Help Save the Salem Public Library Fountain!
After years of deferred maintenance left the historic 1850’s Poseidon fountain in the Salem Public Library’s side yard rusting and not operational, the newly restored fountain has been delivered!
Continued Preservation is Needed!
Interested donors should make out checks to The Trustees of the Salem Public Library, with the words “fountain restoration” in the memo line. Mail checks to Tara Mansfield, Director, Salem Public Library, 370 Essex Street, Salem MA 01970 or drop them off at the circulation desk on the main floor of the library. The Trustees of the Salem Public Library are a 501c3 tax-exempt organization.
If you have a PayPal account, contribute to the restoration by clicking the PayPal Donate button.
Donate by credit card by clicking the button below.
Thank you for your support!
Friends of the Salem Public Library Fountain Facebook Page Mission Statement
The Friends of the Salem Public Library Fountain are fund-raising to assist in covering costs for the restoration and ongoing preservation of the endangered 1850’s cast iron Poseidon fountain on the grounds of the Salem Massachusetts Public Library. Friends of the Salem Public Library are working on behalf of the Trustees of Salem Public Library, a 501c3 entity.
About the fountain
Cast by the Robert Wood Foundry of Philadelphia between 1850 and 1857, Salem sea captain John Bertram purchased the fountain and located it next to his home at the corner of Essex and Monroe Streets. It was one of the few Victorian fountains to survive the scrap drives of World War II.
After his death in the 1882, Captain Bertram’s family donated the estate to the city and the mansion became the Salem Public Library.
Recent Updates!
November 7 – 8, 2023: Fountain returns from preservation.
March 17, 2023: Central fountain feature with primer paint. Click on the photo to view a larger image.
March 13, 2023: Time-lapse video of foundation work:
Feb 16, 2023: The paint has been removed from the cast iron pieces and the rust is being treated. Wax molds have been created to replace the missing pieces and will be recast in iron. Check out the before/after photos below.
May 16, 2022: Fountain removed for preservation
Dec 16, 2019: Fountain covered in protective shrink wrap: