Researching Streets & Neighborhoods

Online Resources

Maps
Registry of Deeds

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)