Category Archives: Salem Public Library

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→

While Salem, Massachusetts is most remembered for being the setting of the witch trials of 1692-1693 – less known is its role in a more obscure murder/trial – that of Captain Joseph White. An important event in the town’s history, Continue reading Captain Joseph White→

In 1910, Salem was facing a health crisis, not unlike our own current pandemic, with hundreds of tuberculosis cases plaguing the city. In the face of disaster, civic engagement in Salem arose, and the Committee on Prevention of Tuberculosis was created to Continue reading Camp Naumkeag as Salem Health Camp→