P.O. Box 865, Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-0799
Contact Us!

The Reverend William Bentley returns from cyberspace to lead the tour

(See photos of the tour)

Donald Friary will appear in costume and in character as the Reverend William Bentley (1759-1819) of Salem. The September 9 tour begins as Mr. Bentley emerges from his home, the Crowninshield-Bentley House at Essex Street and Hawthorne Boulevard, to lead participants to the waterfront, commenting on houses that he recognizes and people that he has known. He will talk about the Derbys, trade with China, and the great prosperity that has resulted, and discuss the wharves, the new Custom House, and the merchants' and shipowners' houses. Mr. Bentley will lead the group to Washington Square to describe the recent transformation of Salem Common. Recalling the triumphal arch and General Washington's visit, he will conclude at the Andrew-Safford House to return home for dinner with Mrs. Crowninshield.

(See photos of the tour)

"He was distinguished for genius in Architecture, Sculpture, and Musick, modest and sweet manners rendered him pleasing, industry and integrity, respectable. He professed the religion of Jesus on his entrance in manly life, and proved its excellence by virtuous Principle and unblemished conduct."

Epitaph, Samuel McIntire, Charter Street Burying Ground.

This walking tour will explore multiple facets of the life of Salem
architect and woodcarver, Samuel McIntire (1757-1811). McIntire left an important legacy of elegant homes and finely constructed furniture to the city of his birth, but he also used his craft to design essential symbols which embodied the new Nation. Please join Dr. Kimberly Alexander, architectural historian and Curator of the Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth, NH), for a spirited discussion of this Salem resident.

(See photos of the tour)

Once again Donald Friary will appear in costume and in character as the Reverend William Bentley (1759-1819) of Salem. The September 23 tour begins at the Judge Corwin House, at Essex and North Streets, where Mr. Bentley will talk about the antiquity of Salem and its recent transformation into a modern city with handsome houses and well-laid-out streets. He will lead the group to Federal Street to see the Pierce-Nichols House and to discuss the work of Samuel McIntire (1757-1811) as carver, architect, and builder. Continuing along Federal Street, he will comment on older houses, those that have been moved, and the work of McIntire, his family, and his contemporaries. Turning left on Flint Street, he will lead the group to Chestnut Street to comment on the planning of that street and the construction of its houses by McIntire and others. Mr. Bentley will return the tour to the Corwin House.