Historic Beverly: Hale Farm

In September 2024, I visited places and attended programs in Essex National Heritage Area as part of its annual event Trails & Sails. On my second day, I visited the John Hale Farm in Beverly, MA. This farm was completed by 1694 and owned by Reverend John Hale, a minister at First Parish Church in Beverly who is best known for first supporting and then decrying the Salem Witch Trials, which seemingly took place during the construction the farm in 1692. Hale’s book, titled in part A Modest Enquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft, was published in 1702, two years after his death, and served as an explanation of what happened in Salem. The house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

While the building itself was not open during my visit, the grounds provided ample signage explaining how Hale became involved in the trials, although these signs did contain a few minor errors. For example, the witchcraft trials were attributed to “the Medieval mind”, referring to the European Middle Ages. However, that time period end in the 15^th century; the witch trials took places in the late 17^th, also known as the post-medieval period or Age of Discovery, hence why these English people lived in Massachusetts and not England. Additionally, both the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission sign and a modern sign suggested that Hale realized the issues surrounding the trials only after his second wife, Sarah Noyes Hale, was accused of witchcraft. In reality, Hale was already prepared to condemn the trials, and the accusation of his wife came as the last straw. Church records indicate that community members liked and trusted the Hales, and the accusation against Mrs. Hale may have cued the general public into the trials being false.

For those interested in architectural history, a sign located directly across from the back of the meandering house showed the original design plans. Like many grand houses at the time, historians believe visitors entered at the front of house and proceeded into a parlor on the left or a hall on the right. A steep staircase was directly in front of the door and crammed against the brick chimney. The second story contained chambers or bedrooms directly above the parlor and hall. Many windows, gables, porches, and extra rooms have since been added to the house. Beverly Historical Society, now Historic Beverly, purchased the property in 1937, adding to the building collection that included Cabot House and Balch House.

Among the most interesting aspects of the property are the memorial stones located around the perimeter of the yard. Each stone has carved on it the full name, death date, and cause of death for all the victims of the Salem Witchcraft Trials. Among the victims were Lydia Dustin, a widow declared innocent after a delayed trial but not released from jail because she could not afford the “jail fees” and subsequently died of neglect; Ann Foster, a widow accused by her daughter who died in prison due to illness; and elderly couple Martha and Giles Corey, when Martha was hung and Giles pressed to death under a board and stones.

Even with this somber reminder of a local tragedy that has since been sensationalized by mainstream media, the visit was overall pleasant and relaxing. For those who wish to see the memorial and read the signs, grounds are open from dawn to dusk. The walk is accessible to those with limited mobility or using a wheelchair. However, no benches or other forms of seating are available. Visitors might picnic on the grounds provided they bring their own blanket and carry out their trash. Someday, I hope to return to view the inside of the house and its upcoming seasonal exhibits. A calendar on the official website might assist with understanding the irregular schedule.

Abby Epplett’s Rating System

Experience: 8/10

Accessibility: 7/10