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Custom House Tours and Tickets

🎧 Available audio guides (5)

Emotional Experience Guide (EN)

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Hidden Gems (EN)

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Local Insights (EN)

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Photo Opportunity (EN)

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Practical Information (EN)

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81 Reviews

1. The Custom House in Salem, Massachusetts is a historic building that was used for customs enforcement in the early 19th century. It is located on Derby Street in the heart of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The Custom House was built in 1819 and served as a hub for collecting tariffs and overseeing trade in the port of Salem.

One interesting fact about the Custom House is that it was immortalized in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, \"The Scarlet Letter.\" Hawthorne worked at the Custom House for several years and used his experiences there as inspiration for the setting and characters in his iconic novel.

The exterior of the Custom House features beautiful Federal-style architecture, with its distinctive domed cupola being a prominent feature. Inside, visitors can explore the museum exhibits that highlight Salem’s maritime history, including displays of artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits. The building itself is a National Historic Landmark and has been carefully restored to its original glory.

2. The Custom House is open to the public from May through October, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please note that the hours of operation may vary, so it is advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

The phone number for the Custom House is (978) 740-1650.

3. Admission to the Custom House is free for all visitors. However, donations are welcome and greatly appreciated to support the ongoing preservation and maintenance of this historic site.

Transportation to the Custom House is easily accessible. There are several public parking lots available within walking distance, as well as metered street parking in the vicinity. Additionally, the Salem Train Station is just a short walk away, making it convenient for those traveling by public transportation.

178 Derby St., Salem

As you approach the Custom House in Salem, the salty sea air dances around you, carrying whispers of history and mystery. The imposing red brick building stands proud against the backdrop of the ocean, its windows reflecting the sunlight like shards of diamond.

As you step inside, you are immediately enveloped in a sense of grandeur and importance. The hushed echoes of the past seem to reverberate through the very walls, telling stories of sailors and traders long gone.

You make your way through the corridors, your fingers trailing along the cool, smooth surface of the walls. The sound of your footsteps is muffled by the thick carpet underfoot, creating a sense of quiet reverence.

In the distance, you hear the haunting strains of a violin, the notes weaving a melancholy melody that tugs at your heartstrings. You follow the sound, drawn towards a dimly lit room where a lone musician sits, lost in his music.

As you listen, you feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you, as if you are being transported back in time to a bygone era. The music seems to fill the room, wrapping you in its embrace and stirring emotions you never knew you had.

As the final note fades away, you are left standing in the silence, the echoes of the music still lingering in the air. You feel a profound sense of connection to the past, to the people who once walked these halls and called this place home.

With a heavy heart, you make your way back outside, the cool breeze on your face bringing you back to the present. But as you glance back at the Custom House, you carry with you the echoes of the past, a reminder of the emotional journey you undertook within its walls.

Audio descriptive guides are available for visitors with visual impairments. Sensory-friendly hours are not currently offered at the Custom House in Salem. Please contact the Custom House directly for any specific accommodation inquiries or to inquire about upcoming sensory-friendly events.

Local writers and artists in Salem provide unique insights into the rich history and culture of the city. Through their work, they capture the essence of Salem and offer a glimpse into the community’s perceptions and experiences.

Writers like Nathaniel Hawthorne, a famous Salem resident, often incorporated the city’s dark past and mysterious aura into their works. Hawthorne’s novel "The House of the Seven Gables" is set in Salem and reflects the town’s history of witch trials and maritime trade.

Contemporary writers continue to draw inspiration from Salem’s unique atmosphere. In their poems, stories, and essays, they delve into the complexities of the city, exploring themes of identity, memory, and belonging.

Local artists also play a crucial role in capturing the spirit of Salem. Through their paintings, sculptures, and installations, they celebrate the city’s architectural beauty, natural landscapes, and vibrant community. They infuse their artwork with a sense of nostalgia and wonder, inviting viewers to reimagine Salem through their eyes.

Visitors to Salem can explore these local insights by visiting art galleries, bookstores, and cultural institutions throughout the city. Through the lens of writers and artists, they can gain a deeper understanding of Salem’s past, present, and future, and appreciate the creative energy that emanates from this historic New England town.

### Directions and Transportation:

#### By Car:

- The Custom House in Salem is conveniently located near major highways such as I-95 and Route 1A.

- Visitors can use GPS navigation to easily reach the Custom House. Parking options are available nearby.

#### By Public Transportation:

- The Salem MBTA Commuter Rail Station is within walking distance of the Custom House.

- Local buses also provide transportation to the area, with several stops in close proximity to the building.

#### Accessible Transportation:

- The Custom House is accessible by wheelchair and features facilities to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

- Accessible parking spaces are available nearby for visitors with special needs.

### Ticket Booking and Discounts:

#### Ticket Booking:

- Tickets for entry to the Custom House can be purchased on-site at the ticket counter.

- Online booking options may also be available on the official website for convenience.

#### Discounts:

- The Custom House may offer discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and other eligible groups.

- Check the website or inquire at the ticket counter for information on available discounts.

### Local Amenities:

#### Parking:

- Metered street parking is available near the Custom House.

- Public parking garages are also located within walking distance of the building for convenient parking options.

#### Restrooms:

- Restroom facilities are available inside the Custom House for visitors.

- Accessible restrooms are provided to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

#### Dining Options:

- Visitors can explore a variety of dining options in the surrounding area, including restaurants, cafes, and food trucks.

- Dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other options are catered to by many local establishments.

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