Researching Streets & Neighborhoods
Online Resources
Historical Atlases
Salem 1874, 1890-1903, 1897, 1906-1938, 1911
Select “searches” from the menu bar to the left. Select “atlases” and choose the desired town from the drop-down menu.
Street/House Reports and Plans
By clicking on “Search Our Records,” you may also search “Plans/Engineering” in order to see reports and plans of specific streets and houses from 1741-present.
Historic Districts Salem
Use this map to locate Salem’s historic districts.
Print sources to be found @ your library
Architecture in Salem: An Illustrated Guide by Bryant Tolles, Jr. (720.97/T)
This book depicts historical features of homes and buildings in Salem in words and photos.
Salem City Directories: 1836-1999 (some gaps)
A yearly listing of Salem residents by address and last name. The city directories are the forerunner of modern telephone books.
Salem Historic District Reports (711.4)
A brief architectural sketch of many homes in the historic district.
Vertical Files
The library maintains vertical files on the following historic districts:
- North Salem
- Salem Common
- Castle Hill
- Canal Street
- Gallows Hill
The file “Salem Streets” contains a history of selected streets in Salem and the stories behind their names.
Reference Dept Information
Address and Phone:
370 Essex St
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-9667
Second Floor
Parking and Transportation:
Street parking along Essex St between Boston and Beckford Streets.
MBTA bus stop “Essex St opp Monroe St” is in front of the library, served by bus 450
Available Services
- Computers
- Printers
- Copiers
- Scanners
- FAX
- Conference Rooms
- Museum Passes
- The Salem News from 1888 – Present
- Boston Globe & New York Times on microfilm
- Microfilm readers & printers
- Newspapers & magazines
- WiFi (100+ Mbps download)
- The Salem Room (local history)