Wenham Museum

"Had my two grandsons 7 n 4yrs old. They loved the trains. Spent quite a bit in the old house cooking and serving meals. Racing the vehicles down the ramps. Playing on the Thomas train."

"Cute little museum! My son was in loved with the trains and the train outside. We had a little accident, but the team there was incredible in helping us and even shared a popsicle with my daughter. We will definitely come back another time"

"I'm a Salem resident and I am on a mission to tour all the local attractions, museums and places of relevance. About this one: This is a small but quaint museum dedicated primarily to model railroads and vintage toys with a touch of "Americana" spirit. It is advertised as a museum for families and it is indeed a nice space for children, even very young ones, that can explore, play and interact with the model railroads and not only. I went with my 1.5 year old and he enjoyed the experience and the rest of the visitors were families as well, with young children (around 3-5 years of age I'd say). It consists of two floors, the one downstairs has the majority of the train dioramas plus a play area. The main floor presents a miscellanea of vintage toys on display and some activities for kids. Then, surprisingly, from the main floor you can access and visit an historical house built in 1662, with - even more surprisingly! - direct ties with the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It was, back then, the house of Wenham pastor, Rev. Joseph Gerrish, and it's in this house that a Wenham resident accused the wife of Rev Hale of Beverly of witchcraft (which is one of the reasons why Hale changed ideas towards the trials, became a skeptical and wrote his Modest Inquiry). The two rooms of the historical house open to the public are furnished but kids friendly at the same time, so kids can interact with everything here which is nice. This museum looks like a great space for locals to bring their families and spend some quality time together. It might be enjoyable for adults too if interested in model railroads or in childhood memorabilia. If you are visiting Salem with family, this museum is located about a 20 minutes ride from Salem and can offer a nice hour or two of entertainment for your young ones. The historical house is a nice bonus for visiting adults. PROs Very friendly and feels like a welcoming, fun, good old-fashioned space for families. Open all year round (but check their website for opening hours!) CONs I must say that, as a museum, it's a bit updated and "random" in his collection."

"What a marvellous place this is! My eight-year-old grandson is fascinated with trains. All the train exhibits are unique, hand-made creations. The trains chug along the tracks; surrounded by custom-made scenery. During school vacation week, we enjoyed a magic show and a movement class. History comes alive in the historic house display. I already became a museum member."

"A super fun place for the kids, with lots of hands- on activities, more than just trains, as well as opportunities to play with others."