Enjoy an hour audio tour with Kendra Gaylord, Youtuber and host of Someone Lived Here. This tour walks the inner half mile perimeter of the Salem Common where the buildings and park unravel Salem’s history.
By looking at the Common and the surrounding homes we learn how this city started as ‘the fishing place’ and transformed into a maritime metropolis. We use the work of architect and wood carver Samuel McIntire to better understand the wealth and design trends happening in Salem after the Revolutionary War. We also cover the Salem Witch Trials, both what happened in that four month period in 1692 and how Salem continues to interpret its legacy.
What you get?
This audio tour download includes an 53-minute audio file and PDF that you will receive via email upon purchase. You can play that mp3 file from your phone. Headphones are recommended for the best experience.
What to expect?
This tour is a loop around the interior perimeter of the Salem Common. It requires a 1/2 mile walk on flat, level ground. All homes can be seen from within the park, but if you’d like you can leave the park and look at the homes more closely. Keep in mind that the sidewalks are brick and bumpy. Please be aware of your surroundings as you might be near busy roads. You may need to occasionally pause the audio depending on your walking pace.
Below is a map that shows the route you can expect on this tour. The numbers coincide with a scrollable PDF that you will receive with your download. Sources are listed in this google document.
Who is you audio tour host?
Kendra Gaylord will be guiding you through this tour. She talks architectural history and how it connects to our modern moment on her YouTube channel. She also is the host of the podcast Someone Lived Here where she tours the historic house museums of writers, artists, and other historic figures. She went to college at Salem State University and recently moved back to the area.
