Unlike many communities across the commonwealth, Salem was spared much of the destruction caused by the Civil War. The Union Army marched on Salem twice during the War. The first came December 16, 1863 when General William Averell’s troopers marched into Salem, and a second when General David Hunter’s soldiers came on June 21, 1864. When soldiers marched through an area, bullets were often left behind.
You can see these bullets on display this weekend as part of the Salem Museum’s Hands-On History Saturday program. This month, Hands-On History highlights “Ghostly Possessions,” items relating to this year’s Ghost Walk characters.
To learn more about Salem during the Civil War, come to Ghost Walk, Oct. 5-7. East Hill Cemetery comes alive after dark just once a year. Participants tour the historic graveyard and meet notable characters from Salem’s past. These walking tours are family-friendly, fun, and informative, but not scary. Tours leave the Salem Museum every fifteen minutes from 6-8 p.m. Advance tickets recommended. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students of any age, and free for children three and younger. Tickets are available now at the Salem Museum and online at SalemMuseum.org.