The Destination Salem Radio Show

The Hillyer Festival Orchestra

Episode 56

Guests

Conductor Dirk Hillyer of the Hillyer Festival Orchestra talks about the program and tradition of Salem’s July 4th Celebration (which will be held on Saturday, July 2 this year).

Weddings in Salem, Massachusetts

Episode 55: June 25, 2022

Guests

Alaina Ferriero from the Hawthorne Hotel and Deb Costa from The House of the Seven Gables join Kate to talk about their historic wedding venues and planning a wedding in Salem, Massachusetts.

Schooner FAME of Salem

Episode 54: June 18, 2022

Guests

Captain Mike Rutstein talks about the 20th season of Schooner FAME.

The Daniel's House

Episode 53: June 11, 2022

Guests

Patrick Bentivegna, Owner and Manager of The Daniels House B&B and Vijay Joyce, Historian and Tour Guide, talk about the history of the 17th century Daniel’s House.

The Salem Ferry

Episode 52: June 4, 2022

Guests

Jeanne Sullivan, Regional Director of Marketing for Boston Harbor City Cruises joins Kate to talk about the Salem Ferry and the myriad other cruises and harbor tours offered by City Cruises.

Salem Arts Festival

Episode 51: May 28, 2022

Guests

Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets, and John Andrews, Founder of the Creative Collective, join Kate to talk about this year’s Salem Arts Festival, which will happen on June 3, 4, and 5 at Old Town Hall and Derby Square.

Broom Making and Book Binding at The Witchery

Episode 50: May 21, 2022

Guests

Gret McGilvary, owner of The Witchery on Pickering Wharf, talks about broom making, book binding, the performance art, and expanding to Edinburgh.

PEM Prize Weekend

Episode 49: May 14, 2022

Guests

Trevor Smith, Associate Director – Multisensory Learning and Curator of the Present Tense at PEM and John Andrews, Founder of Creative Collective talk about PEM Prize Gala and PEM Prize Festival, which will be held on May 21 and 22, respectively.

The 50th Anniversary of the Salem Witch Museum

Episode 48: May 7, 2022

Guests

Executive Director Tina Jordan and Director Emeritus Patty MacLeod talk about the 50th Anniversary of the Salem Witch Museum, creating the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, 40 years of Salem Haunted Happenings, and the evolving perception of the word, “Witch.”

Spellbound Tours

Episode 47: April 30, 2022

Guests

Dr. Mike Vitka, Owner and Head Guide at Spellbound Tours talks with Kate about ghosts, vampires, voodoo and the things he loves about Salem.

Salem Ancestry Days

Episode 46: April 23, 2022

Guests

Dan Lipcan, Director of the Phillips Library at PEM and Rachel Christ-Doane, Education Director at the Salem Witch Museum, come on the show to discuss Salem Ancestry Days.

Click here for African Americans in Essex County: An Annotated Guide, published by the National Park Service.

On This Ground: Being and Belonging in America"

Episode 45: April 16

Guests

Karen Kramer, The Stuart W. and Elizabeth F. Pratt Curator of Native American and Oceanic Art and Culture, and Sarah Chasse, Associate Curator for American Arts at PEM discuss the new exhibit, On This Ground: Being and Belonging in America.

Real Pirates Salem

Episode 44: April 9

Guests

Bill Golden, Director of Real Pirates Salem comes on the show to talk about the new museum, which opens at 285 Derby Street on on Saturday, April 9. Hear about ocean explorer Barry Clifford, Pirate Black Sam Bellamy, the “Witch of Wellfleet,” and the crew of the WHYDAH.

City of Salem's Historic Sites

Episode 43: April 2

Guests

Elizabeth Peterson, executive director of The Witch House, Pioneer Village: Salem in 1630, and the Charter Street Cemetery Welcome Center talks about the three historic sites, and a little Hocus Pocus.

Artemisia Botanicals

Episode 42: March 26

Guests

Teri Kalgren, owner of Artemisia Botanicals in Salem talks about 25 years of owning a botanical shop in Salem. Artemisia specializes in organic herbs, teas, soaps, candles, and more.

Better than Fiction Walking Tours

Episode 41: March 19

Guests

Jeffrey Lilley, President of Better than Fiction Walking Tours and Sarah Black, who is a guide for Bewitched after Dark Walking Tours talk with Kate about their walking tours and their new podcast, Salem the Podcast, which drops on March 20!

Die with your Boots On

Episode 40: March 12

Guests

Amber Newberry, Founder and Owner, and Laurie Moran, Executive Assistant, at  Die With Your Boots On talk about the store, the move from Pickering Wharf to Church Street, and they reveal “The Ossuary,” a new boutique that is opening in their Pickering Wharf location this spring.

Odd Meter Coffee

Episode 39: March 5, 2022

Guests

We talk coffee with Angelica Chayes and Eric Moers, owners of Odd Meter Coffee at 60 Washington Street in Salem.

Moody's Home and Gifts

Episode 38: February 26, 2022

Guests

Jess and Kate Moody, owners of Moody’s Home and Gifts on Essex Street stop by to talk about the shop, their beautiful  location on Essex Street, and the fair-trade products they sell.

Witch City Wicks

Episode 37: February 19, 2022

Guests

Liz Frazier, who owns Witch City Wicks, comes on the show to talk about candles and running an independent business in Salem.

Salem Haunts with Beth O'Grady

Episode 36: February 12, 2022

Guests

Lifelong Salem resident Beth O’Grady talks about her walking tour company, Salem Haunts, and shares some of her tips and tricks for planning a successful visit to Salem.

Twenty Years of Salem's So Sweet

Episode 35: February 5, 2022

Guests

Kylie Sullivan from Salem Main Streets and Rinus Oosthoek from the Salem Chamber of Commerce join Kate to talk about the 20th year of Salem’s So Sweet, February 11 – 13, 2022.

Curly Girl Candy Shop

Episode 34: January 29, 2022

Guests

Marnie Greenhut, owner of Curly Girl Candy Shop on Washington Street in Salem, talks about opening a store during the pandemic, how to properly eat Fun Dip, and her “beat the winter blahs” promotion.

Leanne Marrama from Pentagram

Episode 33: January 22, 2022

Guests

Leanne Marrama comes on the show to talk about Pentagram Witchcraft and Magick Shop, her books, and magic in Salem.

Salem Historical Tours

Episode 32: January 15, 2022

Guests

Giovanni Alabiso, owner of Salem Historical Tours and Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours, comes on the show to talk about walking tours, ghost stories, Haunted Footsteps’ 25th anniversary this year, and what happens when Hollywood comes to town.

"Here is what Happened"

Episode 31: January 8, 2022

Guests

Thomas MacDonald talks about his new memoir, Here is What Happened: A Black Man’s Discoveries and Decisions.  Prior to his retirement, Thomas served on the Destination Salem Board of Directors and was Director of Sales at the Hawthorne Hotel.  Kate and Thomas have fun reminiscing about trade show travel and discussing some of Thomas’ favorite memories – including a life lesson from Oprah.

Happy New Year from Salem!

Episode 30: January 1, 2022

Guests

This fun show features Happy New Year wishes from members of the Destination Salem Board of Directors and Marketing Committee. You’ll hear updates from:

• Danielle Turner, Turner’s Seafood
• Holly Watson, The House of the Seven Gables
• Karen Scalia, Salem Food Tours
• Jess Moody, Moody’s Home & Gifts
• Jeanne Sullivan, Salem Ferry/City Cruises
• Charles Smith, Essex Heritage
• John Andrews, Creative Collective

Dining Out at Finz & Sea Level

Episode 29: December 18, 2021

Guests

George Carey, owner of Finz Seafood & Grill and Sea Level Oyster Bar (in Salem and Newburyport) comes on the show to share his extensive knowledge of all things oysters, and let us know how the restaurants are doing as the year comes to a close.

Hive and Forge Collective

Episode 28: December 11, 2021

Guests

Rachel Chandler and Jennifer Cerretti, co-founders of the Hive & Forge Collective come on the show to discuss Hive & Forge, their businesses – Red Antler Apothecary and Bad Moon Shop – and the places where they love to eat and shop in Salem!

Christmas in Salem

Episode 27: December 4, 2021

Guests

Simeen Brown, Vice President of Historic Salem, Inc. and Chair of Christmas in Salem joins Kate to talk about HSI and Christmas in Salem historic home tours. The in-person event was December 2-5, but the virtual tour is available throughout December.

Salem’s Cookin'!

Episode 26: November 27, 2021

Guests

Guests Rinus Oosthoek, Director, and Jeff Swartz, Assistant Director, of The Salem Chamber of Commerce and Karen Scalia, founder and owner of Salem Food Tours, join Kate to talk about the new cookbook, Salem’s Cookin’, published by the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

Holiday Shopping at Pamplemousse

Episode 25: November 20, 2021

Guests

Nate Townsden, store manager of Pamplemousse in Salem, comes on the show to share holiday shopping ideas. If you are looking for wine, housewares, gifts, cheese, or British specialty items, be sure to check out Pamlemousse!

Exploring the "Streets of Salem" with Dr. Donna Seger

Episode 24: November 13, 2021

Guests

Salem State University History Professor, Dr. Donna Seger, comes on the show to talk about her favorite chapters of Salem’s history, teaching a freshman seminar about the Salem Witch Trials, and her blog,  Streets of Salem.

A "Sweet" Conversation with Harbor Sweets CEO Phyllis LeBlanc

Episode 23: November 6, 2021

Guests

Phyllis LeBlanc, CEO of Harbor Sweets, comes on the show to talk about Sweet Sloops, Dark Horse chocolates, Cocoa Santé, holiday shopping and the history of Harbor Sweets in Salem.

Halloween and Haunted Happenings Update

Episode 22: October 30, 2021

Guests

Kylie Sullivan, executive director of Salem Main Streets and John Andrews, owner of the Creative Collective join Kate to talk about Halloween and Salem Haunted Happenings, including an update on the October information booths that are managed by Salem Main Streets and staffed by Salem resident volunteer ambassadors.

Content Creators

Episode 21: October 23, 2021

Guests

Sam Stair of Halloween Happy, Matt Obey of Purely Salem, and Jessica Haught of Pumpkin and Gray share why they love Salem, especially during the spooky season.

Salem Trolley

Episode 20: October 16, 2021

Guests

Mark Scalia and James Morfis-Gass, from Salem Trolley discuss trolley tours and the return of the Trolley Christmas Carol this winter.

Salem State Center for the Arts

Episode 19: October 9, 2021

Guests

Karen Gahagan, Director of The Salem State Center for the Arts is on to discuss fall programming at the Salem State Center for the Arts, which include World Music and theatre.

Salem Haunted Happenings with Mayor Driscoll

Episode 18: October 2, 2021

Guests

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll joins Kate for a discussion about how the City of Salem is preparing for Salem Haunted Happenings in 2021.

VampFangs & Maison Vampyre

Episode 17: September 25, 2021

Guests

Alexis Pharae and Benjamin Addam from Vampfangs and Maison Vampyre discuss Salem’s Vampyre community, their businesses, and the Endless Night Vampyre Ball.

The Historic Hawthorne Hotel

Episode 16: September 18, 2021

Guests

Claire Kallelis, General Manager of The Hawthorne Hotel, joins Kate to discuss what’s happening at the Hawthorne Hotel, and how the hotel is recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.

Salem Literary Festival

Episode 15: September 11, 2021

Guests

Diane Stern and Susanna Baird, from The Salem Literary Festival discuss highlights from the 2021 Salem Lit Fest.

Climate Change and Preserving Salem

Episode 14: September 4, 2021

Guests

Guests: Patti Kelleher, Preservation Planner for The City of Salem,  Susan Baker, Collections Manger of The House of the Seven Gables, and Barbara Warren, the Director of the Salem Sound Coast Watch, talk about the Keep History Above Water: Salem conference.

Salem Arts Association

Episode 13: August 28, 2021

Guests

Jim Bostick, Executive Director and Heather Steward, President, of the Salem Arts Association.

An update on the National Park Service sites in Salem and Saugus 

Episode 12: August 21, 2021

Guests

Susan Russo and Gavin Gardner from Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site.

Talking about retail with Hauswitch Home and Healing and Circle of Stitches

Episode 11: August 14, 2021

Guests

Erica Feldmann of HausWitch Home+Healing, and Ana Campos of Circle of Stitches.

All Things Destination Salem

Episode 10: August 7, 2021

Guests

Stacia Cooper, Assistant Director, and Brittany DiCologero, Communications Manager at Destination Salem share insight and operations from the Salem Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

Turner's Seafood

Episode 9: July 31, 2021

Guests

Jim and Kathi Turner, owners of Turner’s Seafood discuss being a Gloucester fishing family that operates three restaurants, including the one in Salem’s historic Lyceum Hall. There may be a ghost story here, as well!

What's happening at the House of the Seven Gables

Episode 8: July 24, 2021

Guests

Kara McLaughlin, Executive Director, and Julie Arrison-Bishop, Director of Community Engagement at The House of the Seven Gables discuss current and upcoming programs at The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association.

Modern Witches in Salem

Episode 7: July 17, 2021

Guests

Sandra Mariah Wright, Manager of Hex and Omen, and Leanne Marrama, owner of Pentagram join Kate for a discussion about witch shops and their new books, Reading the Leaves and Lighting the Wick.

Salem Food Scene

Episode 6: July 10, 2021

Guests

Karen Scalia of Salem Food Tours and Peter Endicott of The Cheese Shop of Salem join Kate for a delicious discussion of Salem’s food scene and the popularity of Aussie Magic.

The Peabody Essex Museum

Episode 5: July 3, 2021

Guests

Peabody Essex Museum curators and heavy-hitters, Jane Winchell, The Sarah Fraser Robbins Director of the Art & Nature Center, Dan Finamore, Associate Director – Exhibitions, The Russell W. Knight Curator of Maritime Art and History, and Siddhartha Shah, Director of Education and Civic Engagement and Curator of South Asian Art, come on the show to discuss what’s happening at PEM in 2021.

Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre and Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery

Episode 4: 2021

Guests

Erik Rodenhiser, owner of Gallows Hill Museum/Theater, and James Lurgio, owner of Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, share their favorite things to do in Salem, in addition to their attractions, of course!

Juneteenth and the Negro Election Day exhibit at Hamilton Hall

Episode 3: June 19, 2021

Guests

Doreen Wade, executive director of Salem United, joins the show to talk about the history of Negro Election Day, which has been known as “Black Picnic,” in Salem, and the exhibit on the topic that she created for display at Hamilton Hall.

The Value of Tourism

Episode 2: June 12, 2021

Guests

Tina Jordan, executive director of the Salem Witch Museum and Tim Maguire, proprietor of  Salem Night Tour, Remember Salem, Wynott’s Wands, and the Halloween Museum come on the show to talk about the importance of Salem’s tourism industry.

Salem Arts Festival

Episode 1: June 5, 2021

Guests

John Andrews of Creative Collective and Kylie Sullivan of Salem Main Streets were the show’s first guests! They joined Kate Fox in June to talk about the 2021 Salem Arts Festival.