Experience Christmas Through the Eyes of Salem’s Abolitionists

Step into 1850s Salem with History Alive’s ‘Tis the Season: Charlotte’s Christmas—an intimate traveling show exploring how Christmas traditions became intertwined with the anti-slavery movement. Through music, storytelling, and historical immersion, discover abolitionist Charlotte Forten’s time in Salem and the role the holiday season played in advancing freedom and justice.

Like traditional Christmas mummers, this production travels to different host venues—churches, historic buildings, and community spaces throughout Salem and Beverly. Each performance offers a unique, site-specific experience connecting audiences to Salem’s living history.

The Story

Join Reverend Bill’s singing school students and surprise guests for an evening exploring Christmas traditions in 1850s Salem. When abolitionist Charlotte Forten joins the curious teenagers, they discover how anti-slavery practices were forming around Christmas celebrations in New England. What unfolds is a moving exploration of cheer, tradition, freedom, and community through period music and historical storytelling.

Who Was Charlotte Forten?

Charlotte Forten Grimké (1837-1914) came to Salem at age fifteen to receive an education in the city’s integrated schools—unavailable in her native Philadelphia. Living with the renowned abolitionist Remond family, she attended Higginson Grammar School and became the first African American woman to graduate from Salem Normal School (now Salem State University). During her time in Salem (1853-1858), she joined the Salem Female Anti-Slavery Society, wrote poetry for The Liberator, and documented her experiences in detailed diaries. Her story of education, activism, and justice resonates powerfully during the holiday season.

Event Details

Format: Traveling show with performances at various host venues throughout Salem and Beverly

Locations: All venues within 15-minute drive of each other or approximately 15 minutes from Beverly or Salem commuter rail stations. Performance venues change with each show date—check specific address when booking.

Admission: Donation-based. No set ticket price—donations warmly welcomed to offset production costs. All proceeds support History Alive’s work sharing Charlotte Forten’s story with audiences of all ages.

Duration: Approximately 60-75 minutes

Appropriate For: All ages, best appreciated by audiences 8 and up

Follow for Updates: Check @historyalivesalem on Facebook and Instagram for new performance dates and locations

Host a Performance or Book Carolers

Want to Host This Show? History Alive welcomes churches, clubs, schools, and businesses to join their list of holiday hosts.

Hire Period Carolers: The cast is available to carol in authentic Victorian costume at your holiday event, party, or gathering.

Contact: 📧 boxoffice@historyalivesalem.com 📞 (978) 867-4767