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Interactive Salem History Theater | History Alive – Salem MA
Step into Salem’s past with History Alive, the award-winning immersive theater company that has been bringing history to life in downtown Salem since 1992. Founded to commemorate the tercentenary of the Salem Witch Trials, History Alive creates original theatrical experiences based on true stories from Salem’s remarkable history. Located at the historic Old Town Hall in Derby Square, History Alive presents its flagship show, “Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop”—the longest continuously running theatrical production north of Boston. This interactive journey into 1692 invites audiences to serve as Puritan jurors, examining witnesses and deciding the fate of Bridget Bishop, the first person executed during the Salem Witch Trials.
Under the artistic direction of Kristina Wacome Stevick (President and Artistic Director), History Alive demonstrates their commitment to the Salem community through performances, educational programs, and special events that make history accessible and engaging for visitors and residents alike.
🎄 Planning a holiday visit to Salem? Visit historyalivesalem.com for current holiday performance schedules, special programming, and seasonal events.
Why Experience History Alive
History Alive stands as Salem’s premier historical theater company, offering truly one-of-a-kind experiences. The company has evolved from its origins at Gordon College to become an independent nonprofit organization deeply rooted in Salem’s community. Their commitment to historical accuracy, combined with theatrical engagement, creates educational entertainment that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Longest-Running Show North of Boston
“Cry Innocent” has been performed continuously since 1992, making it the longest-running theatrical production north of Boston. The show has been featured on the Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, A&E, Nickelodeon, TLC, NPR, BBC, CNN, and MTV. The New York Times praised it as “educational and beautifully performed,” noting that “not all of Salem’s witchiness is silly.”
Interactive Theater Excellence
What sets History Alive apart is its pioneering approach to interactive theater. Rather than passive observation, audiences become active participants in historical events. In Cry Innocent, audience members question witnesses, examine evidence, discuss the case, and ultimately vote on a verdict—all while actors respond in character as 17th-century Puritans. This dynamic approach means no two performances are exactly alike.
Educational Value for All Ages
History Alive’s productions serve as powerful educational experiences for school groups, families, and adult learners. The company offers special programming for schools, including in-school performances that bring the witch trials directly to classrooms. Their virtual/hybrid edition allows groups anywhere to experience Cry Innocent through a combination of filmed historical reenactments and live actors hosting in real-time.
Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop
The flagship production recreates the actual testimony from Bridget Bishop’s pre-trial examination on April 19, 1692. Bishop, the first person executed during the Salem Witch Trials, stands accused before the audience—who become the Puritan jury.
What to Expect During the Performance
The Arrest Scene (10 minutes before showtime): During in-season performances, the experience begins outdoors on Essex Street with Bridget Bishop’s dramatic arrest by colonial authorities.
The Trial (45 minutes): Inside Old Town Hall, audience members sit as the Puritan jury while historical testimony unfolds. Actors portray accusers, magistrates, and Bridget Bishop herself, responding to audience questions entirely in character. You might examine physical evidence, read contemporary documents, or engage in spirited debate about the nature of witchcraft and justice in 1692.
The Verdict: After hearing testimony, the jury votes. Bridget Bishop then addresses the jury directly, revealing the actual historical outcome—creating a powerful moment of connection between past and present.
Every word of testimony comes from actual court records preserved from the Salem Witch Trials, allowing audiences to experience the actual arguments, accusations, and defense that played out in 1692.
Holiday Season Programming & Special Events
History Alive offers special programming during Salem’s holiday season. For complete information about holiday performances, seasonal events, community celebrations, and updated schedules, please visit historyalivesalem.com or contact the organization directly.
History Alive has been an active participant in Salem’s holiday traditions, including contributing to community celebrations like Salem’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Check their website for details about this season’s specific offerings and how to incorporate History Alive into your Salem holiday experience.
Performance Information & Tickets
Public Performance Schedule: Cry Innocent typically runs from late September through early November at peak intensity, with performances continuing year-round. Check the website for the current schedule and availability, including holiday season performances.
2025 Ticket Prices:
- General Admission: $26
- Seniors, Military, K-12 Teachers (with ID): $22
- Students (with ID), grades 3-12: $18
- Children 10 and under: FREE
Shows accommodate up to 145 people at Old Town Hall. The show lasts approximately 45 minutes, with the optional outdoor arrest scene adding 10 minutes.
Private Group & Educational Programs
History Alive welcomes groups year-round at Old Town Hall and external venues including schools and conference centers. Off-season private group minimum is $600. In-school performances start at $1,000 per show and accommodate up to 145 students per performance.
Holiday Gift Certificates
History Alive tickets make excellent presents for history enthusiasts, families visiting Salem, theater lovers, and anyone interested in the Salem Witch Trials. Gift certificates can be purchased for specific performances or as open vouchers for future use. Visit historyalivesalem.com for gift certificate information and holiday purchasing options.
Visit History Alive at Old Town Hall
History Alive performances take place at Old Town Hall in Derby Square, built in 1816. This landmark building sits in the heart of downtown Salem’s pedestrian district, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Location & Contact Information
History Alive, Inc.
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square
Salem, MA 01970📧 General Inquiries: query@historyalivesalem.com
📧 School & Group Bookings: historyaliveinc@gmail.com
🌐 Website: historyalivesalem.com
🎭 Tickets: Cry Innocent Tickets
📷 Instagram: @cryinnocentsalemGetting to Old Town Hall
Important Note: Derby Square is part of a pedestrian walkway. You cannot drive directly into Derby Square.
By Commuter Rail: The MBTA Commuter Rail (Rockport/Newburyport line) stops at Salem Depot, less than a 10-minute walk from Old Town Hall.
By Car: From Route 128, take exit 25A for SR-114 East toward Salem. Follow to downtown; Derby Square is accessible on foot from nearby parking.
Parking Options:
- South Harbor Garage (10 Congress Street)
- Street parking along Congress and Derby Streets
- Free parking surrounding Salem Common
Nearby Landmarks: Old Town Hall sits adjacent to the Hawthorne Hotel, near the Peabody Essex Museum, and steps from Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.
History Alive’s Mission & Community Impact
History Alive operates with a clear mission: “History Alive, Inc. is committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through a playful and dynamic way of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era.”
Educational Outreach
Tens of thousands of students have experienced Cry Innocent as part of their curriculum on colonial America and the Salem Witch Trials. History Alive offers licensed walking tour guides (available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish) and maintains extensive resources for educators.
Economic Vitality
By creating compelling reasons for visitors to spend time in downtown Salem year-round, History Alive supports local restaurants, hotels, and retail businesses—helping establish Salem as a four-season destination.
Plan Your Visit with History Alive
Before Your Visit:
- Check historyalivesalem.com for current performance schedule and holiday programming
- Purchase tickets online to guarantee admission (shows can sell out)
- Consider arriving 15 minutes early for the outdoor arrest scene
- Note that performances are indoors at Old Town Hall
Combine Your Visit:
- Walk to nearby Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery
- Explore Essex Street Pedestrian Mall shops and restaurants
- Visit the Peabody Essex Museum or House of the Seven Gables
- Discover Salem’s maritime history at Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Connect With History Alive
For current holiday programming, performance schedules, and special events, visit historyalivesalem.com.
Website: historyalivesalem.com
Instagram: @cryinnocentsalem
Tickets: Purchase OnlineFollow History Alive on social media for performance updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, historical tidbits, and special event announcements.
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