Category Archives: Salem Public Library

The Peabody sisters were central figures in the structure of modern education, founders of the kindergarten movement, and critical members of the Transcendentalism movement. Though each woman’s individual accomplishments were impressive, they were even stronger as a team and strengthened Continue reading The Peabody Sisters→

Nathaniel Hawthorne (July 4, 1804 – May 19, 1864) is one of the most celebrated American authors from Salem, Massachusetts. Among his most famous works are The Scarlet Letter (1850), Young Goodman Brown (1835) and The House of Seven Gables Continue reading Nathaniel Hawthorne→

Born in Salem, Mass in 1826died in Rome, Italy in 1894 Sarah Parker Remond (1826-94) was born in Salem and was the daughter of John Remond and Nancy Lenox. John Remond was a free person of color who was brought Continue reading Sarah Parker Remond→

Born: May 9, 1921, Salem, MADied: December 4, 2009, Seattle, WASpouses: Ettore Verna, Giuseppe BasileEducation: Hollins College, Roanoke, VA & Juillard, New York, NY American operatic soprano Mary Curtis-Verna was born in Salem on May 9, 1921. After attending Abbot Continue reading Mary Curtis Verna→

Born: June 2, 1924, Salem, MADied: November 12, 2013, Encino, CASpouse: Kate Williamson (m. 1954–2013)Education: Neighborhood Playhouse School of the TheatreChildren: Elizabeth Ruscio, Nina Ruscio, Maria Ruscio, Michael Ruscio Alfred Ruscio was an American character actor who appeared in numerous Continue reading Al Ruscio→

George ParkerBorn: December 12, 1866, Salem MADied: September 25, 1952 An economic mainstay of Salem, Massachusetts from the late 19th through the late 20th centuries, the Parker Brothers Game Company has left few remaining monuments despite the fact that its Continue reading Parker Brothers→

Born: February 11, Salem, MADied: March 22, 1882, Salem, MA John Bertram was born Feb. 11, 1796 to Jean Bertram and Marie Bertram née Perchard in the parish of St. Savior, on the Island of Jersey. The island is one of the Channel Continue reading Captain John Bertram→

Captain John Bertram – Seafarer, merchant and philanthropist. When writing about Mr. Bertram, Ralph D. Paine, author, concluded he “possessed the high qualities of foresight, daring and sagacity…his was a splendid American spirit.”The Ship and Sailors of Old Salem (1912)Born: February 11, 1796; Continue reading Salem Notables→

Check out our NOBLE Digital Heritage page for tons of pictures, maps and digitized local history books! Portrait of Capt. Bertram, 1796-1882. Oil by Edgar Parker. Courtesy of the Essex Institute, Salem, Mass. Harmony Grove Cemetery – John Bertram Mausoleum #533, Violet Continue reading Salem Treasures & Pictures→