Salem Black History Tour

Salem’s rich history includes the infamous 1692 Witchcraft Trials, its significance during the American Revolution and what was once the number one seaport per capita in the USA. But few are aware of the incredible contributions of Blacks and African-Americans in our city.

Four years after Gov. John Winthrop wrote the state’s first slavery law in 1634, the ship Desire traveled to Providence Island (Bahamas) and traded local indigenous men for African Americans.

They received their freedom in the next century and began to make great strides in the community and major contributions to Salem and the state by influencing policy, establishing businesses and leading the abolitionist movement.