Beverly

Known as the Bass River Side of Salem, Beverly became a separate town in 1668.

Explore

Ancient Burial Ground, 15 Abbott Street. Burial place of Rev. John Hale (1636-1700) and his family, including second wife Sarah (Noyes) who was accused but not arrested in 1692 (d. 1697).

Balch House, 448 Cabot Street. The Balch family lived in this home from 1679 to 1916. In 1690, Dorcas Hoar was named by David Balch (1671-1691) as one of the witches who was tormenting him at his sickbed here. Owned by Historic Beverly.

Rev. John Hale house, 39 Hale Street. Home built in 1694, where Hale wrote his book A Modest Inquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft. Open to the public. Owned by Historic Beverly.

Dorcas Hoar homesite, now Central Cemetery, 60 Hale Street. Dorcas was tried and condemned to die at the Salem witch trials but received a month’s reprieve, which ultimately spared her life.

Research

Historic Beverly, 117 Cabot Street. Research Library and Archives include books, records, photographs, newspapers, maritime documents, and genealogical records.

Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street.