Step into the Salem Witch Museum with Rachel Chris-Doane, its director of education, and explore an immersive audiovisual journey through the 1692 witch trials, complemented by a docent-led exhibit on European witch hunts and the evolving image of the witch. Rachel dispels the myth that the museum is stuck in 1972, highlighting its 2020 exhibit renovation, growing artifact collection, and a planned 2027 theater upgrade, all designed to separate fact from fiction and underscore the trials’ modern relevance to truth, fear, and justice.

Rachel shares her unexpected path to museum education after a denied Fulbright application, revealing how career pivots can fuel purpose in the humanities. The museum expands access through free virtual programs, in-house lectures, and recorded global historian talks, making credible history engaging and accessible, whether you visit Salem or explore from home.

If you’ve ever walked into a home store and thought, “Beautiful, but not for my budget,” meet Susan Bott—the NYC-actor-turned-designer behind Room Tonic in Marblehead—who proves that great design can be both distinctive and affordable. From staging in New York to launching her own shop, Susan shares how craft, courage, and community built a brand with a clear point of view and accessible pricing. Her approach to high–low design teaches where to invest for impact and where to save without sacrificing style. Even when COVID hit just five months after opening, she pivoted with grit—turning Instagram into a storefront, offering doorstep delivery, and building a loyal clientele through personal service.

What makes Room Tonic special is its blend of Marblehead charm and a global eye. Susan curates chinoiserie and vintage pieces that create homes with soul—collected, not copied. Drawing on her stage background, she helps clients tell their stories through their spaces while keeping the design approachable and personal. Her honesty about small business challenges and community support makes her story both inspiring and relatable. Explore Room Tonic for design that balances beauty, meaning, and budget—and discover how storytelling can transform the spaces we call home.

A small family shop with a big heart, Mr. Petisco was born at a kitchen table during the pandemic and grew into a thriving Peabody storefront bringing the Taste of Brazil to Main Street. Lais Lima shares how a father’s recipes, a mother’s financial savvy, and a daughter’s drive turned risk into resilience and culture into community. Every bite reflects care—potatoes peeled in-house, dough made from scratch, and food cooked fresh to order with no additives, just warmth, grit, and flavor. Even a naming mix-up that briefly confused locals became an opportunity to rebrand and strengthen their neighborhood presence.

Their success also travels through the local festival circuit, where weekends bring new customers, shared stories, and inspiration for future dishes. For anyone who loves authentic Brazilian food, supports local entrepreneurs, or dreams of starting something meaningful, Mr. Petisco’s journey offers both encouragement and a blueprint: work with care, adapt quickly, and let culture guide the way. Explore their menu and catering options at www.bot.mrpetisco.com, call 978-896-2409, or visit 85 Main Street, Suite C9, Peabody, MA to experience their story through every delicious bite.