Salem, MA: A Quest For Inspiration

Edward Olivier, Thabata Vidigal
and Rodrigo Bahls. 

This one goes to Arthur Miller. 

A few days ago, the Aeon Audiovisual crew went on a Journey. A travel through history. A quest for inspiration in one of the most mythical places of the New England: the city of Salem in Massachusetts.

Salem became famous because of an infamous episode. A dark and medieval tale set in the New World. While still under the rule of the British Empire, the city witnessed the Witch Trials and the execution of 20 people accused of witchcraft.

Today the city has learned from its tragic past, creating a whole lot of museums and memorials that study, discuss, analyze and explain the origin of myths and the causes behind such horrible events. The true story behind the Witch Hysteria in the 17th century has nothing to do with the supernatural. It was rooted in human emotions and erratic behavior fed by fear, envy, greed and superstition.

But of course that an ancient place like that with such a bizarre history creates a highly charged environment. A perfect spot for ghost stories, hauntings and ghost hunters. And the point here is: It doesn't matter if the hauntings are true or not. The stories, the metaphors behind them are more important.

If you like a good ghost story, tales about the darkest aspects of human beings and you want to know more about the origin of witchcraft myths, Salem, MA may be the perfect spot for you. A place where you can take a tour through haunted spots, or visit a 17th century graveyard at 5 in the morning. A city where horror lovers can gather and feel like home.

In a city that once inspired Edgar Alan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, you'll certainly get pretty inspired. We know we did.

17th Century houses.
Lots of ghosts stories, of course.

Sign at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

The New England feeling. 

Strolling among the graves.

Night walks. Beautiful streets. 

Creepy alley.

A rare picture of Priscila Velho.
She's tougher to get on camera than a freaking ghost.
Better than that, only Edward's hair. 

Legends all around.

17th century graveyard.

Crew standing in front of 128 Essex, St.
The address of the famous murder
that inspired the board game 'Clue'
and the short story 'The Telltale Heart'
by Edgar Alan Poe.

Capt. Joseph White's House at 128 Essex St.
And in case you're wondering:
The original murderer was
Richard Crowninshield
in the bedroom with a cane or bludgeon.

Pictures by Priscila Velho, Rodrigo Bahls, Edward Olivier and Thabata Vidigal.

Find out more about the 128 Essex St. house here. 

Find out more about the history of Salem's Witch Trials watching 'The Crucible', the 1996 movie based on the play by Arthur Miller.