Growing Up In America’s Most Haunted Town—A Salem Native Shares His Eerie Experiences
Salem native Mason shares his eerie encounters.
Salem, Massachusetts, known as America’s "Witch City," draws millions of visitors every Halloween season. Famous for its dark history tied to the infamous 1692 Witch Trials, this town has become a hotspot for those fascinated by the supernatural.
Last year alone, Salem welcomed over 1.2 million tourists, and the numbers are expected to grow as Halloween approaches. People flock to this spooky destination not just for its history but for the hope of catching a glimpse of ghosts, witches, or other paranormal entities.
Among the town’s locals is Mason, a Salem native and tour guide for U.S. Ghost Adventures, who grew up immersed in Salem’s haunted history. Born on the tricentennial of the Witch Trials in 1992, Mason has been celebrating Halloween since childhood and has a lifetime of eerie experiences to share.
From cobblestone streets to colonial reenactments, Mason recalls how Salem’s Halloween atmosphere captivated him as a child. However, as an adult leading haunted tours, he has had his own paranormal encounters.
His most chilling experience occurred last Halloween near the Samuel Pickman House, where he felt an invisible hand tug at his jacket. The spooky moment left him convinced of the presence of spirits, and he believes the ghostly energy might be connected to children who died of smallpox in the 1700s.
Childhood Magic and Paranormal Encounters
Mason recalls his early Halloween experiences as a time when Salem’s atmosphere felt magical yet haunting. As a child, he would watch as colonial reenactors rode horse-drawn carriages through the cobblestone streets, adding an authentic historical touch to the season.
OSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty“It felt like a true Halloween town back then,” he says, noting how much less crowded the area was compared to the massive influx of tourists today.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via GettyHis fascination with Salem’s haunted past grew as his older cousins shared ghost stories, particularly about the eerie old town jail.
Aaron Ashcroft-PageThe Psychology of Fear and Fascination
Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a renowned emotion researcher, notes that fear can evoke both fascination and repulsion. Her work highlights how engaging with fear—like those experienced during Halloween—can lead to emotional regulation and resilience.
In Salem, the blend of history and the supernatural creates an environment where visitors confront their fears in a controlled setting. This dynamic allows individuals to explore their emotional landscapes, providing insight into their own psychological well-being.
Managing Supernatural Tourism Responsibly
As tourism in Salem grows, experts like Clark Howard, a consumer advocate, stress the importance of sustainable practices. He advises local businesses to engage in responsible tourism that respects the town's historical integrity while accommodating visitors.
Implementing measures like guided tours that prioritize historical accuracy can enhance the educational experience for tourists while preserving local culture. This approach not only enriches visitor experiences but also fosters community pride and awareness of Salem's complex history.
But it was only when he began leading ghost tours as an adult that Mason had his own paranormal encounters.
While recounting tales to a group near the historic Samuel Pickman House last Halloween, he felt a sudden tug on his jacket. “I turned around, and there was no one there,” he explains. The experience left him convinced that he may have encountered the spirits of children who once lived in the area.
GettyHe isn’t the only one; he says that visitors have also reported seeing ghostly children’s faces in the windows of the house.
GettyModern Hauntings and Growing Tourism
Mason’s other eerie experiences include witnessing a glass cup fly off a shelf in a local bar and hearing blood-curdling screams near Rockafellas, a well-known restaurant.
GettyExploring Salem's history offers a unique learning opportunity. Education expert Dr. Tony Wagner emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context to foster critical thinking in students.
He suggests that visiting sites like Salem can ignite curiosity and inspire discussions about justice, morality, and societal change. Engaging with such historical narratives can help individuals develop a more nuanced perspective on contemporary issues, making the past relevant to the present.
These occurrences seem to intensify during October, making him wonder if the large crowds’ energy amplifies the paranormal activity.
Despite the growing number of tourists, which sometimes frustrates locals, Mason recognizes the positive impact on local businesses. “Most locals hate the traffic, but businesses thrive during the fall season,” he explains.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty ImagesThe rise in tourism, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, has turned Salem into a bustling hub. He notes that his tours have doubled in size, sometimes reaching up to 40 people.
Salem’s spooky charm and chilling tales continue to fascinate both believers and skeptics alike, making it the ultimate Halloween destination.
Practical Steps for Healing
Salem's allure lies not just in its haunted reputation but in its rich history and the lessons it offers. Research from various educational experts highlights the importance of contextual learning in fostering critical thinking and emotional growth.
As visitors navigate the eerie tales woven into Salem's fabric, they also engage with significant societal themes that resonate today. By promoting responsible tourism and historical education, we can ensure that Salem remains both a fascinating destination and a place of reflection on our shared past.
