It’s my favorite time of year: the leaves are changing, everything is pumpkin flavored (even some things that shouldn’t be), and the weather is changing to crisp autumn temperatures. I remember last year, which was my first year at Tufts and my first autumn in MA, being especially excited for fall. Massachusetts just seems like the place to be for the fall season. I know I’m not the only one who thinks so: in Salem alone (which is probably the most attractive site for this time of year), there are usually more than one million visitors, generating almost $140 million from tourist spending.

This year, however, will be very different. It’s going to take a lot of extra planning to enjoy the events that are usually taking place this year. For instance, the Salem Witch Museum is limiting capacity, and guests must purchase same-day tickets online beforehand to reserve their time slot. The Peabody Essex Museum, meanwhile, is limiting capacity and incorporating timed entry for their special exhibitions this season, The Salem Witch Trials 1692 and Salem Stories. 

Tompkins Harrison Matteson, Trial of George Jacobs, Sr. for Witchcraft, 1855. Oil on canvas. Gift of R. W. Ropes, 1859. 1246. Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Mark Sexton and Jeffrey R. Dykes.

Tompkins Harrison Matteson, Trial of George Jacobs, Sr. for Witchcraft, 1855. Oil on canvas. Gift of R. W. Ropes, 1859. 1246. Peabody Essex Museum. Photo by Mark Sexton and Jeffrey R. Dykes.

However, if you’re like me and can’t make it to Salem this year, there are also tons of virtual events going on. For instance, the Salem Witch Museum has a virtual tour of the witch trial sites, while Historic Salem Inc. is offering a virtual house tour. While the Peabody Essex Museum’s exhibit is in person, they do also have a PEMcast episode dedicated to the exhibit. Actually, the entire website of Salem Haunted Happenings has a ton of events throughout the entire months of October and created an app to keep track of it all.

Haunted Happenings Logo

Haunted Happenings Logo

Finally, the Museum of Science is offering some fun events as well. Personally, I’m most interested in Obscured Vision: A Night of Sonic Storytelling and Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys Halloween Happening, a virtual music concert followed by a Q&A and costume contest. 

Array

Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys

So while it’s certainly an unusual fall season this year, I’m still excited for all of the events that museums are offering. 

If you know of any other upcoming events, please leave a comment below!