The Custom House
The Custom House
4
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This U.S. Custom House is a historic building within Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the National Park in Salem. The building is open by tour only.
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4.0
181 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
85
Average
24
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,266 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Today Salem is most renowned for witches; however, there was a time when shipping and commerce were its calling cards. The waterfront is a National Maritime Site and the centerpiece is beautiful 19th Century Customs House. We only had time to see the exterior as we walked to the House of the Seven Gables. The entire building is ornate and beautiful in every aspect; however, the highlight is the golden eagle above the door. It is impressive.
Written 18 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia E
Springfield, MO145 contributions
Sept 2022
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote sarcastically about working here. I believe at one time it was open to visitors, but it wasn't during my stay. An imposing structure you'll no doubt see on your way to the House of 7 Gables.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake23
New Jersey6,846 contributions
Aug 2020
Interesting house across from the maritime site. Check out the amazing architecture on the custom house and then see the rest of the site.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KathyM1986
New Milford, CT39 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
The House is huge but you only get to see the lower 3 rooms due to renovations. Our guide was wonderful and full of information
Written 18 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Naomi C
St. Michaels, MD68 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We had strolled down to the harbor and saw the tall ship docked there. Someone told us that we could have a free tour of the boat and the Custom House by calling the number listed and reserving a spot through the Rangers from the Visitor Center. John our guide was extremely knowledgeable and gave us a full, non-wicca history of Salem as a port and why it was such an important place at one time. The boat tour was very interesting - you do get to go below and had a chance to imagine what lifes was like for the sailors on a year long cruise to the orient.
We then strolled up to the Custom House and had a chance to see Nathaniel Hawthorne's desk and to hear more about the politicalclimate at the time that he was working there. Excellent tour - lasted an hour and was abolutely free!
We then strolled up to the Custom House and had a chance to see Nathaniel Hawthorne's desk and to hear more about the politicalclimate at the time that he was working there. Excellent tour - lasted an hour and was abolutely free!
Written 21 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaraParker
Dallas6 contributions
The guide provided informative info on the connection of the custom house and Hawthorne's novel , "The Scarlet Letter."
Peaked my interest and I re-read the novel. The building itself was nothing special. If it hadn't been for my interest in Hawthorne, I would not have found it interesting. Great view of the wharfs from the building.
Peaked my interest and I re-read the novel. The building itself was nothing special. If it hadn't been for my interest in Hawthorne, I would not have found it interesting. Great view of the wharfs from the building.
Written 22 November 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy C
Holly Springs, NC51 contributions
July 2019
Good information about how the commerce worked in the colonies; information on Hawthorne who is probably most noted employee. Well maintained and great National Parks folks to answer questions.
Written 4 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happicamperSF
SF153 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
It's free to visit and has interesting information about the early days of the Customs service. Millions of dollars in trade passed through the port of Salem. Those duties financed our early nation. Salem has a rich and interesting history if you are interested in learning about it. The NPS historical district is a great free option.
Written 23 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelinfamsd
Sioux Falls, SD170 contributions
July 2019 • Couples
There isn’t a lot to see/do in Salem that doesn’t cost sometimes quite a it more than its worth. This was a great little museum we visited after going down the wharf and see the
Written 27 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pseudee
Melbourne, Australia53 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Free to enter, there are 3 rooms open to the public with some well maintained equipment relevant to the historic harbour. A pleasant 15 minutes. Friendly and informative staff.
Written 11 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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