. Just keep in mind they might have reduced hours during the off-season.

How to Get There

Getting to the Salem Witch Board Museum is pretty straightforward. If you’re coming from Boston, just hop on the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line from North Station – it’s about a 30-minute ride. Once you’re in Salem, the museum is an easy walk from the station.

Driving? You’ll find plenty of parking options nearby, but here’s a pro tip from someone who learned the hard way: avoid driving in during October weekends unless you absolutely have to. The traffic gets absolutely bonkers during peak season, and parking becomes a real headache.

Tips for Visiting

Look, I’ve been here several times now, and I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll make your visit way better. First off, give yourself at least 90 minutes to really soak it all in – there’s way more to see than you might expect. And ya know what? The guides here are absolute fountains of knowledge. Don’t be shy about asking questions; they love sharing the weird and wonderful stories behind the pieces.

Photography is allowed in most areas, but skip the flash – it’s better for preserving these historical pieces. If you’re into the paranormal or board games (or both!), bring a notebook. You’ll want to jot down some of the fascinating historical tidbits they share.

Oh, and here’s something most people don’t realize – they sometimes do special evening events and lectures. These are absolutely worth checking out if you can catch one. They dive deeper into specific aspects of spirit board history and often bring out pieces that aren’t usually on display.

And one last thing – if you’re visiting with kids, make it interactive by turning it into a scavenger hunt. Have them look for specific symbols or types of boards. Trust me, it keeps them engaged and they might just learn something cool about American spiritual history while they’re at it.

Location

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