Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
A walking tour and photography workshop in one!
Experience a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder with a local guide. Along the way, a local photographer will help you get some great images of the beautiful historic sites you visit.
Join our professional photographer and experienced tour guide Rebecca for a fascinating exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder. The death of aged sea Captain Joseph White was not just a personal tragedy to the families involved. It was a sign of the times that Salem’s identity as a wealthy and successful seaport was sinking into the horizon. The story of the murder became an international sensation and influenced authors Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
**Bring your DSLR camera or Cell phone with extra batteries for this tour!
Dive deep into the details of a true crime murder mystery. Take a walk with us!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by ticketed adult
Our Tours run rain or shine, we do not cancel for weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly.
Dog friendly!
Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and scooters and WCWT will not be held liable.
We do not enter any buildings or cemeteries on this tour, this is an outdoor activity only.
Tour group size may be up to 40 guests per group
There are no public restrooms on the tour route. Please plan accordingly.
By choosing to purchase a ticket, you and your ticketed guests will be agreeing to our liability waiver which includes a release of liability on our tours as well as a photo release.
What To Expect
Salem Old Town Hall
Join award-winning photographer Chris Padgett and experienced tour guide Rebecca Johnson for a fascinating exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder. The death of aged sea Captain Joseph White was not just a personal tragedy to the families involved. It was a sign of the times that Salem’s identity as a wealthy and successful seaport was sinking into the horizon. The story of the murder became an international sensation and influenced authors Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Dive deep into the details of a true crime murder mystery Get personalized help taking beautiful photos of iconic Salem sites Gain understanding of a pivotal time in Salem history Discover how to use new settings on your camera or camera phone
We will journey back in time to the Old Salem Jail. This is an outdoor activity only.
Options
Salem Through a New Lens: Anniversary of Joseph White Murder
What‘s Included
Professional Licensed Guide
Photography Lesson
Gratuity not included
Bring your own DSLR camera or smartphone to capture amazing photos!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend this special tour!
rebeccahT4732HT,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was incredible! My husband and I have lived in Salem for one year but this was our first time on a history walking tour. Our guide Rebecca was knowledgeable and personable, and did a great job weaving the story of the murder of Captain White through the streets of Salem. The photography aspect of the tour was also so fun and unique; we learned so much from Jon, and now have some above average pictures of our city to show off! Highly recommend this special tour when it comes around to dive deep into one moment in Salem history that I definitely didn’t know all that much about before the tour. Thanks Rebecca and Jon for the great experience!
Awesome experience for true crime lovers!
Mobile44654839956,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My girlfriend and I had a fabulous experience on this tour! Our guides Rebecca and John were great-Rebecca was so knowledgeable and John helped us get great photographs of all the places we visited so we really got a lot out of this experience. It’s a true crime mystery and this tour only comes around every April so get there!
Don’t miss this tour
Q4168ADsuet,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rebecca did a fabulous job sharing the story and mystery of this famous murder ! Adding the photography tips and tricks was an added bonus to capturing the beauty of Salem
Murder, Mystery, and a New Way of Seeing Salem
Q4766PLvanessah,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently moved to Salem and Salem Through a New Lens with Rebecca and Jonathan was a fascinating and genuinely engaging way to get to know the city—its history, architecture, and hidden stories. Rebecca really knows her stuff; she’s an excellent storyteller and clearly passionate about the subject, which made the experience feel thoughtful rather than scripted. I couldn’t stop talking about the murder to my husband after the tour, it was fascinating!! The photography element was a brilliant and surprisingly novel addition—it encouraged me to really see Salem differently. I left with compelling, intentional photos instead of the usual rushed snapshots, which made the tour feel even more memorable. Highly recommended for tourists and residents alike who want a deeper connection to the city.
Who Done It? A Suspenseful Tour Led by Rebecca
frankcR5093NF,Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I'm so glad I chose to join the Witch City Walking Tour commemorating the anniversary of the Joseph White murder. Despite the rainy weather almost keeping me away, it was absolutely worth it. The tour, led by the engaging and knowledgeable Rebecca—with photography tips from Jonathan—was both captivating and informative. Who would have thought that Salem, in 1830, was the backdrop to a murder steeped in mystery and national intrigue? The individuals involved were surprisingly prominent, and the case quickly became a nationwide sensation, especially with the rise of the Penny Papers, which brought stories of crime, tragedy, adventure, and gossip to a broad audience. This was a particularly special tour, held on April 7th, the exact date of the murder in 1830. I sincerely hope this experience will be offered more frequently so that more visitors can enjoy it. I highly recommend Witch City Walking Tours—their guides are passionate, well-informed, and truly bring history to life.
Great tour
G1317AUlaurenn,Oct 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cody was very funny and good at storytelling. I also did the history and hauntings tour. They overlapped a tiny bit, but it did not matter because you learned different details from each person. I recommend doing both, for sure. I am grateful I got to learn about the important history with the one tour and get spooky with this tour.
Fantastic journey through Salem's history
bennettandyp,Apr 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The photographic journey through the streets of Salem. Rebecca did an awesome job. She"killed" it!!! Great immersion into some of the dark history they makes three town famous.
One stop shop for history and memories!
bwiseman4,Apr 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed this experience! I’m just a hobby photographer AND I love a good murder story. This tour combines both of those things. I received guidance on how to get the most out of my camera while also learning WHAT I was taking a picture of. Rebecca and Chris are really onto something with this. I hope when I come back to Salem there are more of these set up. You get the tourist stuff, history stuff, AND photos to remember it all. Brilliant. 10/10 will do again.
A captivating tale!
stephaniekS2232HZ,Apr 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is one-of-a-kind! Rebecca is a master story teller. The story is captivating and well thought out. Combining the photography element makes it that much more unique! I walked away wanting to learn more!
A different side of Salem
harmonl537,Apr 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very fascinating tour! Everyone knows Salem for the witch trials, but here is an equally complex and tragic murder mystery that sounds like it comes straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. Rebecca does a great job delivering the back story (and leaving you hanging at the end of each stop), and Chris made even a helpless photography noob like me take some professional looking pictures (a minor miracle). Bring your camera and your detective's notebook, you'll need both on this one.
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