News

Witch House gets funds for repairs, wheelchair access

By Amanda McGregor
Staff writer
Published: July 21, 2008

SALEM — The Witch House will get a new roof, chimney work and improvements to make the first floor handicapped-accessible.

The city received a $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and $4,000 from the Essex National Heritage Commission to help pay for the work.

Located at the corner of Essex and North streets, the Witch House was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was involved in the infamous Witchcraft Trials of 1692. The city has owned the house since the 1940s, and the wood roof installed 60 years ago has deteriorated, according to Jonathan Kieran, manager of the Witch House.

"We do have a leak that's been going on a fairly long time," said Kieran, "which has extended into some water damage inside the house."

Workers will replace the roof, repair the top four courses of brick on the chimney, repoint the whole chimney, and make the first floor — including the gift shop — wheelchair and walker accessible, according to Kirsten Kinzer, the Community Development Block Grant planner for the city.

Kinzer said she worked with Witch House director Elizabeth Seater to apply for the grants, which will be augmented with city funds, including money the city receives through the Community Development Block Grant.

"We're definitely fortunate to get the grants," she said. "They only funded about half the applications they received."

Kinzer said the city also plans to construct a walkway that will lead to the gift shop through the backyard of the house sometime in the future.

The Witch House is approximately 3 1/2 centuries old. The repair and construction work is slated for completion in spring 2009. It will not affect operating hours of the house, according to Kieran.

The museum is open for tours daily during the open season, which runs until the first weekend of November. For more information, visit www.corwinhouse.org or www.salemweb.com/witchhouse.

Photos

Amanda McGregor/Staff photo

The city has received a grant to make repairs at the Witch House on Essex Street. Built around 1675, it was home to Jonathan Corwin, a judge in the Witchcraft Trials of 1692.