Experience Magical Broom Making at The Witchery in Salem, Massachusetts

Experience the Magic of Broom Making in Salem

Nestled in the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts is a unique shop called The Witchery. This charming store offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience - the chance to make their very own broom!

The Witchery has been handcrafting brooms in Salem for over 30 years. Their skilled artisans use traditional techniques that date back centuries. A visit to this magical place is like stepping into a fairy tale. Keep reading to learn all about The Witchery and their famous broom making experience.

About The Witchery Salem

The Witchery was opened in 1982 by a local Salem family. They wanted to share their passion for broom making with the public. The store is located right on Essex Street in the heart of downtown Salem. This makes it easy for visitors to stop by and try their hand at this ancient craft.

In addition to broom making, The Witchery offers an eclectic mix of gifts and souvenirs. You can shop for everything from witchcraft books and spells to unique antiques. Customers will also find clothing, jewelry, and home decor items inspired by Salem's heritage.

The Witchery is especially popular around Halloween. People come from all over to visit Salem and tour the shop's bewitching collections. However, it's worth a trip any time of year you find yourself in this New England town.

Making Brooms at The Witchery

The main attraction at The Witchery is the chance to make your own broom. Workstations are set up so that customers can craft their very own broom from start to finish. All materials and guidance are provided as part of the experience.

You'll begin by selecting three types of broom corn to use. There are different lengths and colors to choose from. The corn is then measured and cut to size based on the style of broom you want to make. Next, you'll use a foot-powered vice to flatten and soften the broom corn.

The fun really begins when it's time to assemble the broom. Using simple tools and equipment, you'll bind your corn together around a wooden handle. Wires, screws, and strips of leather are used to secure everything in place. As you work, experienced broom makers will assist and share fun facts about broom history.

Once your broom corn is tightly bound, you'll trim the ends to even them out. Then comes the satisfying step of sweeping up loose corn and trimming small stray pieces. The finishing touch is a lovely big bow tied right where the handle meets the bristles.

In about an hour, you'll have completed a stunning, high-quality broom to take home as a souvenir. The Witchery's broom making experience brings history to life in such an enjoyable, hands-on way.

Different Types of Brooms

The Witchery lets you choose between three styles of brooms to craft:

• Traditional Broom - This classic style has a flat end and evenly trimmed bristles. It's perfect for basic sweeping tasks.
• Besom Broom - A besom broom has a rounded end and irregular sweeping surface. They were traditionally used in pagan rituals.
• Flying Broom - Designed with a spiraled end and longer bristles, these novelty brooms were inspired by witches in folklore.

All the brooms are made using the same techniques. But the different corn lengths and shapes produce unique looking finished products. Kids and adults will enjoy picking their favorite style to craft and take home.

History of Broom Making

While broom making has become a novelty experience, it was once an important and common trade. Broom corn is a variety of sorghum first grown in the Americas. Native Americans were the first known broom makers, using bundles of brush to sweep.

Early colonists learned broom making from the Native Americans. They found broom corn grew easily and made perfect broom bristles. By the early 19th century, broom making was a booming industry in America. Small workshops opened across New England and the Midwest.

Making brooms was a traditional skill passed down in families, especially among the Shakers. Workshops employed entire families who worked together to harvest, dry, cut, and assemble brooms. The products were then sold door to door by broom peddlers.

In the 1920s, broom production shifted to large factories. But some small batch broom makers like The Witchery keep the old techniques alive today. Visiting their workshop connects you to this important heritage.

Salem's Rich History

The Witchery is the perfect place to visit to learn about Salem's unique heritage. The city is most famous for the witch trials that took place there in 1692. During this dark time, dozens of innocent people were accused of witchcraft and tragically executed.

Today, Salem pays tribute to this solemn history while also celebrating its witchcraft roots. Locals say there are still magical energies swirling around the city. From the Witch Trials Memorial to the Museum of Witchcraft, there are many ways to explore this fascinating history.

The Witchery lets you dive into the city's past while creating something bright and joyful - your custom broom. Visitors leave feeling enlightened about Salem's colorful heritage.

Visit The Witchery in Salem

No trip to Salem is complete without a visit to The Witchery! Their broom making experience is fun for all ages and makes the perfect activity for groups and families. Watching your finished broom come to life is incredibly rewarding.

Keep in mind that The Witchery is open year round but the broom making workshops are only offered during high tourist season. Be sure to call or check online for availability if you have your heart set on making a broom.

To complete your Witch City experience, pair your broom making with a stroll down Essex Street. Pop into the spellbinding shops and learn more about Salem's past. Let The Witchery cast its spell on you!

FAQs

What is The Witchery?

The Witchery is a shop in Salem, Massachusetts that offers broom making workshops. Visitors can make their own broom using traditional techniques guided by The Witchery's experienced staff.

What types of brooms can you make at The Witchery?

There are 3 broom styles to choose from - the traditional flat-end broom, rounded besom broom, and novelty flying broom inspired by witches.

How long does it take to make a broom at The Witchery?

The broom making experience takes around 1 hour from start to finish. You'll select materials, trim broom corn, assemble the broom, and add finishing touches.

When is The Witchery open?

The Witchery is open year-round but only offers broom making workshops during peak tourist season. Be sure to check availability online or call ahead.

Where is The Witchery located?

The Witchery is located right on Essex Street in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. It's walking distance to many other attractions.