Salem Links and Lore - User contributions [en]

Lil' Zitelle

2026-09-22T19:08:41Z

Mflorea:

Gelato shop, '''Lil' Zitelle''' opened in fall 2026. They are located at 176 Essex St and feature Italian gelato, affogatos, coffee, and other desserts. The shop is owned by the famly owners of '''Zitelle''', a luxury beanie company.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Businesses]]

==See Also==

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Businesses'''

*"New Gelato, Coffee Shop Opens In Downtown Salem" ''Patch'', Sept. 4, 2026

Lil' Zitelle

2026-09-22T19:07:48Z

Mflorea: Created page with "Gelato shop, '''Lil' Zitelle''' opened in fall 2026. They are located at 176 Essex St and feature Italian gelato, affogatos, coffee, and other desserts. The shop is owned by the famly owners of '''Zitelle''', a luxury beanie company. Category:Browse Index Category:Businesses ==See Also== *Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Businesses'''"

Gelato shop, '''Lil' Zitelle''' opened in fall 2026. They are located at 176 Essex St and feature Italian gelato, affogatos, coffee, and other desserts. The shop is owned by the famly owners of '''Zitelle''', a luxury beanie company.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Businesses]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Businesses'''

Salem City Academy

2026-09-22T18:50:05Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem City Academy''' is a civic education program offered by the city to residents to teach participants how local government works. Participants are offered tours of local government offices, including the library, Department of Public Services, the Fire Department, the Mayor's office and more. Participants have the chance to speak to government employees to learn more about how the city departments work as well as to help them access the services provided by the municipality.

More information for this program can be found on [http://salemma.gov salemma.gov].

==See Also==
[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]
Vertical File in the Salem Collection - '''Salem City Academy'''

*"Salem Opens Summer 2026 City Academy Applications During 400th Anniversary Year" ''Patch'', June 18, 2026

*"Community invited to Apply for 2026 Salem City Academy" ''salemma.gov'', Dec. 12, 2025

Salem City Academy

2026-09-22T18:49:46Z

Mflorea: Created page with "'''Salem City Academy''' is a civic education program offered by the city to residents to teach participants how local government works. Participants are offered tours of local government offices, including the library, Department of Public Services, the Fire Department, the Mayor's office and more. Participants have the chance to speak to government employees to learn more about how the city departments work as well as to help them access the services provided by the mu..."

'''Salem City Academy''' is a civic education program offered by the city to residents to teach participants how local government works. Participants are offered tours of local government offices, including the library, Department of Public Services, the Fire Department, the Mayor's office and more. Participants have the chance to speak to government employees to learn more about how the city departments work as well as to help them access the services provided by the municipality.

More information for this program can be found on [http://salemma.gov salemma.gov].

==See Also==
[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

*Vertical File in the Salem Collection - '''Salem City Academy'''

*"Salem Opens Summer 2026 City Academy Applications During 400th Anniversary Year" ''Patch'', June 18, 2026

*"Community invited to Apply for 2026 Salem City Academy" ''salemma.gov'', Dec. 12, 2025

Salem Sound Coastwatch

2026-09-12T18:50:08Z

Mflorea:

Begun in 1991 as a watch-dog organization, Salem Sound Coastwatch (originally named Salem Sound 2000) has tried to improve Salem's ocean and shore quality. Funded by the Environmental Protection Agency
through the state and by private donations, the group tackled the pollution problems from sewage, industrial waste, grease and heavy metals created in tanneries and other
factories over the years. A federal study in the late 1980's found Salem Harbor one of the most polluted in the country.

According to their website, "Salem Sound Coastwatch is a non-profit coastal watershed organization that works with government agencies, businesses, other non-profit organizations and citizens from the communities of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem, and Marblehead. We work to achieve this mission through municipal partnering, scientific investigation, education, and stewardship."

Some of the improvements in the last 20 years are:

*The South Essex Sewerage District built a secondary wastewater treatment plant, finished in 1997.

*Elimination of all unregulated discharge pipes.

*More boats are on the water and the disposal of their waste is being better managed.

*Smelt are back in the Crane and North rivers.

*The sound is safe for swimming.

*In 2026, Executive Director Barbara Warren stepped down and Gitte Venicx took her place. Venicx brings years of experience in environmental conservation and science-backed community engagement.

In 2026, Salem Sound Coastwatch received a $30K grant from the Healey-Driscoll administration for outreach and to gauge interest in planting free trees on residential property in an effort to expand urban tree canopies in Salem and Lynn. Goals are to improve the aesthetic of neighborhoods, improve air quality, and reduce energy used in households. More information including how to apply to the program can be found at maurbancanopy.org.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

==See Also==

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem Harbor- Sound 2000'''

[http://www.salemsound.org/aboutUs.html Salem Sound Coastwatch] Official website

*"Sound of Success; Coastwatch marks 20 years protecting Salem's waters" ''Salem News'', Mar. 22, 2011

*"Cleaning up Salem Sound" ''Salem Evening News'', Mar. 1, 1995, p. 4-5

*"A sound investment: Salem Sound 2000 is trying to clean up river beds" ''Salem Evening News'', Dec. 18, 1997, p. C1

*"Salem Sound 2000 study finds high levels of pollution in water" ''Salem Evening News'', June 4, 1999, p. 1

*"Salem Sound Coastwatch announces new executive director" ''Salem Evening News'', April 21, 2026, p. A1

*"Group gets $30K to encourage tree planting" ''Salem Evening News'' Sept 2, 2026, p. A01

Salem Public Schools

2026-09-12T18:40:23Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem Public Schools'''

Elementary Schools include:

Saltonstall School (K -8th grade), Horace Mann Lab School, Bates School, Witchcraft Heights School, Carlton Innovation School,

Bentley Academy.

Middle Schools include: Collins Middle School

High Schools include: Salem High School

Alternative Schools include: New Liberty Innovation School, Salem Prep High School

Charter Schools:
Salem Academy Charter School covers grades 6-12.

Nathaniel Bowditch School was folded into the other elementary schools in 2018 and Horace Mann School moved into the
building on Willson St.

''Origin of School Names'':
With the exception of Salem High, all of Salem's schools are named after prominent historical figures. Several schools are
named after former leaders in city government. Both '''Bates Elementary'''(opened in 1972) and '''Collins Middle School''' are named for former mayors. Bates School is named after former mayor and U.S. Rep George Joseph Bates. Collins Middle School is named for Former Mayor
Frances X. Collins. The building on Highland Ave. was first opened as Salem High School in 1909. It was renovated and opened as a middle school in 1994.
'''Bentley Elementary''' is named for former Salem School Committee member Rev. William Bentley, a minister who lived in Salem from 1783 until his death in 1819. '''Carlton School''' is named for Oliver Carlton, who taught in Salem from 1823-56 and 1860-1867. '''Nathaniel Bowditch School''' is named for the famous navigator, astronomer and mathematician. Bowditch was called '''Federal Street School''' from 1989 to 2001, when the new school opened and changed its name to Bowditch. Horace Mann School is named for the father of American public school education, Horace Mann.
'''Saltonstall school''' is named for Leverett Saltonstall. Leverett Saltonstall (June 13, 1783 – May 8, 1845), was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts who also served as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, President of the Massachusetts Senate, the first Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts and a Member of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College.'''Witchcraft Heights Elementary''' is named for the neighborhood in which it is located near Gallow's Hill. The school opened in 1972.

In 2025, it was announced that Carlton and Saltonstall schools would be merged into one building at Saltonstall. In 2026, the name Sarah Parker Remond Elementary School was proposed. Sarah Parker Remond was a Salem free-born African American activist of human rights and women's suffrage. She was one of the founder of the Salem Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1834. She was a traveling lecturer on human rights and women's suffrage and was a fundraiser for newly freed slaves at the end of the Civil War. She was among 1500 women, and perhaps the only Black woman, to sign the first women's suffrage petition in Great Britain. The new name for the school still requires two more votes from the School Committee. The name Sarah Parker Remond School was finalized in 2026 and will be in effect July 1.

In 2026, Salem Public Schools was awarded the Partnership for Reading Success-Massachusetts (PRISM) grant totaling $852,505 to support early literacy by the Healey-Driscoll administration.

In 2026, Bates Elementary was awarded a $20K gift from the Cummings Foundation's deputy director and parent of a Bates student. The funds are able to be used however the school sees fit.

Horace Mann Laboratory School received a $7.2M grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and National Grid in pursuit of decarbonating the school in 2026. In 2025, the city received $5M for the project. The city hopes to have a net-zero-emissions campus in the location of the new high school and Horace Mann.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Schools]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Schools pt. 1, 2, 3'''

*[https://spscarlton.salemk12.org/ Carlton Innovation School] School Website

*[https://spshmann.salemk12.org/ Horace Mann Laboratory School] School Website

*[https://spsbates.salemk12.org/ Bates School] School Website

*[https://spsbentley.salemk12.org/ Bentley Academy] School Website

*[https://spssaltonstall.salemk12.org/ Saltonstall School] School Website

*[https://spswhes.salemk12.org/ Witchcraft Heights Elementary School] School Website

*[https://spscollins.salemk12.org/ Collins Middle School] School Website

*[https://www.salemacademycs.org/ Salem Academy Charter School] School Website

*[https://spssalemhs.salemk12.org/ Salem High School] School Website

*[https://spsecc.salemk12.org/ Salem Early Childhood Center] School Website

*[https://spssalemhsprep.salemk12.org/ Salem Prep High School] School Website

*[https://nlis.salemk12.org/ New Liberty Innovation School] School Website

*"Saltonstall School was opened today; Salem's finest School Building will accommodate over 65- pupils" ''Salem Evening News'', Oct. 9, 1916, p. 2 ?
*"Plan Dedication of New Carlton School Building" ''Salem Evening News'', Sept. 13, 1950, p. ?

*"Salem to close Bowditch School" ''Salem News'', Jan. 24, 2018, p. 1

*"Sarah Parker Remond Elementary" ''Salem News'', February 26, 2026

*"Salem Renames Elementary School After 19th-Century Abolitionist" ''Patch'', March 12, 2026

*"Salem Public Schools gets $850K grant for early literacy programs" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 12, 2026, p. A07

*"Salem's Bates Elementary Awarded $20K Cummings Foundation Gift" ''Patch'' Aug 25, 2026

*"City of Salem Secures $7.2 Million Grant for Decarbonization of Horace Mann Laboratory School" ''Salem City News - salemma.gov'' May 27, 2026

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-09-12T18:33:09Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem 400+ Celebration''' refers to the city of Salem's 400th anniversary celebrations that will take place in 2026 honoring the city's rich heritage. The event will kick off on January 10, 2026 at Salem High School. More information can be found at https://www.salem400.org/.

*In February 2026, Salem resident Karen Scalia initiated a "sister city" discussion with East Budleigh, England for the 400th anniversary celebration. Roger Conant, a New England colonist famous for establishing the city of Salem, was born in East Budleigh in April 1592. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal after Scalia delivered a letter in June 2025 from Mayor Pangallo with Bicton Parish Council. The resolution was filed by Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the connection will be celebrated during the Food at 400+ festival in June 2026.

*As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, the city announced that they will be restoring its President George Washington Landsdowne portrait, which is displayed at city hall. Wellpoint, a health benefits company will be fully funding the museum-grade restoration. The portrait is set to be revealed publicly during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations. A ceremony on September 8, 2026 was held for the unveiling.

*In 2026, Harmony Grove Cemetery launched a new walking tour titled, "From City Hall to Sacred Ground: Honoring Salem's First Mayor Leverett Saltonstall and Those Who Followed". The event included a lecture by Peter Drummey, retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall as well as a self-guided walking tour of the 21 gravesites of former mayors of Salem. The tour was created for the Salem 400+ celebration. The self-guided walking tour will be available throughout the year.

*In June, Salem Food Tours will be presenting a 12-day festival in honor of Salem's 400th anniversary, celebrating the culinary history and current food culture of the city. The event will be titled '''Food at 400+''' and will feature various programming with events from historic open houses, speaker programs with topics like historically inspired restaurant menus, craft beverages, an urban farm visit, food-themed films, and an event featuring celebrity chef Scott Conant (Scott is a 13th-generation descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant). Over 17 restaurants will feature historically inspired menu items in an event titled '''Dine Back in Time'''. There will also be an event titled '''Sip Back in Time''' featuring Salem beverages of the past.

*Salem State University announced that they will be presenting an exhibit titled '''Mapping a Century of Salem 1926-2026''' in celebration of Salem 400+ Celebration. The exhibit will be free and available to the public from June 18-mid September at Old Town Hall. The exhibit will feature oral histories and allow the public to contribute their own stories of their experience in Salem. There will be maps, historical photographs, and other materials and was developed by Salem State University's College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives. The exhibit will touch on World War II, urban renewal, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, the immigrant experience, and "Witch City" tourism of the past century. A special part of the program will be oral histories, video interviews, photographs and digital story maps featuring immigrant experiences, especially from individuals from Salem's The Point neighborhood.

*The city will host a Family Field Day in July at Forest River Park in celebration of Salem 400+. Events will include a kickball tournament, tug of war, potato sack races, and other competitions for residents. The event will be free for Salem residents.

*The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

*As part of Salem 400+ Celebrations, the Peabody Essex Museum is hosting artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin at their Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop. The shop (also called a "ten-footer") will be held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 29. Visitors will be able to watch Geurin build boots using traditional shoe building tools. "Ten footer" shoe shops were once a common shop around Salem and the rest of the area. Visitors will learn more about traditional shoe making and the history of craftspeople, including the gender roles of the builders.

*The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in honor of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026.

*In August 2026, the city removed the double entrance doors to City Hall for restoration in celebration of Salem 400+. The doors have been in place since at least 1926.

*In celebration of Salem 400+ in 2026, the Salem Athenaeum announced that they will be unveiling an archival reproduction of the 1629 Massachusetts Bay Charter known as the ''Endecott Charter''. The document was granted by the King Charles I of England and was the foundation of the legal framework for the government of the newly formed Massachusetts Bay colony. The Salem copy of the document was presented to Governor John Endecott on June 23, 1629 and was especially significant as it contained no clause requiring the Massachusetts Bay Colony to remain in England. The original was donated to the Athenaeum by lawyer and former US Senator, Leverett Saltonstall in the year 1810.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem 400+'''

Event Website - https://www.salem400.org/

*"Salem 400+ celebration to kickoff at SHS" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 1, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem Forges Sister City Bond with English City for Quadricentennial" ''Patch'', Feb. 13, 2026

*"Salem To Restore George Washington Portrait At City Hall For 400+ Anniversary" ''Patch''. May 8, 2026

*"Salem's many mayors" ''Salem Evening News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''Salem Evening News'', June 10, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Exhibit To Trace Witch City's Last 100 Years In New Exhibit" ''Patch'' May 22, 2026

*"Salem Sets First Family Field Day At Forest River Park" ''Patch'' June 18, 2026

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*"Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

*"Salem to restore grand wood entrance doors at City Hall" ''Salem Evening News'' August 19, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem Athenaeum to unveil reproduction of 1629 Massachusetts Bay Charter" ''Salem Evening News'' Sept 3, 2026, p. A03

*"Ceremony to celebrate restoration of George Washington portrait" ''Salem Evening News'' Sept 2, 2026, p. A07

Salem Fire Department

2026-09-11T13:47:41Z

Mflorea:

Salem Fire Department has operated in this city since days long ago when horses and pump wagons were used to fight fires. Today they are part of the IAFF , the International Association of Fire Fighter, Local branch 172.

The Headquarters Station is at 48 Lafayette St. It is home to the Fire Prevention Bureau and the Maintenance Division.

Engine 4, Ladder 2 and the Mass Decon Unit run from Station 4 out of 415 Essex St.

Engine 5 and Engine 3 (reserve) operate out of Station 5 at 64 Loring Avenue.

Located at 142 North Street, Station 2 was built in 1881 and was NOT affected by The Great Salem Fire of 1914. Although the horses and hay lofts are long gone, Engine 2 still responds to emergencies from this station today!! It is said to be the third oldest, continuously operating station still open in the United States.

Station 6 is located at 29 Fort Ave. It is directly across from Footprint Power station on Derby Street. Their apparatus no longer responds to emergencies.

Salem Firefighters who have died in the line of duty:

Frank M. Godfrey Died Feb. 20, 1902

Timothy Bagley Died May 27, 1922

Henry C. Wilson Died March 31, 1934

Teddy S. Rybicki Died Jan. 30, 1937

Anthony J. Kehoe Died Jan. 15, 1948

Peter J. Norton Died Aug. 5, 1963

Dominic S. Ozereko Died Feb. 7, 1973

James J. Koen, Jr. Died Feb. 23, 1981

Raymond V. McSwiggin Fied Feb. 20, 1982.

In 1902, Frank M. Godfrey of Engine One was killed by a falling wall while fighting a fire on Front Street in the Goodell Building. Besides the fire, there were two explosions, one which blew out the side of the City Fish market building, just across the alley, and killing Frank M. Godfrey.

Station 4 was named in memory of James Koen, who collapsed of a heart attack and died while battled a house fire in North Salem, on Feb. 23, 1981.

The first woman to be sworn in as lieutenant in the fire department was Erin Griffin in 2001. The first woman firefighter was Patty (Koen) Marfongelli in 1986.

New imaging cameras that can detect victims in a fire are being purchased for the Salem Fire Dept. The first one was purchased with the help of Salem Hospital.

North Street Fire station had extensive work done to repair the outside of the building in 2014. The fire house was built in 1881 and according to the Park Service, "is the

third-oldest continuously operating station still open in the United States." It was added to the list for the National Register of Historic Places a few years before.

The city named John "Gerry" Guinta as Salem's new fire chief in October of 2018. The Deputy Chief Guinta has been with the department since 1983. He has served as the

Department's acting chief since March of 2018 when his predecessor, Chief David Cody retired as chief.

New Fire Chief Alan Dionne was sworn in on July 19, 2021. He is a 28 year veteran and long-time resident of Salem.

In 2026, the city announced that they will phase out the box fire alarm systems on June 1. In 2025 alone, there were 66 false alarms from street boxes. No fire has been reported exclusively via the box fire alarm system in the past 20 years.

The Salem Fire Department announced that they will install 60 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at businesses around Salem as part of their Public Access Defibrillation Program. The program was founded by Salem fire Chief Alan Dionne in 2023. These AEDs will have no cost to businesses.

[[Category:Browse Index]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem Fire Dept.'''

[https://www.salemma.gov/265/Fire-Department Salem Fire Department] Salem Fire Department

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1743567 A History of the Salem Fire Department] Edward R. Tufts

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1787690 Passing Thoughts of a Fire Fighter] Francis J. Bates

"In the Line of Duty (funeral of R. McSwiggin)- a tragic and coincidental anniversary" ''Salem Evening News'', Feb. 20,1 2002, p.1

"Firefighters honor one of the fallen(Station dedicated to fallen firefighter Koen)" ''Salem Evening News'', June 13, 2005, p. A1

"Fire Inspector LaPointe retires after 33 years" ''Salem Evening News'', Apr. 1, 1997, p. C3

"Salem FD swears in first woman officer (Erin Griffin)" ''Salem Evening News'', Oct. 10, 2001, p. 1

"Fireman killed by falling wall (Frank M. Godfrey)"'' Salem Evening News'', Feb. 20, 1902, p.1

"Died on Duty: Tragic death of Frank M. Godfrey on Front Street this morning" ''Salem Gazette'', Feb. 20, 1902, p.1

"Salem to buy camera that can "see" in fire" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 26, 2000, p. A1

"Renovations underway at North Street fire station" ''Salem News'', Aug. 20, 2014, p. 4

"Salem to end master box fire alarm system" ''Salem News'', Jan. 9, 2026, p. 3

"Lifesavers - New defibrillators to be installed at local businesses across Salem at no cost to owners" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug 26, 2026, p. A01

Salem Public Schools

2026-09-11T13:37:03Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem Public Schools'''

Elementary Schools include:

Saltonstall School (K -8th grade), Horace Mann Lab School, Bates School, Witchcraft Heights School, Carlton Innovation School,

Bentley Academy.

Middle Schools include: Collins Middle School

High Schools include: Salem High School

Alternative Schools include: New Liberty Innovation School, Salem Prep High School

Charter Schools:
Salem Academy Charter School covers grades 6-12.

Nathaniel Bowditch School was folded into the other elementary schools in 2018 and Horace Mann School moved into the
building on Willson St.

''Origin of School Names'':
With the exception of Salem High, all of Salem's schools are named after prominent historical figures. Several schools are
named after former leaders in city government. Both '''Bates Elementary'''(opened in 1972) and '''Collins Middle School''' are named for former mayors. Bates School is named after former mayor and U.S. Rep George Joseph Bates. Collins Middle School is named for Former Mayor
Frances X. Collins. The building on Highland Ave. was first opened as Salem High School in 1909. It was renovated and opened as a middle school in 1994.
'''Bentley Elementary''' is named for former Salem School Committee member Rev. William Bentley, a minister who lived in Salem from 1783 until his death in 1819. '''Carlton School''' is named for Oliver Carlton, who taught in Salem from 1823-56 and 1860-1867. '''Nathaniel Bowditch School''' is named for the famous navigator, astronomer and mathematician. Bowditch was called '''Federal Street School''' from 1989 to 2001, when the new school opened and changed its name to Bowditch. Horace Mann School is named for the father of American public school education, Horace Mann.
'''Saltonstall school''' is named for Leverett Saltonstall. Leverett Saltonstall (June 13, 1783 – May 8, 1845), was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts who also served as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, President of the Massachusetts Senate, the first Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts and a Member of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College.'''Witchcraft Heights Elementary''' is named for the neighborhood in which it is located near Gallow's Hill. The school opened in 1972.

In 2025, it was announced that Carlton and Saltonstall schools would be merged into one building at Saltonstall. In 2026, the name Sarah Parker Remond Elementary School was proposed. Sarah Parker Remond was a Salem free-born African American activist of human rights and women's suffrage. She was one of the founder of the Salem Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1834. She was a traveling lecturer on human rights and women's suffrage and was a fundraiser for newly freed slaves at the end of the Civil War. She was among 1500 women, and perhaps the only Black woman, to sign the first women's suffrage petition in Great Britain. The new name for the school still requires two more votes from the School Committee. The name Sarah Parker Remond School was finalized in 2026 and will be in effect July 1.

In 2026, Salem Public Schools was awarded the Partnership for Reading Success-Massachusetts (PRISM) grant totaling $852,505 to support early literacy by the Healey-Driscoll administration.

In 2026, Bates Elementary was awarded a $20K gift from the Cummings Foundation's deputy director and parent of a Bates student. The funds are able to be used however the school sees fit.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Schools]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Schools pt. 1, 2, 3'''

*[https://spscarlton.salemk12.org/ Carlton Innovation School] School Website

*[https://spshmann.salemk12.org/ Horace Mann Laboratory School] School Website

*[https://spsbates.salemk12.org/ Bates School] School Website

*[https://spsbentley.salemk12.org/ Bentley Academy] School Website

*[https://spssaltonstall.salemk12.org/ Saltonstall School] School Website

*[https://spswhes.salemk12.org/ Witchcraft Heights Elementary School] School Website

*[https://spscollins.salemk12.org/ Collins Middle School] School Website

*[https://www.salemacademycs.org/ Salem Academy Charter School] School Website

*[https://spssalemhs.salemk12.org/ Salem High School] School Website

*[https://spsecc.salemk12.org/ Salem Early Childhood Center] School Website

*[https://spssalemhsprep.salemk12.org/ Salem Prep High School] School Website

*[https://nlis.salemk12.org/ New Liberty Innovation School] School Website

*"Saltonstall School was opened today; Salem's finest School Building will accommodate over 65- pupils" ''Salem Evening News'', Oct. 9, 1916, p. 2 ?
*"Plan Dedication of New Carlton School Building" ''Salem Evening News'', Sept. 13, 1950, p. ?

*"Salem to close Bowditch School" ''Salem News'', Jan. 24, 2018, p. 1

*"Sarah Parker Remond Elementary" ''Salem News'', February 26, 2026

*"Salem Renames Elementary School After 19th-Century Abolitionist" ''Patch'', March 12, 2026

*"Salem Public Schools gets $850K grant for early literacy programs" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 12, 2026, p. A07

*"Salem's Bates Elementary Awarded $20K Cummings Foundation Gift" ''Patch'' Aug 25, 2026

Salem Public Schools

2026-09-11T13:36:09Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem Public Schools'''

Elementary Schools include:

Saltonstall School (K -8th grade), Horace Mann Lab School, Bates School, Witchcraft Heights School, Carlton Innovation School,

Bentley Academy.

Middle Schools include: Collins Middle School

High Schools include: Salem High School

Alternative Schools include: New Liberty Innovation School, Salem Prep High School

Charter Schools:
Salem Academy Charter School covers grades 6-12.

Nathaniel Bowditch School was folded into the other elementary schools in 2018 and Horace Mann School moved into the
building on Willson St.

''Origin of School Names'':
With the exception of Salem High, all of Salem's schools are named after prominent historical figures. Several schools are
named after former leaders in city government. Both '''Bates Elementary'''(opened in 1972) and '''Collins Middle School''' are named for former mayors. Bates School is named after former mayor and U.S. Rep George Joseph Bates. Collins Middle School is named for Former Mayor
Frances X. Collins. The building on Highland Ave. was first opened as Salem High School in 1909. It was renovated and opened as a middle school in 1994.
'''Bentley Elementary''' is named for former Salem School Committee member Rev. William Bentley, a minister who lived in Salem from 1783 until his death in 1819. '''Carlton School''' is named for Oliver Carlton, who taught in Salem from 1823-56 and 1860-1867. '''Nathaniel Bowditch School''' is named for the famous navigator, astronomer and mathematician. Bowditch was called '''Federal Street School''' from 1989 to 2001, when the new school opened and changed its name to Bowditch. Horace Mann School is named for the father of American public school education, Horace Mann.
'''Saltonstall school''' is named for Leverett Saltonstall. Leverett Saltonstall (June 13, 1783 – May 8, 1845), was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts who also served as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, President of the Massachusetts Senate, the first Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts and a Member of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College.'''Witchcraft Heights Elementary''' is named for the neighborhood in which it is located near Gallow's Hill. The school opened in 1972.

In 2025, it was announced that Carlton and Saltonstall schools would be merged into one building at Saltonstall. In 2026, the name Sarah Parker Remond Elementary School was proposed. Sarah Parker Remond was a Salem free-born African American activist of human rights and women's suffrage. She was one of the founder of the Salem Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1834. She was a traveling lecturer on human rights and women's suffrage and was a fundraiser for newly freed slaves at the end of the Civil War. She was among 1500 women, and perhaps the only Black woman, to sign the first women's suffrage petition in Great Britain. The new name for the school still requires two more votes from the School Committee. The name Sarah Parker Remond School was finalized in 2026 and will be in effect July 1.

In 2026, Salem Public Schools was awarded the Partnership for Reading Success-Massachusetts (PRISM) grant totaling $852,505 to support early literacy by the Healey-Driscoll administration.

In 2026, Bates Elementary was awarded a $20K gift from the Cummings Foundation's deputy director and parent of a Bates student. The funds are able to be used however the school sees fit.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Schools]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Schools pt. 1, 2, 3'''

*[https://spscarlton.salemk12.org/ Carlton Innovation School] School Website

*[https://spshmann.salemk12.org/ Horace Mann Laboratory School] School Website

*[https://spsbates.salemk12.org/ Bates School] School Website

*[https://spsbentley.salemk12.org/ Bentley Academy] School Website

*[https://spssaltonstall.salemk12.org/ Saltonstall School] School Website

*[https://spswhes.salemk12.org/ Witchcraft Heights Elementary School] School Website

*[https://spscollins.salemk12.org/ Collins Middle School] School Website

*[https://www.salemacademycs.org/ Salem Academy Charter School] School Website

*[https://spssalemhs.salemk12.org/ Salem High School] School Website

*[https://spsecc.salemk12.org/ Salem Early Childhood Center] School Website

*[https://spssalemhsprep.salemk12.org/ Salem Prep High School] School Website

*[https://nlis.salemk12.org/ New Liberty Innovation School] School Website

*"Saltonstall School was opened today; Salem's finest School Building will accommodate over 65- pupils" ''Salem Evening News'', Oct. 9, 1916, p. 2 ?
*"Plan Dedication of New Carlton School Building" ''Salem Evening News'', Sept. 13, 1950, p. ?

*"Salem to close Bowditch School" ''Salem News'', Jan. 24, 2018, p. 1

*"Sarah Parker Remond Elementary" ''Salem News'', February 26, 2026

*"Salem Renames Elementary School After 19th-Century Abolitionist" ''Patch'', March 12, 2026

*"Salem Public Schools gets $850K grant for early literacy programs" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 12, 2026, p. A07

"Salem's Bates Elementary Awarded $20K Cummings Foundation Gift" ''Patch'' Aug 25, 2026

Salem Athenaeum

2026-09-10T22:37:43Z

Mflorea:

*This private library founded in 1810 (the second oldest in the country), began by the merging of two local libraries, the Social Library, founded in 1760, and the Philosophical Library, founded in 1781. For the first four decades, the Athenaeum had no permanent home and occupied quarters at four different locations in Salem. In the 1850's a bequest by [[Plummer, Caroline|Caroline Plummer]] enabled the group to build at 134 Essex St, which was its home until the early 1900's (later, the home of the Phillips Library at the Peabody Essex Museum.)
*The Athenaeum sold the building to the Essex Institute in 1905 and built the current building at 337 Essex Street in 1906. Dedicated in 1907, this red brick structure is modeled after "Homewood" the house in Maryland that Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, built for his son.

*As the first library in Salem, the Athenaeum pooled the resources of the educated book-owners of Salem. Both Nathaniel Bowditch and Nathaniel Hawthorne used this unique library. Some of the older books in the collection came from the spoils of ships captured during the privateering of British ships in the late 1700's. These are called the [[Kirwan Collection]].

*Librarian Cynthia Wiggin worked there for over thirty years, starting in 1960 and retiring in 1994. She wrote a history of the library as well.

*Presently, the library has approximately 50,000 books, many of them rare, but the library does purchase newly published books for its many members. The Athenaeum offers many educational events throughout the year including author talks. Some of these are open to the public. The Athenaeum celebrated the 100 year anniversary of their building in March of 2007.

*In 2006, the Athenaeum contemplated selling a rare copy of the 1628 Massachusetts Bay Charter to help with a deficit, but changed their minds.
*The Athenaeum celebrated its 200th anniversary as an organization in 2010 with a period ball at the Hamilton Hall on Chestnut St.

*In celebration of Salem 400+ in 2026, the Athenaeum announced that they will be unveiling an archival reproduction of the 1629 Massachusetts Bay Charter known as the ''Endecott Charter''. The document was granted by the King Charles I of England and was the foundation of the legal framework for the government of the newly formed Massachusetts Bay colony. The Salem copy of the document was presented to Governor John Endecott on June 23, 1629 and was especially significant as it contained no clause requiring the Massachusetts Bay Colony to remain in England. The original was donated to the Athenaeum by lawyer and former US Senator, Leverett Saltonstall in the year 1810.

[[File:Salem Athenaeumsmall.jpg|thumb|Salem Athenaeum]]

==See Also==
[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Buildings]]

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem Athenaeum'''

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Kirwan Collection'''

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1958881 Salem Women's Heritage Trail] by Bonnie Hurd Smith, p. 31-32.

[https://salemathenaeum.net/about-us/history/ Salem Athenaeum] Library history

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1829123 The Salem Athenaeum; 1810-1910] by J.N. Ashton, 1917.

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2053174 The Salem Athenaeum, a short history] by Cynthia B. Wiggin, 1971

[https://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2061266 Salem City Documents] 1840-1858, (1858 p. 1, Dedication of Plummer Hall, p. 39, Brief memoir of the Plummer Family)

"Salem institutions going strong at 81 and 232" ''Boston Sunday Globe'', Jan. 12, 1992, p. N1

"Salem Athenaeum puts on the ritz" ''Salem Evening News'', Sept. 30, 1998.

"Salem Athenaeum celebrates 100 years" ''Salem News'', Mar. 17, 2008, p.2

"Partying like it's 1810" ''Salem Gazette'', Mar. 12, 2010, p.13

"Salem Athenaeum celebrates its 200th birthday" ''Salem News'', Mar. 4, 2010, p.1

"Four pages of history: for sale?" ''Boston Sunday Globe'', Apr. 2, 2006, p. N 1

"Charter sale on Athenaeum's front burner" ''Salem News'', Apr. 6, 2006, p. A1

"Salem Athenaeum to unveil reproduction of 1629 Massachusetts Bay Charter" ''Salem Evening News'' Sept 3, 2026, p. A03

Salem Athenaeum

2026-09-10T22:37:27Z

Mflorea:

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-09-10T22:36:20Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem 400+ Celebration''' refers to the city of Salem's 400th anniversary celebrations that will take place in 2026 honoring the city's rich heritage. The event will kick off on January 10, 2026 at Salem High School. More information can be found at https://www.salem400.org/.

*In February 2026, Salem resident Karen Scalia initiated a "sister city" discussion with East Budleigh, England for the 400th anniversary celebration. Roger Conant, a New England colonist famous for establishing the city of Salem, was born in East Budleigh in April 1592. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal after Scalia delivered a letter in June 2025 from Mayor Pangallo with Bicton Parish Council. The resolution was filed by Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the connection will be celebrated during the Food at 400+ festival in June 2026.

*As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, the city announced that they will be restoring its President George Washington Landsdowne portrait, which is displayed at city hall. Wellpoint, a health benefits company will be fully funding the museum-grade restoration. The portrait is set to be revealed publicly during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations.

*In 2026, Harmony Grove Cemetery launched a new walking tour titled, "From City Hall to Sacred Ground: Honoring Salem's First Mayor Leverett Saltonstall and Those Who Followed". The event included a lecture by Peter Drummey, retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall as well as a self-guided walking tour of the 21 gravesites of former mayors of Salem. The tour was created for the Salem 400+ celebration. The self-guided walking tour will be available throughout the year.

*In June, Salem Food Tours will be presenting a 12-day festival in honor of Salem's 400th anniversary, celebrating the culinary history and current food culture of the city. The event will be titled '''Food at 400+''' and will feature various programming with events from historic open houses, speaker programs with topics like historically inspired restaurant menus, craft beverages, an urban farm visit, food-themed films, and an event featuring celebrity chef Scott Conant (Scott is a 13th-generation descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant). Over 17 restaurants will feature historically inspired menu items in an event titled '''Dine Back in Time'''. There will also be an event titled '''Sip Back in Time''' featuring Salem beverages of the past.

*Salem State University announced that they will be presenting an exhibit titled '''Mapping a Century of Salem 1926-2026''' in celebration of Salem 400+ Celebration. The exhibit will be free and available to the public from June 18-mid September at Old Town Hall. The exhibit will feature oral histories and allow the public to contribute their own stories of their experience in Salem. There will be maps, historical photographs, and other materials and was developed by Salem State University's College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives. The exhibit will touch on World War II, urban renewal, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, the immigrant experience, and "Witch City" tourism of the past century. A special part of the program will be oral histories, video interviews, photographs and digital story maps featuring immigrant experiences, especially from individuals from Salem's The Point neighborhood.

*The city will host a Family Field Day in July at Forest River Park in celebration of Salem 400+. Events will include a kickball tournament, tug of war, potato sack races, and other competitions for residents. The event will be free for Salem residents.

*The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

*As part of Salem 400+ Celebrations, the Peabody Essex Museum is hosting artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin at their Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop. The shop (also called a "ten-footer") will be held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 29. Visitors will be able to watch Geurin build boots using traditional shoe building tools. "Ten footer" shoe shops were once a common shop around Salem and the rest of the area. Visitors will learn more about traditional shoe making and the history of craftspeople, including the gender roles of the builders.

*The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in honor of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026.

*In August 2026, the city removed the double entrance doors to City Hall for restoration in celebration of Salem 400+. The doors have been in place since at least 1926.

*In celebration of Salem 400+ in 2026, the Salem Athenaeum announced that they will be unveiling an archival reproduction of the 1629 Massachusetts Bay Charter known as the ''Endecott Charter''. The document was granted by the King Charles I of England and was the foundation of the legal framework for the government of the newly formed Massachusetts Bay colony. The Salem copy of the document was presented to Governor John Endecott on June 23, 1629 and was especially significant as it contained no clause requiring the Massachusetts Bay Colony to remain in England. The original was donated to the Athenaeum by lawyer and former US Senator, Leverett Saltonstall in the year 1810.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem 400+'''

Event Website - https://www.salem400.org/

*"Salem 400+ celebration to kickoff at SHS" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 1, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem Forges Sister City Bond with English City for Quadricentennial" ''Patch'', Feb. 13, 2026

*"Salem To Restore George Washington Portrait At City Hall For 400+ Anniversary" ''Patch''. May 8, 2026

*"Salem's many mayors" ''Salem Evening News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''Salem Evening News'', June 10, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Exhibit To Trace Witch City's Last 100 Years In New Exhibit" ''Patch'' May 22, 2026

*"Salem Sets First Family Field Day At Forest River Park" ''Patch'' June 18, 2026

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*"Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

*"Salem to restore grand wood entrance doors at City Hall" ''Salem Evening News'' August 19, 2026, p. A01

"Salem Athenaeum to unveil reproduction of 1629 Massachusetts Bay Charter" ''Salem Evening News'' Sept 3, 2026, p. A03

House of the Seven Gables

2026-09-10T18:49:17Z

Mflorea:

*'''The House of the Seven Gables''' was built in 1668 for Capt. John Turner, a successful merchant, and remained in his family for three generations. "Facing south toward the harbor, it was at first a two-room, two-and-one-half-story, central-chimney plan with two "Gothic" cross-gables in front" according to Tolles in his book,'' Architecture in Salem''.

*The house was altered and added onto over the years, adding a wing and a garret with three gables. The visitor's center (6,000 square foot) was added in 1994.

*We are perhaps most familiar with the house through ''The House of the Seven Gables'' published by [[Hawthorne, Nathaniel|Nathaniel Hawthorne]] in 1851, his third novel. Hawthorne was known to visit his cousin Susannah Ingersoll at the family home on Turner Street. Though Hawthorne claimed the book was not set at the house, many similarities between the two have been noticed over the years.

*In 1908, the house was bought by the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association, founded by [[Emmerton, Caroline O.|Caroline O. Emmerton]], who used the admission fees to help support the Association's nearby settlement house. The Association was set up to help support recent immigrant families, especially Polish immigrants, with services like literacy and job placement and was a community center for social activities as well. The house opened as a museum in 1910. Joseph Everett Chandler restored the 1668 Turner Ingersoll House between 1908-1910 to make what we now know as House of the Seven Gables.

*In the yard stood a huge tree, a chestnut tree estimated at 150 years old. It is speculated to have been planted by one of the sea captains, an exotic specimen brought back from a voyage. Robyn Kanter, landscape designer who works at the Gables identifies it as a Chinese Chestnut tree. Unfortunately the tree had to come down in 2002. A new mature chestnut tree was planted to replace it in March 2020.

*The gardens at the Gables are full of historic touches. There rose trellis at the center of the main garden first appeared in photos in the 1920's. It was said to be copied from one that existed in an old garden on the grounds of the Andrew-Safford House. The Wisteria Arbor nearby is another feature added in the 1920's. The variety, Wysteria sinesis, was introduced to the region during the height of the China Trade and was a favorite in Salem gardens.

*Over time Emmerton and the organization’s trustees acquired and moved to the site five additional 17th, 18th and 19th century structures: The Retire Becket House (1655); The [[Hooper Hathaway House]] (1682); Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace (c1750); The Phippen House (c1782); and The Counting House (c 1830). The House of the Seven Gables’ campus constitutes is own national historic district on The National Register of Historic Places.
*The House of the Seven Gables was selected in 2007 to be placed on the list of National Historic Places, the highest designation the federal government gives to historic properties.
*Anita Blackaby became the newest director of the site beginning in 2008, bringing 30 years of professional museum experience.
*In 2010, the Gables eliminated some of the children's programs at the Settlement House due to financial challenges and duplication of services. The after-school and camp programs were costly to run and had declined in enrollment. New partnerships have begun with various community organizations, many whose programs align with the spirit and intent of The Settlement's mission. Some of these are: Express Yourself, Inc. of Beverly, Salem CyberSpace, The Plummer Home for Boys in Salem, and St. Peter's Episcopal Church/Iglesia Episcopal San Pedro & the Family Self-Sufficiency Center, in Salem.
*The House of the Seven Gables offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship classes to adults. Their Immigration and Education Center (located at Shetland Park) is a vital part of their mission.
*In 2015, under the leadership of Executive Director Kara McLaughlin, the Gables is embarking on a restoration of two rooms in the house that have not been renovated or open to the public before. This is in anticipation of their 350th anniversary.
*The House of the Seven Gables has announced a new Research Library is opening in 2019, housed in the Hooper-Hathaway House. It contains 600 books, and nearly as many periodicals and documents. The collection also contains Nathaniel Hawthorne items, and a rare collection from Dan Foley, Salem native and esteemed landscape architect. The research library is open to members only.
*Gables Director Kara McLaughlin announced she was stepping down in June of 2022. The new executive Director, Dakota Russel took over the position in June 2022.
*The House of Seven Gables announced in December 2025 that they will begin the process of moving five of their historic structures further inland due to rising sea levels and climate change. The plan will begin with the structure closest to the ocean, the Counting House, built in 1830. The plan will be completed in five phases in addition to medium and long-term actions that the Gables plan to undertake for site improvement. The Gables was awarded $179,190 from the state for fiscal year 2026 for permitting and final designs for a portion of phase one improvements. The Counting House is the first improvement planned to be taken before 2030.
*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables was awarded $461,000 in federal funding to ensure protection of its' seaside campus from stormwater damage. 209 Massachusetts recipients will be sharing $221,551,060. The money will be Congressionally directed spending. From ''Patch'', "The federal money will support construction of a rain garden, a subsurface infiltration system beneath the Colonial Revival gardens, a catch basin and drywell near the Hooper-Hathaway House and Hawthorne Birthplace, and a section of permeable pavers on the walkway near the exit."
*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables held a ceremony in celebration of becoming an official affiliate site of the estate of legendary actor, Vincent Price. Price was a descendant of Salem Witch Trials victim Rebecca Nurse. Price also starred as Clifford Pyncheon in The House of Seven Gables 1940 film adaption. The House of Seven Gables plans to hold an annual Vincent Price program series and art exhibition.
*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables announced that they will be opening an interactive Nathanial Hawthorne museum and launching a $1 million dollar fundraising campaign to pay for the costs. Executive Director Dakota Russell explained that this museum will be used to help guests learn about Nathaniel Hawthorne for the first time. The museum will include personal artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and will tell stories of the authors life and work and his relation to Salem. The exhibits are in cooperation with Amaze Design and the design phase of the project was funded by grants and private donations. The museum will also be able to display more items of Hawthorne's that have remained in storage due to space issues. The items include a personal checkerboard, original stencils from Hawthorne's time working at the Custom House, and the desk on which the author wrote a large part of ''The Scarlet Letter''.

[[Image:CentShop.jpg]]

[[Image:CentShop2.jpg]]

[[File:GreatChamber.jpg]]

[[File:Hallway.jpg]]

[[File:Attic.jpg]]

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Buildings]]
[[Category:Museums]]

==See Also==
*Top 2 Postcards courtesy of CardCow.com

*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''House of the Seven Gables'''

*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''House of the Seven Gables Settlement'''

*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Chandler, Joseph'''

*[http://www.7gables.org/ House of the Seven Gables] Museum website

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/1506200 Chronicles of Three Old Houses] by Caroline O. Emmerton

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/3736568 A Gracious Host; Visiting the Gables through the years] Moffat, David

*"New visitor center opens at House of the Seven Gables" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 13, 1994, p.1

*"New Gables director wants to reconnect with North Shore" ''Salem News'', Apr.3, 2008, p.2

*"Gables to celebrate pick as national historic landmark"'' Salem News'', Sept. 17, 2007. p.A2

*"Salem pays tribute to fabled Gables: Hawthorne novel, set at site, turns 150" ''Boston Sunday Globe'', Feb. 25, 2001, p. N 1

*A Eulogy for a beloved old tree that falls today" ''Salem News'', Oct. 3, 2002, p. 1

*"Hawthorne's birthplace leaves Union Street" ''Salem Evening News'', May 1, 1958, p. 1

*"In centennial year, Gables shifts focus; agency eliminates children's programs and looks for mission to evolve" ''Salem News'', Apr. 7, 2010, p.1

*"House of the Seven Gables collects stories from the people who knew it best" ''Salem News'', Mar. 19, 2010, p. 13

*"Lecture to celebrate Gables garden's 100th birthday" ''Salem News'', May 14, 2010, p. 9

*"Turner Street's most famous house didn't always have seven gables" ''Salem News'', Mar. 26, 2012, p. 7

*"Seven Gables sees rare opportunity for growth; organization raising money to restore rooms" ''Salem News'', Feb. 16, 2016, p. 1

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/1696468 Illustrated History of Salem and Environs] Salem Evening News, p. 25 (photo of House of Seven Gables without added gables.]

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/2264429 Architecture in Salem] Tolles, p. 63- 66-7

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/2051346 House of Seven Gables, 1668-1968] 1968 photographs by Samuel Chamberlain

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/2406826 Salem Myth and Memory] ed. by Dane A. Morrison, p. 299-313

*[https://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/4075275 The House of the Seven Gables] Conary, R, Moffat D.

*"House of Seven Gables director to step down" ''Salem News'', Feb. 4, 2022, p. A1

*"Gables to move, save buildings from sea" ''Salem News'', Dec. 29, 2025, p.1-2

*"Salem's House of Seven Gables gets $461K in federal funding to protect historic campus" ''Patch'', April 10, 2026

*The House of Seven Gables to become affiliate site of actor Vincent Price" ''Salem Evening News'', May 1, 2026, p. A5

*"Official Nathaniel Hawthorne Museum to Open In Salem At The House of Seven Gables" ''Patch'', July 14, 2026

*"The Gables starts fundraising for Hawthorne Museum" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug 20, 2026, p. A03

Salem Inn

2026-09-10T18:31:44Z

Mflorea:

The Salem Inn operates out of three historic homes. The largest is the '''West Cogswell House''' at 7 Summer Street, which has 23 rooms. The inn has been operated by Dick and Diane Pabich since 1983. The main building, 11 Summer St. was built by William Pynchon in 1762. The building was sold to John Derby in 1778 and after the Great Salem Fire of 1914, the decision was made to convert the building into a six-unit apartment complex.

The '''Curwen House''', an Italianate Revival home, built in 1854 at 331 Essex Street, has 11 rooms. The third is the '''John P. Peabody House''', a Dutch Colonial style at 15 Summer Street.

The Capt. West House was built as an investment for Capt. Nathanial West, a privateer commander during the American Revolution. According to tax records, it was built c. 1833/34. It is a three-story pitched-roof brick house row. The front facade has doorways with porches supported by fluted Ionic columns. It is a prime example of the Federal style of architecture. The property was owned at various times by notable figures and families such as the Lindalls, Corwins, David Cheever, and Ephraim Emmerton. Emmerton's granddaughter, Caroline Emmerton, went on to found the House of the Seven Gables.

The West Cogswell House was placed on the '''National Register of Historic Places''' in 1983.

In 2026, the Pabichs announced their plans to renovate and expand The Salem Inn with plans such as renovating the main structure into 15 hotel rooms and a new parking area among other improvements. The renovations would allow the three building structures to be natural gas-free. The project requires approval from the Design Review and Planning Boards to begin renovations.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Businesses]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - ''' Salem Inn, The'''

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1356094 Architecture in Salem] by Tolles, p. 102

[http://www.saleminnma.com/ Salem Inn] Website

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Cogswell_House West Cogswell House] Wikipedia article (with photo)

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_P._Peabody_House John P. Peabody House] Wikipedia article (with photo)

*"Salem Inn to restore historic building" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug 20, 2026, p. A01

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-09-09T20:33:34Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem 400+ Celebration''' refers to the city of Salem's 400th anniversary celebrations that will take place in 2026 honoring the city's rich heritage. The event will kick off on January 10, 2026 at Salem High School. More information can be found at https://www.salem400.org/.

*In February 2026, Salem resident Karen Scalia initiated a "sister city" discussion with East Budleigh, England for the 400th anniversary celebration. Roger Conant, a New England colonist famous for establishing the city of Salem, was born in East Budleigh in April 1592. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal after Scalia delivered a letter in June 2025 from Mayor Pangallo with Bicton Parish Council. The resolution was filed by Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the connection will be celebrated during the Food at 400+ festival in June 2026.

*As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, the city announced that they will be restoring its President George Washington Landsdowne portrait, which is displayed at city hall. Wellpoint, a health benefits company will be fully funding the museum-grade restoration. The portrait is set to be revealed publicly during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations.

*In 2026, Harmony Grove Cemetery launched a new walking tour titled, "From City Hall to Sacred Ground: Honoring Salem's First Mayor Leverett Saltonstall and Those Who Followed". The event included a lecture by Peter Drummey, retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall as well as a self-guided walking tour of the 21 gravesites of former mayors of Salem. The tour was created for the Salem 400+ celebration. The self-guided walking tour will be available throughout the year.

*In June, Salem Food Tours will be presenting a 12-day festival in honor of Salem's 400th anniversary, celebrating the culinary history and current food culture of the city. The event will be titled '''Food at 400+''' and will feature various programming with events from historic open houses, speaker programs with topics like historically inspired restaurant menus, craft beverages, an urban farm visit, food-themed films, and an event featuring celebrity chef Scott Conant (Scott is a 13th-generation descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant). Over 17 restaurants will feature historically inspired menu items in an event titled '''Dine Back in Time'''. There will also be an event titled '''Sip Back in Time''' featuring Salem beverages of the past.

*Salem State University announced that they will be presenting an exhibit titled '''Mapping a Century of Salem 1926-2026''' in celebration of Salem 400+ Celebration. The exhibit will be free and available to the public from June 18-mid September at Old Town Hall. The exhibit will feature oral histories and allow the public to contribute their own stories of their experience in Salem. There will be maps, historical photographs, and other materials and was developed by Salem State University's College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives. The exhibit will touch on World War II, urban renewal, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, the immigrant experience, and "Witch City" tourism of the past century. A special part of the program will be oral histories, video interviews, photographs and digital story maps featuring immigrant experiences, especially from individuals from Salem's The Point neighborhood.

*The city will host a Family Field Day in July at Forest River Park in celebration of Salem 400+. Events will include a kickball tournament, tug of war, potato sack races, and other competitions for residents. The event will be free for Salem residents.

*The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

*As part of Salem 400+ Celebrations, the Peabody Essex Museum is hosting artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin at their Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop. The shop (also called a "ten-footer") will be held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 29. Visitors will be able to watch Geurin build boots using traditional shoe building tools. "Ten footer" shoe shops were once a common shop around Salem and the rest of the area. Visitors will learn more about traditional shoe making and the history of craftspeople, including the gender roles of the builders.

*The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in honor of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026.

*In August 2026, the city removed the double entrance doors to City Hall for restoration in celebration of Salem 400+. The doors have been in place since at least 1926.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem 400+'''

Event Website - https://www.salem400.org/

*"Salem 400+ celebration to kickoff at SHS" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 1, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem Forges Sister City Bond with English City for Quadricentennial" ''Patch'', Feb. 13, 2026

*"Salem To Restore George Washington Portrait At City Hall For 400+ Anniversary" ''Patch''. May 8, 2026

*"Salem's many mayors" ''Salem Evening News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''Salem Evening News'', June 10, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Exhibit To Trace Witch City's Last 100 Years In New Exhibit" ''Patch'' May 22, 2026

*"Salem Sets First Family Field Day At Forest River Park" ''Patch'' June 18, 2026

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*"Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

*"Salem to restore grand wood entrance doors at City Hall" ''Salem Evening News'' August 19, 2026, p. A01

City Hall

2026-09-09T20:33:26Z

Mflorea:

Salem City Hall was built in 1837 from funds provided by the federal government and was opened on June 4, 1838. The building is a two-story granite structure in the Greek Revival style. A golden eagle copied from the original by Samuel McIntire tops the roof parapet. On May 31, 1838, Mayor Saltonstall delivered an address and the first meeting of the city council was held in the new building. Cost of City Hall, completed and furnished together with land was $22,878. City Hall was enlarged in 1876 at the cost of $24,000. City Hall was placed on the ''National Register of Historic Places'' in 1973. The Salem City Hall is one of the oldest continuingly operating City Hall's in the US.

[[File:CityHallsmall.jpg|thumb]]

[[Image:cityseal.gif]]

In August 2026, the city removed the double entrance doors to City Hall for restoration in celebration of Salem 400+. The doors have been in place since at least 1926.

==See Also==
[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category: Buildings]]

*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem City Hall'''

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1686393 Chronicles of Old Salem] by Frances D. Robotti, p.61

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1657961 Historical sketch of Salem] by C.S. Osgood, p. 55-63

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1152287 Annals of Salem] by Joseph B. Felt, Vol.1, p.399

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2264429 Architecture in Salem]by Bryant F. Tolles, p.107

*[https://www.salemma.gov/city-clerk/pages/historical-profile Historical profile of Salem] Salem city clerk

*"Salem to restore grand wood entrance doors at City Hall" ''Salem Evening News'' August 19, 2026, p. A01

City Seal

2026-08-28T15:12:41Z

Mflorea:

The city seal was designed to show the Far East Trade that shaped Salem's commercial history. George Peabody, son of the patriarch of the
pepper merchants, and himself a ship owner, drew a design of a man wearing a flat turban, red trousers and belt, and blue jacket meant to
represent the Sumatran men that they traded with for the pepper trade. In the center is a full-rigged vessel on the high seas. The palm tree
near the figure would have been an indigenous tree. A dove bearing an olive branch of peace in its mouth represents Salem the city of peace.
Around the circumference, translated from Latin, are the dates of Salem's founding(1626) and incorporation(1836).

In October of 2025, Members of the City Seal Task Force came together to formally vote on whether to recommend changing the city seal to the City Council. The Task Force was established in September of 2024 has been tasked with engaging in research, community conversations, design, and historical review to evaluate and potentially modify the seal. The initiative was brought about by members of Salem's Asian community that were concerned about the seal perpetuating a stereotypical, offensive depiction of someone of Asian descent.

In August 2026, the Salem City Council Committee of the Whole voted and recommended that their advice would be to change the city seal. The vote will be finalized sometime in the future.

The Motto of the city on the seal is:

"Divitis Indiae usque ad ultimum sinum"

"''To the Farthest Port of the Rich East''"

[[Image:cityseal.gif]]

[[Category:Browse Index]]

==See Also==

Vertical File in the Salem Collection - '''Salem City Seal'''

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2382888 Essex Institute Historical Collections] Vol. 8, p. 3-10

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2163849 Town and City Seals of Massachusetts] by Forbes, p. 102-3

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1657961 Historical Sketch of Salem] Osgood, p. 56-7

[https://www.salemma.gov/city-clerk/pages/historical-profile Historical Profile of Salem] City clerk's office

"City, town seals provide glimpse into region's colorful history" ''Salem News'', Aug. 11, 2003, p. B5

"To the farthest ports of the rich east; despite decline of East India trade, city featured maritime theme on seal" ''Salem Evening News'', Sept. 27, 2000, p. A2

"Promoting Salem's identity as the City of Peace" ''Salem Gazette'', Apr. 1, 2011, p. 6

"Historian explores city seal complexities" ''Salem News'', Oct. 21, 2025, p. A01

"Group urges Salem to change city seal, Seal used since 1839" ''Salem News'', Oct. 24, 2025, p. A01

"City Council shows initial support for changing city seal" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug 4, 2026

YMCA

2026-08-27T19:09:19Z

Mflorea:

The Salem branch of the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) was established in 1858, and from 1884-1898 was located at 20 1/2 Central Street.

Though originally built for affordable housing, the present-day YMCA (corner of Essex St. and Sewall St.) is a light brick and freestone building built in 1898. Its second floor auditorium is named Ames Hall, in honor of George Leonard Ames, a benefactor of the Association. The building is on the site of the Sanders homestead, where Alexander Graham Bell perfected the telephone when he was working with their deaf son.

[[Lantz, Christian|Christian Lantz]], a proponent of the playground system of America, served as secretary of the Salem YMCA from 1900-1935, its early years.

In 1983, the YMCA building was placed on the ''National Register of Historic Places''.

In early 2003, the small pool was renovated and rededicated to Jim Manning, a long-time swim instructor.

In 1991, the Salem YMCA expanded with a new addition featuring a new swimming pool, fitness center and track. This was a $1.3 million renovation.

In 2010 the YMCA of the North shore underwent a name change and the organizations will be known as the Y.

In recent years, there has been a campaign to restore historic Ames Hall built in 1898, with a capital campaign that began in 2010. The North YMCA Theatre Company is based at the Y and stages several performances every year. The marble staircase and stained glass windows will hopefully be renovated as well as heating and air conditioning improvements.

It was announced in Dec. 2012 that the new creative arts center will be named for the local Zoll family; The Samuel and Marjorie Zoll Creative Arts Center will be open to all children.

The restored Ames Hall, built in 1896 as a concert and lecture hall, opened on Friday Feb. 7th, 2014. The space fell into disrepair after being converted into a gym in the 1970's. The state-of-the-art improvements were accompanied by a respect for the building's history. The hall will be home to the Y Theatre Company.

The Salem YMCA began construction of a $5.5M rooftop playground named in honor of Salem businesswoman Betsy Merry in 2026. Merry held positions of special education educator at Salem High School and managed Salem Coldwell Banker for many years before eventually founding Merry Fox Realty. She was a pillar of the community and served as the president of the Salem YMCA among other appointments. The new playground will total 4,000 square feet and will include gardens, restrooms, climbing structures and other amenities for children.

[[Image:YMCA_fr.jpg]]

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection- '''YMCA'''

*Postcard Photograph courtesy of '''CardCow.com'''

*[http://www.northshoreymca.org/locations/salem/ Salem YMCA] Website

*[https://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1696468 Illustrated History of Salem and Environs] Salem News, p. 29-30

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2009747 Young Men's Christian Association] YMCA, 1904, (contains photographs)

*[https://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1486933 Homes and Hearths of Salem] G. Davenport, p. 73-4

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1356094 Architecture in Salem] by Tolles, p. 104

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1210825 Visitor's Guide to Salem] 1953 ed., p. 195

*"Sewall Street home to fort, reservoir and today, Salem Y" (letters to the editor) ''Salem News'', Feb. 23, 2011, p. 11

*"A new YMCA facility is launched" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 10, 1991, p. 1

*"YMCA to open new pool building in September" ''Salem Evening News'', July 28, 1992, p. 9

*"Salem man teaches the timid to swim" (Jim Manning swim instructor) ''Salem Evening News'', July 29, 1996, p. A1

*"A look into the past through the YMCA" J. McAllister, ''Salem News'', Mar. 25, 2013

*"Y to name arts center for Zolls" ''Salem News'', Dec. 15, 2012, p. 1

*"YMCA's creative endeavor; Ames Hall on verge again becoming a center for the arts" ''Salem News'', Feb. 5, 2014, p. 1

*$6 million playground named in honor of Betsy Merry" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 18, 2026, p. A01

Salem CyberSpace

2026-08-27T18:52:11Z

Mflorea:

"'''Salem Cyberspace''', founded in April 2002, started as a not-for-profit technology center dedicated to helping people of all ages, ethnic cultures, and social and economic backgrounds become proficient in the use of computer technology. Their original goal was not just to "teach people how to use computers but to provide them with opportunities to use these new skills and knowledge in a meaningful way" according to their website. Salem CyberSpace expands the educational and career opportunities for low-income youth and adults utilizing state-of-the-art technology.

Salem Cyberspace is open to all 12 years and older, who want to broaden their technology skills. The center sees technology as a tool to teach English, financial literacy, and job readiness. All programs are free and supported by foundation and government grants.

Salem Cyberspace was located at 98 Lafayette Street, downtown Salem.

In 2015, they changed their name to reflect a new sense of purpose. Later, they moved the organization to Shetland Park.

The new name is LEAP for Education. Some of their new mission includes an academic learning center, college success program and after school partnerships.

In April 2026, founder Linda Saris retired as Executive Director. Deputy Director Kayla Dorst, a LEAP alumnus and first-generation Salem State graduate will take her place as Executive Director.

LEAP for Education has continued their Summer Work Program for teens since 2017. The program provides local high school students from Salem and Lynn with paid work experience and mentorship. In 2026, the program developed a hybrid option where students spent half of their time doing career readiness training at LEAP for Education and the other half with on site experience at Dream MORE at Thurgood Marshall, North Shore CDC, Lynn Community Health Center, and Salem Hospital. LEAP for Education hopes to expand their career offerings in the future across multiple industries.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''LEAP for Education'''

[http://leap4ed.org/ Leap for Education] website

*"LEAP names Dorst as new exec. director", ''Salem Evening News'', April 16, 2026

*"LEAP for Education gives teens hands-on work experience" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 17, 2026, p. A01

Winter Island

2026-08-27T18:33:13Z

Mflorea:

'''Winter Island'''

Three major Salem landmarks are at Winter Island; [[Fort Pickering Lighthouse]], [[Fort Pickering]] and the old Coast Guard Station. The beach for swimming is called "Waikiki Beach."

The name "Winter Island" was coined, because the west side of the island supported the winter mooring of the 17th century fishing fleet. The south and east sides facing deep water was used for boat-building, shipbuilding, maritime trade and coastal military defense.

The land on Winter Island used for the Coast Guard station was deeded to the U.S. Government on Jan. 24, 1865.

Salem's new Coast Guard station replaced the existing one at Ten Pound Island in Gloucester. The airplane hangar was built in late 1934, as well as a large ramp to pull aircraft from the water. The first commander was Capt. William F. Foley.
The Coast Guard barracks, a 3 story building to house up to 50 men, was completed in 1935.

The Coast Guard station was given the deed in 1933 and closed in 1970.

The city took back the land in 1972 from the federal government. On July 18, 1972, the council passes orders to take the Coast Guard property back. On July 19, the council and mayor marched to Winter Island. See Salem News articles for more details.

The Function Hall was opened to the public in March of 2000, after it was rehabbed from the defunct restaurant called "Winter Island Grill". It holds up to 110 people and it can be rented from the city of Salem for various parties/activities.

Today, this attractive seaside area is used by boaters, swimmers and overnight camping or R.V. use.

In 2026, the city was awarded with a grant called ECO One Stop awards totaling $1.7M of state funding to stabilize an eroding shoreline at Winter Island Park. More information can be found at [http://publicinput.com/d3486 publicinput.com/d3486].

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Places]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection -''' Winter Island''' #1 & #2
*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2307343 U.S. Coast Guard Station:Winter Island] news articles from 1934-1941.

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/3687062 U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Salem, Massachusetts:1935-1970 a pictorial and chronological history] Bonnie Hurd Smith

*Coast Guard station articles in ''Salem Evening News'', July 19-27, 1972.

*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157706310372941/ Military] Salem State Archives (photos)

*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157659093804229 Winter Island] Salem State Archives (photos)

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/3634810 Coast Guard Air Station Salem: Winter Island 1935-1970, Vol. 1] (Salem's Forgotten Stories) 2015

*[https://cgaviationhistory.org/1935-coast-guard-air-station-salem-established/ 1935: Coast Guard Air Station Salem established] U.S. Coast Guard

*"Taking stock of Winter Island's treasures" Salem Gazette, Dec. 11, 2009, p. 4
*[https://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2382888 Essex Institute Historical Collections] Vol. 33, p. 105 (Story of Winter Island and Salem Neck) p. 81 (Salem Neck and Winter Island)

*"Function hall to open at Winter Island" Salem News March 2, 2000, p.A3

*"Salem gets $1.7M to stem Winter Island Park erosion" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 17, 2026, p. A01

Salem Public Schools

2026-08-27T18:25:58Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem Public Schools'''

Elementary Schools include:

Saltonstall School (K -8th grade), Horace Mann Lab School, Bates School, Witchcraft Heights School, Carlton Innovation School,

Bentley Academy.

Middle Schools include: Collins Middle School

High Schools include: Salem High School

Alternative Schools include: New Liberty Innovation School, Salem Prep High School

Charter Schools:
Salem Academy Charter School covers grades 6-12.

Nathaniel Bowditch School was folded into the other elementary schools in 2018 and Horace Mann School moved into the
building on Willson St.

''Origin of School Names'':
With the exception of Salem High, all of Salem's schools are named after prominent historical figures. Several schools are
named after former leaders in city government. Both '''Bates Elementary'''(opened in 1972) and '''Collins Middle School''' are named for former mayors. Bates School is named after former mayor and U.S. Rep George Joseph Bates. Collins Middle School is named for Former Mayor
Frances X. Collins. The building on Highland Ave. was first opened as Salem High School in 1909. It was renovated and opened as a middle school in 1994.
'''Bentley Elementary''' is named for former Salem School Committee member Rev. William Bentley, a minister who lived in Salem from 1783 until his death in 1819. '''Carlton School''' is named for Oliver Carlton, who taught in Salem from 1823-56 and 1860-1867. '''Nathaniel Bowditch School''' is named for the famous navigator, astronomer and mathematician. Bowditch was called '''Federal Street School''' from 1989 to 2001, when the new school opened and changed its name to Bowditch. Horace Mann School is named for the father of American public school education, Horace Mann.
'''Saltonstall school''' is named for Leverett Saltonstall. Leverett Saltonstall (June 13, 1783 – May 8, 1845), was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts who also served as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, President of the Massachusetts Senate, the first Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts and a Member of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College.'''Witchcraft Heights Elementary''' is named for the neighborhood in which it is located near Gallow's Hill. The school opened in 1972.

In 2025, it was announced that Carlton and Saltonstall schools would be merged into one building at Saltonstall. In 2026, the name Sarah Parker Remond Elementary School was proposed. Sarah Parker Remond was a Salem free-born African American activist of human rights and women's suffrage. She was one of the founder of the Salem Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1834. She was a traveling lecturer on human rights and women's suffrage and was a fundraiser for newly freed slaves at the end of the Civil War. She was among 1500 women, and perhaps the only Black woman, to sign the first women's suffrage petition in Great Britain. The new name for the school still requires two more votes from the School Committee. The name Sarah Parker Remond School was finalized in 2026 and will be in effect July 1.

In 2026, Salem Public Schools was awarded the Partnership for Reading Success-Massachusetts (PRISM) grant totaling $852,505 to support early literacy by the Healey-Driscoll administration.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Schools]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Schools pt. 1, 2, 3'''

*[https://spscarlton.salemk12.org/ Carlton Innovation School] School Website

*[https://spshmann.salemk12.org/ Horace Mann Laboratory School] School Website

*[https://spsbates.salemk12.org/ Bates School] School Website

*[https://spsbentley.salemk12.org/ Bentley Academy] School Website

*[https://spssaltonstall.salemk12.org/ Saltonstall School] School Website

*[https://spswhes.salemk12.org/ Witchcraft Heights Elementary School] School Website

*[https://spscollins.salemk12.org/ Collins Middle School] School Website

*[https://www.salemacademycs.org/ Salem Academy Charter School] School Website

*[https://spssalemhs.salemk12.org/ Salem High School] School Website

*[https://spsecc.salemk12.org/ Salem Early Childhood Center] School Website

*[https://spssalemhsprep.salemk12.org/ Salem Prep High School] School Website

*[https://nlis.salemk12.org/ New Liberty Innovation School] School Website

*"Saltonstall School was opened today; Salem's finest School Building will accommodate over 65- pupils" ''Salem Evening News'', Oct. 9, 1916, p. 2 ?
*"Plan Dedication of New Carlton School Building" ''Salem Evening News'', Sept. 13, 1950, p. ?

*"Salem to close Bowditch School" ''Salem News'', Jan. 24, 2018, p. 1

*"Sarah Parker Remond Elementary" ''Salem News'', February 26, 2026

*"Salem Renames Elementary School After 19th-Century Abolitionist" ''Patch'', March 12, 2026

*"Salem Public Schools gets $850K grant for early literacy programs" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 12, 2026, p. A07

Porchfest

2026-08-27T18:19:03Z

Mflorea:

The first annual '''Porchfest''' took place on Sunday August 9, 2026. The event hosted more than 50 local musicians who played on the porches and front yards of homes in South Salem including Wisteria Street and Forest Avenue among other streets.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Porchfest'''

*[https://salemporchfest.org/ Salem Porchfest Website]

*"Porch performers - Salem celebrates first-ever Porchfest for musicians and music lovers" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 10, 2026, p. A01

Porchfest

2026-08-27T18:18:52Z

Mflorea: Created page with "The first annual '''Porchfest''' took place on Sunday August 9, 2026. The event hosted more than 50 local musicians who played on the porches and front yards of homes in South Salem including Wisteria Street and Forest Avenue among other streets. Category:Browse Index Category:Events ==See Also== Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Porchfest''' *[https://salemporchfest.org/ Salem Porchfest Website] Salem Porchfest Website *"Porch performers - Salem celebr..."

The first annual '''Porchfest''' took place on Sunday August 9, 2026. The event hosted more than 50 local musicians who played on the porches and front yards of homes in South Salem including Wisteria Street and Forest Avenue among other streets.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Porchfest'''

*[https://salemporchfest.org/ Salem Porchfest Website] Salem Porchfest Website

*"Porch performers - Salem celebrates first-ever Porchfest for musicians and music lovers" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 10, 2026, p. A01

Ota, Japan

2026-08-26T20:48:29Z

Mflorea:

Since signing an agreement in 1991, there has been a special relationship between Salem and its sister city in Japan, Ota.
Ota is a densely populated borough of Tokyo. The agreement includes annual exchanges in which a group of students, and separately , a group of adults, from each
country spends a week in the sister community, getting to know the culture an people. Over the years, many examples of student artwork, as well as gifts,
have been swapped.

The Ota Club is the non-profit organization which plans and executes the trips each year.

2026 marked the 35th anniversary of the partnership between Salem and Ota, Japan. Chairperson of the City Assembly of Ota, Japan, Takayuki Suzuki was in attendance for the Salem Heritage Days Festival in August 2026 and congratulated Salem on their quadricentennial anniversary.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Places]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Japan (sister city)'''

[https://www.salem.com/mayors-office/pages/sister-city-ota-japan Sister City, Ota, Japan] city website

"Seeing Salem's sister city: trip to Japan makes an impression" ''Salem News'', Aug. 27, 2009, p. 11

"Our cities' siblings: from Japan to Russia, overseas communities maintain ties to region's municipalities" ''Boston Sunday Globe'', May 8, 2005, N. 02

"Japanese impress Salem" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 14, 1995, p. 8

"Sister cities' develop cultural exchange; Japanese eighth-graders to visit Salem next year" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 11, 1992, p. 9

"Salem cements tie to Japan community" ''Salem Evening News'', Nov. 26, 1991, p. 1

"Salem culture shines through - Return of Heritage Days Parade and Festival draws hundreds of marchers, thousands of spectators" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 9, 2026, p. A01

Ota, Japan

2026-08-26T20:48:12Z

Mflorea:

Since signing an agreement in 1991, there has been a special relationship between Salem and its sister city in Japan, Ota.
Ota is a densely populated borough of Tokyo. The agreement includes annual exchanges in which a group of students, and separately , a group of adults, from each
country spends a week in the sister community, getting to know the culture an people. Over the years, many examples of student artwork, as well as gifts,
have been swapped.

The Ota Club is the non-profit organization which plans and executes the trips each year.

2026 marked the 35th anniversary of the partnership between Salem and Ota, Japan. Chairperson of the City Assembly of Ota, Japan, Takayuki Suzuki was in attendance for the Salem Heritage Days Festival in August 2026 and congratulated Salem on their quadricentennial anniversary.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Places]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Japan (sister city)'''

[https://www.salem.com/mayors-office/pages/sister-city-ota-japan Sister City, Ota, Japan] city website

"Seeing Salem's sister city: trip to Japan makes an impression" ''Salem News'', Aug. 27, 2009, p. 11

"Our cities' siblings: from Japan to Russia, overseas communities maintain ties to region's municipalities" ''Boston Sunday Globe'', May 8, 2005, N. 02

"Japanese impress Salem" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 14, 1995, p. 8

"Sister cities' develop cultural exchange; Japanese eighth-graders to visit Salem next year" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 11, 1992, p. 9

"Salem cements tie to Japan community" ''Salem Evening News'', Nov. 26, 1991, p. 1

*"Salem culture shines through - Return of Heritage Days Parade and Festival draws hundreds of marchers, thousands of spectators" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 9, 2026, p. A01

Salem Heritage Days

2026-08-26T20:48:06Z

Mflorea:

A long-standing tradition started in 1962 and continuing today, the '''Salem Heritage Days''' takes place in the second week of August.

The first Salem Heritage Days on Aug. 9th 1962, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, was presented on Riley Plaza. The producer was international fashion authority, Carol Nashe. It consisted of a musical revue, with singers such as Ray Dorey and music from the McDonald Plaid bagpipe band, which piped is way from the Bridge Street overpass to Riley Plaza. The entertainment included sports personalities and a fashion show, ending with a block dance.
It drew big crowds, and according to the Salem Evening News, 15,000 people were expected to attend the 1963 event.

Television personality Rex Trailer joined the Salem Heritage Days Parade in 2001, on Aug. 19, 2001.

The present day Heritage Days events last a full week, including activities such as a Street Fair, Scooper Bowl, Dog Show, music concerts, Kid's night, Chowderfest and a popular Road Race.

The first road race began in 1965 with 100 entrants. Women didn't run the race until 1971. It was inspired by the Olympic's 10,000 meter (6.2 miles) race.

The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days Festival. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in honor of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026. The theme was ''Salem Through the Centuries'' and over 70 organizations took part in the parade.

2026 marked the 35th anniversary of the partnership between Salem and Ota, Japan. Chairperson of the City Assembly of Ota, Japan, Takayuki Suzuki was in attendance for the Salem Heritage Days Festival in August 2026 and congratulated Salem on their quadricentennial anniversary.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
* Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Heritage Days'''

*"Gala Extravaganza planned for Riley Plaza Thursday" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 7, 1962, p. 1

*"Expect 15,000 will attend Heritage Festival Tomorrow" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 8, 1963. p.1

*"City ready to kick of Heritage Days festivities" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 5, 1999, p. A1

*"Tuning in to the pyrotechnics: WBACH teaming up with Heritage Days Committee for festival's finale" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 11, 1993 p. A1

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Salem culture shines through - Return of Heritage Days Parade and Festival draws hundreds of marchers, thousands of spectators" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 9, 2026, p. A01

St. Peter's Church

2026-08-26T20:34:13Z

Mflorea:

*St. Peter's Church (Episcopal) is located at 24 St. Peter St. at Brown and St. Peter Square.
*The present day granite masonry Gothic Revival church replaced the first St. Peter's Church, a wooden structure built on the same site in 1733/34.
*The church was designed in 1833 by Isaiah Rogers (1800-1969), the nationally renowned Boston architect. The original structure was enlarged in 1845/1846, and new interiors were added in 1864 and rear chapel was expanded in 1871. One story high, with a low hipped roof, the church is dominated by a square bell tower centered on the front facade. The church is largely preserved in its original state.
*St. Peter's was founded in 1733, soon after permission was granted for religious groups other than Congregationalists to worship in the colony. The land on which the church is built was donated by Phillip English, a wealthy merchant. During the Revolutionary War years, St. Peter's was a focus for anti-British sentiment.
*St. Peter's has a small cemetery. The small burial ground is located on either side of the tall front tower of St. Peter's Church. The two areas are contained by iron fences set on granite curbing with granite posts. As of 1998 there were approximately 40 headstones.
*St. Peter's Church will soon host an exhibit that was formerly housed at Old Town Hall. The exhibit, created by local artist Karen Gross, is a compilation of letters and drawings of children detained by ICE in a Texas detention center detailing their experiences. The exhibit contains the aforementioned letters and drawings and responses from students and faculty of the Salem High School.

[[Image:St.Peterschurch.jpg]]

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Churches]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Churches'''

*[http://www.stpeters-sanpedro.org/ St. Peter's/ San Pedro] Church website

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1356094 Architecture in Salem] by Bryant F. Tolles, Jr., p.113-4

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2058426 A brief history of St. Peter's Church] by Clinton T. Macy

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1657961 Historical Sketch of Salem] by Charles S. Osgood, p. 87

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2382888 Essex Institute Historical Collection] Vol. II, #5, p. 258

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/3486462 St. Peter's Church in Salem, Massachusetts before the Revolution[] by Harriet S. Tapley

*[http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=47989 St. Peter's Episcopal Church Marker] Historical Marker Database

*"St. Peter's shows its true colors" ''Salem News'', Dec. 12, 2007, p.A1
*"Church honors rector with dedication of window", ''Salem Evening News'', July 3, 1998, p.B3
*"St. Peter's celebrates installation of new organ" ''Salem Evening News'', Nov. 9, 1998, p C3
*[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1966954/saint-peters-church-cemetery St. Peter's cemetery] Find a grave
*Exhibit highlights voices of children in ICE detention - Display moves from Old Town Hall to St. Peter's Church" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 8, 2026, p. A01

St. Peter's Church

2026-08-26T20:33:41Z

Mflorea:

Baker's Island

2026-08-20T18:24:43Z

Mflorea:

'''Baker's Island'''
Lying in Salem Harbor, four miles out from the Salem Willow's Pier and three miles from Marblehead. Baker's Island is half a mile long and a third of a mile wide and contains 55 acres.
No information is known about how it got its name, but Baker's Island dates back to at least 1631 when the island was claimed by the newly organized Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its governor, John Winthrop.

In 1678 the town leased the island to John Turner and he built a summer home there. The island stayed in the Turner family until 1770, when it was sold to John Erving of Boston.

In 1877 a portion of the island was purchased by a homeopathic doctor from Salem named Nathan Morse.
The doctor converted a farmhouse into a hotel called the Winne-Egan with 50 guest rooms. Guests could sail, fish, swim, play tennis and play 6 rounds of golf. The popular inn lasted until a fire on April 25th, 1906 burned it to the ground.
Today, there are approximately 60 summer homes on this private island.

'''Baker's Island Lighthouses'''

The first lighthouse on Baker's Island was erected in 1791 by members of the [[Salem Marine Society]]. A second lighthouse (taller) was erected in 1878. The lights were affectionately called Ma and Pa Baker.
The smaller lighthouse was razed in 1916. The remaining light was electrified in 1938 and is partially powered by solar energy.
The light station, which is public property, includes the 1870 lighthouse-a national historic site-and several related buildings on about 10 acres. The light station was given in 2006 to the Essex National Heritage Commission to upkeep and is now open for limited tours. A deed transfer occurred in
Aug. 27, 2014 to transfer the land from the U.S. Coast Guard to the Essex National Heritage Commission.
Regular trips will be offered to the public starting in the summer of 2015 to visit the lighthouse on Baker's Island, through the Essex National Heritage Commission.

The Baker's Island Light Station was placed on the list of ''National Register of Historic Places'' in 1976.

[[Image:BakersIslandLights.jpg]]

After more than 50 years away at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland, Maine, the "Fresnel" lens of the Baker's Island Light was returned to Salem in 2026. The lens was produced by Chance Brothers & Co. in 1903 in England and installation on Baker's Island took place in 1926. The lens guided seaman through Salem Sound from 1926 to 1972 when it was removed due to automation and housed at Maine Lighthouse Museum.

Essex Heritage facilitated the return of the lens and launched a $20,000 campaign (titled "Bringing the Light Home") for conservation assessment, a custom display case, UV protection, environmental monitoring, and interpretive exhibit development. The late Coast Guardsman, Ken Black (known by the lighthouse preservation community as "Mr. Lighthouse"), played a large part in the preservation of the lens. Black arranged for the Fresnel lens to be placed on display at the Shore Village Museum, now known as the Maine Lighthouse Museum.

Visitors can view the lens on Baker's Island in the Assistant Keeper's House.

==See Also==
*Postcard courtesy of CardCow.com

*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Islands'''
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Lighthouses'''
*[https://www.bakersislandlight.org/ Bakers Island Light] Essex Heritage website
*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/2045199 A Baker's Island Chronicle 1964-1988] Baker's Island Association
*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/1767824 Now, then, Baker's Island] by DeWitt D. Wise.
*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157670746281168 Baker's Island] Salem State Archives (photos)
*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1738670 Massachusetts Lighthouses] B. Courtney Thompson, p. 26-7
*"Fight brews over Baker's Island Light"'' Salem News'', April 30, 2005. p.1
*"Judge upholds transfer of light station" ''Salem News'', Oct. 26, 2006, p. A1
*"Region's resort history remembered" ''Salem News'', July 16, 2007, p A9
*"Island in the sun; serenity reigns on Salem's Baker's Island" ''Salem Evening News'', June 5, 1990, p.11
*"Baker's Island, a world apart" ''Salem Evening News'', July 19, 1974, p.12
*"Nice view if you can get it; legal battles continues on Baker's Island" ''Salem News'', Mar. 27, 2009, p. 1
*"Grant a boost for tours to island" ''Salem News'', Jan. 18, 2011, p. 1
*"Making the switch: Baker's Island light is transferred to Heritage group" ''Salem News'', Aug. 28, 2014
*"A glimpse at Baker's Island" ''Salem News'', July 1, 2015, p. 1
*"Salem's Bakers Island Light Lens Returns Home After More Than 50 Years" ''Patch'', May 18, 2026
*"Historic Fresnel lens now on view to the public" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug 8, 2026, p. A01

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Places]]
[[Category:Islands]]

Salem Heritage Days

2026-08-18T20:14:42Z

Mflorea:

A long-standing tradition started in 1962 and continuing today, the '''Salem Heritage Days''' takes place in the second week of August.

The first Salem Heritage Days on Aug. 9th 1962, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, was presented on Riley Plaza. The producer was international fashion authority, Carol Nashe. It consisted of a musical revue, with singers such as Ray Dorey and music from the McDonald Plaid bagpipe band, which piped is way from the Bridge Street overpass to Riley Plaza. The entertainment included sports personalities and a fashion show, ending with a block dance.
It drew big crowds, and according to the Salem Evening News, 15,000 people were expected to attend the 1963 event.

Television personality Rex Trailer joined the Salem Heritage Days Parade in 2001, on Aug. 19, 2001.

The present day Heritage Days events last a full week, including activities such as a Street Fair, Scooper Bowl, Dog Show, music concerts, Kid's night, Chowderfest and a popular Road Race.

The first road race began in 1965 with 100 entrants. Women didn't run the race until 1971. It was inspired by the Olympic's 10,000 meter (6.2 miles) race.

The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in honor of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
* Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Heritage Days'''

*"Gala Extravaganza planned for Riley Plaza Thursday" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 7, 1962, p. 1

*"Expect 15,000 will attend Heritage Festival Tomorrow" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 8, 1963. p.1

*"City ready to kick of Heritage Days festivities" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 5, 1999, p. A1

*"Tuning in to the pyrotechnics: WBACH teaming up with Heritage Days Committee for festival's finale" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 11, 1993 p. A1

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-08-18T20:14:17Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem 400+ Celebration''' refers to the city of Salem's 400th anniversary celebrations that will take place in 2026 honoring the city's rich heritage. The event will kick off on January 10, 2026 at Salem High School. More information can be found at https://www.salem400.org/.

*In February 2026, Salem resident Karen Scalia initiated a "sister city" discussion with East Budleigh, England for the 400th anniversary celebration. Roger Conant, a New England colonist famous for establishing the city of Salem, was born in East Budleigh in April 1592. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal after Scalia delivered a letter in June 2025 from Mayor Pangallo with Bicton Parish Council. The resolution was filed by Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the connection will be celebrated during the Food at 400+ festival in June 2026.

*As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, the city announced that they will be restoring its President George Washington Landsdowne portrait, which is displayed at city hall. Wellpoint, a health benefits company will be fully funding the museum-grade restoration. The portrait is set to be revealed publicly during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations.

*In 2026, Harmony Grove Cemetery launched a new walking tour titled, "From City Hall to Sacred Ground: Honoring Salem's First Mayor Leverett Saltonstall and Those Who Followed". The event included a lecture by Peter Drummey, retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall as well as a self-guided walking tour of the 21 gravesites of former mayors of Salem. The tour was created for the Salem 400+ celebration. The self-guided walking tour will be available throughout the year.

*In June, Salem Food Tours will be presenting a 12-day festival in honor of Salem's 400th anniversary, celebrating the culinary history and current food culture of the city. The event will be titled '''Food at 400+''' and will feature various programming with events from historic open houses, speaker programs with topics like historically inspired restaurant menus, craft beverages, an urban farm visit, food-themed films, and an event featuring celebrity chef Scott Conant (Scott is a 13th-generation descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant). Over 17 restaurants will feature historically inspired menu items in an event titled '''Dine Back in Time'''. There will also be an event titled '''Sip Back in Time''' featuring Salem beverages of the past.

*Salem State University announced that they will be presenting an exhibit titled '''Mapping a Century of Salem 1926-2026''' in celebration of Salem 400+ Celebration. The exhibit will be free and available to the public from June 18-mid September at Old Town Hall. The exhibit will feature oral histories and allow the public to contribute their own stories of their experience in Salem. There will be maps, historical photographs, and other materials and was developed by Salem State University's College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives. The exhibit will touch on World War II, urban renewal, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, the immigrant experience, and "Witch City" tourism of the past century. A special part of the program will be oral histories, video interviews, photographs and digital story maps featuring immigrant experiences, especially from individuals from Salem's The Point neighborhood.

*The city will host a Family Field Day in July at Forest River Park in celebration of Salem 400+. Events will include a kickball tournament, tug of war, potato sack races, and other competitions for residents. The event will be free for Salem residents.

*The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

*As part of Salem 400+ Celebrations, the Peabody Essex Museum is hosting artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin at their Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop. The shop (also called a "ten-footer") will be held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 29. Visitors will be able to watch Geurin build boots using traditional shoe building tools. "Ten footer" shoe shops were once a common shop around Salem and the rest of the area. Visitors will learn more about traditional shoe making and the history of craftspeople, including the gender roles of the builders.

*The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in honor of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem 400+'''

Event Website - https://www.salem400.org/

*"Salem 400+ celebration to kickoff at SHS" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 1, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem Forges Sister City Bond with English City for Quadricentennial" ''Patch'', Feb. 13, 2026

*"Salem To Restore George Washington Portrait At City Hall For 400+ Anniversary" ''Patch''. May 8, 2026

*"Salem's many mayors" ''Salem Evening News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''Salem Evening News'', June 10, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Exhibit To Trace Witch City's Last 100 Years In New Exhibit" ''Patch'' May 22, 2026

*"Salem Sets First Family Field Day At Forest River Park" ''Patch'' June 18, 2026

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*"Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-08-18T20:13:48Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem 400+ Celebration''' refers to the city of Salem's 400th anniversary celebrations that will take place in 2026 honoring the city's rich heritage. The event will kick off on January 10, 2026 at Salem High School. More information can be found at https://www.salem400.org/.

*In February 2026, Salem resident Karen Scalia initiated a "sister city" discussion with East Budleigh, England for the 400th anniversary celebration. Roger Conant, a New England colonist famous for establishing the city of Salem, was born in East Budleigh in April 1592. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal after Scalia delivered a letter in June 2025 from Mayor Pangallo with Bicton Parish Council. The resolution was filed by Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the connection will be celebrated during the Food at 400+ festival in June 2026.

*As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, the city announced that they will be restoring its President George Washington Landsdowne portrait, which is displayed at city hall. Wellpoint, a health benefits company will be fully funding the museum-grade restoration. The portrait is set to be revealed publicly during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations.

*In 2026, Harmony Grove Cemetery launched a new walking tour titled, "From City Hall to Sacred Ground: Honoring Salem's First Mayor Leverett Saltonstall and Those Who Followed". The event included a lecture by Peter Drummey, retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall as well as a self-guided walking tour of the 21 gravesites of former mayors of Salem. The tour was created for the Salem 400+ celebration. The self-guided walking tour will be available throughout the year.

*In June, Salem Food Tours will be presenting a 12-day festival in honor of Salem's 400th anniversary, celebrating the culinary history and current food culture of the city. The event will be titled '''Food at 400+''' and will feature various programming with events from historic open houses, speaker programs with topics like historically inspired restaurant menus, craft beverages, an urban farm visit, food-themed films, and an event featuring celebrity chef Scott Conant (Scott is a 13th-generation descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant). Over 17 restaurants will feature historically inspired menu items in an event titled '''Dine Back in Time'''. There will also be an event titled '''Sip Back in Time''' featuring Salem beverages of the past.

*Salem State University announced that they will be presenting an exhibit titled '''Mapping a Century of Salem 1926-2026''' in celebration of Salem 400+ Celebration. The exhibit will be free and available to the public from June 18-mid September at Old Town Hall. The exhibit will feature oral histories and allow the public to contribute their own stories of their experience in Salem. There will be maps, historical photographs, and other materials and was developed by Salem State University's College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives. The exhibit will touch on World War II, urban renewal, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, the immigrant experience, and "Witch City" tourism of the past century. A special part of the program will be oral histories, video interviews, photographs and digital story maps featuring immigrant experiences, especially from individuals from Salem's The Point neighborhood.

*The city will host a Family Field Day in July at Forest River Park in celebration of Salem 400+. Events will include a kickball tournament, tug of war, potato sack races, and other competitions for residents. The event will be free for Salem residents.

*The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

*As part of Salem 400+ Celebrations, the Peabody Essex Museum is hosting artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin at their Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop. The shop (also called a "ten-footer") will be held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 29. Visitors will be able to watch Geurin build boots using traditional shoe building tools. "Ten footer" shoe shops were once a common shop around Salem and the rest of the area. Visitors will learn more about traditional shoe making and the history of craftspeople, including the gender roles of the builders.

*The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in celebration of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem 400+'''

Event Website - https://www.salem400.org/

*"Salem 400+ celebration to kickoff at SHS" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 1, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem Forges Sister City Bond with English City for Quadricentennial" ''Patch'', Feb. 13, 2026

*"Salem To Restore George Washington Portrait At City Hall For 400+ Anniversary" ''Patch''. May 8, 2026

*"Salem's many mayors" ''Salem Evening News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''Salem Evening News'', June 10, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Exhibit To Trace Witch City's Last 100 Years In New Exhibit" ''Patch'' May 22, 2026

*"Salem Sets First Family Field Day At Forest River Park" ''Patch'' June 18, 2026

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*"Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-08-18T20:13:13Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem 400+ Celebration''' refers to the city of Salem's 400th anniversary celebrations that will take place in 2026 honoring the city's rich heritage. The event will kick off on January 10, 2026 at Salem High School. More information can be found at https://www.salem400.org/.

*In February 2026, Salem resident Karen Scalia initiated a "sister city" discussion with East Budleigh, England for the 400th anniversary celebration. Roger Conant, a New England colonist famous for establishing the city of Salem, was born in East Budleigh in April 1592. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal after Scalia delivered a letter in June 2025 from Mayor Pangallo with Bicton Parish Council. The resolution was filed by Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the connection will be celebrated during the Food at 400+ festival in June 2026.

*As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, the city announced that they will be restoring its President George Washington Landsdowne portrait, which is displayed at city hall. Wellpoint, a health benefits company will be fully funding the museum-grade restoration. The portrait is set to be revealed publicly during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations.

*In 2026, Harmony Grove Cemetery launched a new walking tour titled, "From City Hall to Sacred Ground: Honoring Salem's First Mayor Leverett Saltonstall and Those Who Followed". The event included a lecture by Peter Drummey, retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall as well as a self-guided walking tour of the 21 gravesites of former mayors of Salem. The tour was created for the Salem 400+ celebration. The self-guided walking tour will be available throughout the year.

*In June, Salem Food Tours will be presenting a 12-day festival in honor of Salem's 400th anniversary, celebrating the culinary history and current food culture of the city. The event will be titled '''Food at 400+''' and will feature various programming with events from historic open houses, speaker programs with topics like historically inspired restaurant menus, craft beverages, an urban farm visit, food-themed films, and an event featuring celebrity chef Scott Conant (Scott is a 13th-generation descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant). Over 17 restaurants will feature historically inspired menu items in an event titled '''Dine Back in Time'''. There will also be an event titled '''Sip Back in Time''' featuring Salem beverages of the past.

*Salem State University announced that they will be presenting an exhibit titled '''Mapping a Century of Salem 1926-2026''' in celebration of Salem 400+ Celebration. The exhibit will be free and available to the public from June 18-mid September at Old Town Hall. The exhibit will feature oral histories and allow the public to contribute their own stories of their experience in Salem. There will be maps, historical photographs, and other materials and was developed by Salem State University's College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives. The exhibit will touch on World War II, urban renewal, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, the immigrant experience, and "Witch City" tourism of the past century. A special part of the program will be oral histories, video interviews, photographs and digital story maps featuring immigrant experiences, especially from individuals from Salem's The Point neighborhood.

*The city will host a Family Field Day in July at Forest River Park in celebration of Salem 400+. Events will include a kickball tournament, tug of war, potato sack races, and other competitions for residents. The event will be free for Salem residents.

*The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

*As part of Salem 400+ Celebrations, the Peabody Essex Museum is hosting artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin at their Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop. The shop (also called a "ten-footer") will be held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 29. Visitors will be able to watch Geurin build boots using traditional shoe building tools. "Ten footer" shoe shops were once a common shop around Salem and the rest of the area. Visitors will learn more about traditional shoe making and the history of craftspeople, including the gender roles of the builders.

The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in celebration of Salem's 400+ Celebrations.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem 400+'''

Event Website - https://www.salem400.org/

*"Salem 400+ celebration to kickoff at SHS" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 1, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem Forges Sister City Bond with English City for Quadricentennial" ''Patch'', Feb. 13, 2026

*"Salem To Restore George Washington Portrait At City Hall For 400+ Anniversary" ''Patch''. May 8, 2026

*"Salem's many mayors" ''Salem Evening News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''Salem Evening News'', June 10, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Exhibit To Trace Witch City's Last 100 Years In New Exhibit" ''Patch'' May 22, 2026

*"Salem Sets First Family Field Day At Forest River Park" ''Patch'' June 18, 2026

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*"Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

Salem Heritage Days

2026-08-18T20:13:00Z

Mflorea:

A long-standing tradition started in 1962 and continuing today, the '''Salem Heritage Days''' takes place in the second week of August.

The first Salem Heritage Days on Aug. 9th 1962, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, was presented on Riley Plaza. The producer was international fashion authority, Carol Nashe. It consisted of a musical revue, with singers such as Ray Dorey and music from the McDonald Plaid bagpipe band, which piped is way from the Bridge Street overpass to Riley Plaza. The entertainment included sports personalities and a fashion show, ending with a block dance.
It drew big crowds, and according to the Salem Evening News, 15,000 people were expected to attend the 1963 event.

Television personality Rex Trailer joined the Salem Heritage Days Parade in 2001, on Aug. 19, 2001.

The present day Heritage Days events last a full week, including activities such as a Street Fair, Scooper Bowl, Dog Show, music concerts, Kid's night, Chowderfest and a popular Road Race.

The first road race began in 1965 with 100 entrants. Women didn't run the race until 1971. It was inspired by the Olympic's 10,000 meter (6.2 miles) race.

The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in celebration of Salem's 400+ Celebrations.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
* Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Heritage Days'''

*"Gala Extravaganza planned for Riley Plaza Thursday" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 7, 1962, p. 1

*"Expect 15,000 will attend Heritage Festival Tomorrow" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 8, 1963. p.1

*"City ready to kick of Heritage Days festivities" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 5, 1999, p. A1

*"Tuning in to the pyrotechnics: WBACH teaming up with Heritage Days Committee for festival's finale" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 11, 1993 p. A1

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

Salem Heritage Days

2026-08-18T20:12:40Z

Mflorea:

A long-standing tradition started in 1962 and continuing today, the '''Salem Heritage Days''' takes place in the second week of August.

The first Salem Heritage Days on Aug. 9th 1962, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, was presented on Riley Plaza. The producer was international fashion authority, Carol Nashe. It consisted of a musical revue, with singers such as Ray Dorey and music from the McDonald Plaid bagpipe band, which piped is way from the Bridge Street overpass to Riley Plaza. The entertainment included sports personalities and a fashion show, ending with a block dance.
It drew big crowds, and according to the Salem Evening News, 15,000 people were expected to attend the 1963 event.

Television personality Rex Trailer joined the Salem Heritage Days Parade in 2001, on Aug. 19, 2001.

The present day Heritage Days events last a full week, including activities such as a Street Fair, Scooper Bowl, Dog Show, music concerts, Kid's night, Chowderfest and a popular Road Race.

The first road race began in 1965 with 100 entrants. Women didn't run the race until 1971. It was inspired by the Olympic's 10,000 meter (6.2 miles) race.

The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to Salem for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in celebration of Salem's 400+ Celebrations.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
* Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Heritage Days'''

*"Gala Extravaganza planned for Riley Plaza Thursday" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 7, 1962, p. 1

*"Expect 15,000 will attend Heritage Festival Tomorrow" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 8, 1963. p.1

*"City ready to kick of Heritage Days festivities" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 5, 1999, p. A1

*"Tuning in to the pyrotechnics: WBACH teaming up with Heritage Days Committee for festival's finale" ''Salem Evening News'', Aug. 11, 1993 p. A1

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-08-18T20:12:39Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem 400+ Celebration''' refers to the city of Salem's 400th anniversary celebrations that will take place in 2026 honoring the city's rich heritage. The event will kick off on January 10, 2026 at Salem High School. More information can be found at https://www.salem400.org/.

*In February 2026, Salem resident Karen Scalia initiated a "sister city" discussion with East Budleigh, England for the 400th anniversary celebration. Roger Conant, a New England colonist famous for establishing the city of Salem, was born in East Budleigh in April 1592. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal after Scalia delivered a letter in June 2025 from Mayor Pangallo with Bicton Parish Council. The resolution was filed by Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the connection will be celebrated during the Food at 400+ festival in June 2026.

*As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, the city announced that they will be restoring its President George Washington Landsdowne portrait, which is displayed at city hall. Wellpoint, a health benefits company will be fully funding the museum-grade restoration. The portrait is set to be revealed publicly during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations.

*In 2026, Harmony Grove Cemetery launched a new walking tour titled, "From City Hall to Sacred Ground: Honoring Salem's First Mayor Leverett Saltonstall and Those Who Followed". The event included a lecture by Peter Drummey, retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall as well as a self-guided walking tour of the 21 gravesites of former mayors of Salem. The tour was created for the Salem 400+ celebration. The self-guided walking tour will be available throughout the year.

*In June, Salem Food Tours will be presenting a 12-day festival in honor of Salem's 400th anniversary, celebrating the culinary history and current food culture of the city. The event will be titled '''Food at 400+''' and will feature various programming with events from historic open houses, speaker programs with topics like historically inspired restaurant menus, craft beverages, an urban farm visit, food-themed films, and an event featuring celebrity chef Scott Conant (Scott is a 13th-generation descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant). Over 17 restaurants will feature historically inspired menu items in an event titled '''Dine Back in Time'''. There will also be an event titled '''Sip Back in Time''' featuring Salem beverages of the past.

*Salem State University announced that they will be presenting an exhibit titled '''Mapping a Century of Salem 1926-2026''' in celebration of Salem 400+ Celebration. The exhibit will be free and available to the public from June 18-mid September at Old Town Hall. The exhibit will feature oral histories and allow the public to contribute their own stories of their experience in Salem. There will be maps, historical photographs, and other materials and was developed by Salem State University's College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives. The exhibit will touch on World War II, urban renewal, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, the immigrant experience, and "Witch City" tourism of the past century. A special part of the program will be oral histories, video interviews, photographs and digital story maps featuring immigrant experiences, especially from individuals from Salem's The Point neighborhood.

*The city will host a Family Field Day in July at Forest River Park in celebration of Salem 400+. Events will include a kickball tournament, tug of war, potato sack races, and other competitions for residents. The event will be free for Salem residents.

*The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

*As part of Salem 400+ Celebrations, the Peabody Essex Museum is hosting artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin at their Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop. The shop (also called a "ten-footer") will be held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 29. Visitors will be able to watch Geurin build boots using traditional shoe building tools. "Ten footer" shoe shops were once a common shop around Salem and the rest of the area. Visitors will learn more about traditional shoe making and the history of craftspeople, including the gender roles of the builders.

The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to Salem for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in celebration of Salem's 400+ Celebrations.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem 400+'''

Event Website - https://www.salem400.org/

*"Salem 400+ celebration to kickoff at SHS" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 1, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem Forges Sister City Bond with English City for Quadricentennial" ''Patch'', Feb. 13, 2026

*"Salem To Restore George Washington Portrait At City Hall For 400+ Anniversary" ''Patch''. May 8, 2026

*"Salem's many mayors" ''Salem Evening News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''Salem Evening News'', June 10, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Exhibit To Trace Witch City's Last 100 Years In New Exhibit" ''Patch'' May 22, 2026

*"Salem Sets First Family Field Day At Forest River Park" ''Patch'' June 18, 2026

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*"Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

Essex Heritage

2026-08-18T18:55:08Z

Mflorea:

'''Essex Heritage''' is a non-profit that manages, preserves, and promotes the Essex National Heritage Area, which encompasses 34 cities and towns in Essex County, Massachusetts. The Essex National Heritage Area was created by an act of Congress in 1996.

*In 2026, Essex Heritage announced the election of six new commissioners to serve between the years of 2026 and 2029. They are as follows:

Dr. Kabria Baumgartner - Professor of history and Africana studies at Northeastern University
Emma Hughen - Education program manager at Ipswich River Watershed Association
Jeff Schwartz - Executive director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Eriksen - Creative director of Good Brand Partners
Dan Gagnon - Historian and Peabody High School Teacher (Author of ''A Salem Witch: The Trial, Execution, and Exoneration of Rebecca Nurse'')
Richard Lindeman - President of Historic Salem, Inc.
*Two new trustees were also announced in 2026.
David Haley - Senior vice president of commercial lending at Salem Five Bank
Dr. Kurt Steinberg - Chief operating officer and director of collection services at the Peabody Essex Museum

*In 2026, Essex Heritage celebrated 25 years of their Trails and Sails program. Trails and Sails is an annual free event series showcasing hiking trails, historic sites, museums, farms, activities for families and more of Essex National Heritage Area. The program offers 16 days of free events and cultural immersion.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Essex Heritage'''

[https://essexheritage.org/about/ Essex Heritage] Essex Heritage Website

*"Essex Heritage Elects New Commissioners, Trustees" ''Patch'', April 24, 2026

*"Essex Heritage celebrates 25 years of Trails & Sails program" ''Salem Evening News'', July 29, 2026, p. A03

Lifebridge

2026-08-18T18:29:33Z

Mflorea:

Lifebridge, the former Salem Mission, which provides housing and services for the homeless operates from the campus of the old St. Mary's Church complex. They offer educational programs and transitional apartments as well.

Lifebridge raised $220,000 at the annual event, "Together for Women: A Lifebridge Conversation" in 2026. A luncheon was centered on the theme, "Aging with Dignity" and discussed accessibility needs for aging women facing homelessness. Lifebridge Board Member Laura Tyrrell announced that a new building has been purchased to be used as a women-only shelter. The new building will be called River House.

For more details and history of this non-profit, see the [[Salem Mission]] entry.

Since March 2024, Lifebridge had been operating a temporary overflow homeless shelter at 47 Canal St, the former other half of Lifebridge's thrift shop. Due to the expiration of federal funding, the temporary shelter was closed in June 2026.

In July 2026, Lifebridge shared plans to renovate and update the shelter a more modern facility equipped with individual beds and studio apartments to give more privacy to residents. The renovations are set to be presented to the Planning Board before finalization.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Lifebridge'''

*"Housing the homeless: shelters find success, challenges under pandemic" ''Salem News'', Jan. 28, 2021, p. 1

*[http://www.lifebridgesalem.org/ Lifebridge(formerly Salem Mission)] Official website

*"Lifebridge Raises $220K At Women's 'Aging With Dignity' Event" ''Patch'', May 11, 2026

*"Canal Street homeless shelter shut" ''Salem Evening News'', July 2, 2026, p. A1

*"Developers share updated plan for Lifebridge shelter" ''Salem Evening News'', July 27, 2026, p. A01

Salem Police Department

2026-08-17T20:35:05Z

Mflorea:

Though Salem had patrolmen in the early days, city marshals and deputy sheriffs were used in the city prior to the city's incorporation in 1836. A map of the city shows the police station at 11 Front Street and a janitor of the police station was listed in 1865. The police remained on Front Street until they moved around the corner to their new headquarters on Central Street in 1914.
In 1975, the department had reached the size of 91 sworn personnel.

In February of 1992, the Salem Police Department moved into its new 31,000 sq. foot modern facility on Margin Street. The 6 million dollar facility is equipped with a state of the art Crime & Photo Lab, it has a 62 seat auditorium with audio/video tape capabilities and a five-lane, computer controlled firing range. The facility was named for former police chief Robert St. Pierre who retired in 2009 after 36 years of service, 25 years of those as chief.

Police Chief Paul Tucker took over from St. Pierre in 2009, upon his retiring. Tucker has a master's degree in criminal justice as well as a law degree from Massachusetts School of Law and grew up in Salem. He has been with the Department since 1983.

In 2012, city police began fundraising, hoping to bring 2 police dogs to work to aid the police department.

In March 2015, Capt. Mary Butler was chosen to replace Paul Tucker as police chief, when he was elected state representative. After 3 decades on the force, she
was the city’s first female chief and one of only a few women serving as police chiefs in Massachusetts. She retired from the force in July 2020.

In May of 2021, Salem welcomed Lucas J. Miller as Chief of Police.

In 2026, Mayor Pangallo announced that the city made the decision not to renew a contract with Flock Safety due to concerns about data storage and privacy of citizens. Flock ALPRs will be replaced with cameras that retain local control of data more efficiently.

[[Category:Browse Index]]

==See Also==

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem Police'''

[https://www.salemma.gov/158/Police-Department Salem Police Department] Website

[https://www.salem.com/salem-police-department/about/pages/department-history Salem Police Department History] Website

"Police losing 'the best boss'; St. Pierre will leave legacy of being tough, fair" ''Salem News'', July 22, 2009, p. 1

"For Salem police, Tucker era begins" ''Salem News'', Oct. 13, 2009, p. 1

"A new era for the Salem police" ''Salem Gazette'', Oct. 2, 2009, p. 18-20

"Salem's new police chief sworn in" ''Salem News'', Oct. 2, 2009, p.1

"Salem names police headquarters after former chief" ''Salem News'', May 12, 2010, p. 1

"Salem wants to add K-9s; private fundraising aims to bring 2 police dogs to city" ''Salem News'', July, 23, 2012, p. 1

"Mary Butler chosen to lead Salem police force" ''Salem News'', March 6, 2015, p. 1?

"Salem To End Flock Camera Pact, Will Keep Public Safety Surveillance" ''Patch'' July 23, 2026

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-08-17T20:22:31Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem 400+ Celebration''' refers to the city of Salem's 400th anniversary celebrations that will take place in 2026 honoring the city's rich heritage. The event will kick off on January 10, 2026 at Salem High School. More information can be found at https://www.salem400.org/.

*In February 2026, Salem resident Karen Scalia initiated a "sister city" discussion with East Budleigh, England for the 400th anniversary celebration. Roger Conant, a New England colonist famous for establishing the city of Salem, was born in East Budleigh in April 1592. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal after Scalia delivered a letter in June 2025 from Mayor Pangallo with Bicton Parish Council. The resolution was filed by Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the connection will be celebrated during the Food at 400+ festival in June 2026.

*As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, the city announced that they will be restoring its President George Washington Landsdowne portrait, which is displayed at city hall. Wellpoint, a health benefits company will be fully funding the museum-grade restoration. The portrait is set to be revealed publicly during the city's 400th anniversary celebrations.

*In 2026, Harmony Grove Cemetery launched a new walking tour titled, "From City Hall to Sacred Ground: Honoring Salem's First Mayor Leverett Saltonstall and Those Who Followed". The event included a lecture by Peter Drummey, retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall as well as a self-guided walking tour of the 21 gravesites of former mayors of Salem. The tour was created for the Salem 400+ celebration. The self-guided walking tour will be available throughout the year.

*In June, Salem Food Tours will be presenting a 12-day festival in honor of Salem's 400th anniversary, celebrating the culinary history and current food culture of the city. The event will be titled '''Food at 400+''' and will feature various programming with events from historic open houses, speaker programs with topics like historically inspired restaurant menus, craft beverages, an urban farm visit, food-themed films, and an event featuring celebrity chef Scott Conant (Scott is a 13th-generation descendant of Salem's founder, Roger Conant). Over 17 restaurants will feature historically inspired menu items in an event titled '''Dine Back in Time'''. There will also be an event titled '''Sip Back in Time''' featuring Salem beverages of the past.

*Salem State University announced that they will be presenting an exhibit titled '''Mapping a Century of Salem 1926-2026''' in celebration of Salem 400+ Celebration. The exhibit will be free and available to the public from June 18-mid September at Old Town Hall. The exhibit will feature oral histories and allow the public to contribute their own stories of their experience in Salem. There will be maps, historical photographs, and other materials and was developed by Salem State University's College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives. The exhibit will touch on World War II, urban renewal, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, the immigrant experience, and "Witch City" tourism of the past century. A special part of the program will be oral histories, video interviews, photographs and digital story maps featuring immigrant experiences, especially from individuals from Salem's The Point neighborhood.

*The city will host a Family Field Day in July at Forest River Park in celebration of Salem 400+. Events will include a kickball tournament, tug of war, potato sack races, and other competitions for residents. The event will be free for Salem residents.

*The ''Pride of Baltimore II'' will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

*As part of Salem 400+ Celebrations, the Peabody Essex Museum is hosting artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin at their Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop. The shop (also called a "ten-footer") will be held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 29. Visitors will be able to watch Geurin build boots using traditional shoe building tools. "Ten footer" shoe shops were once a common shop around Salem and the rest of the area. Visitors will learn more about traditional shoe making and the history of craftspeople, including the gender roles of the builders.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem 400+'''

Event Website - https://www.salem400.org/

*"Salem 400+ celebration to kickoff at SHS" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 1, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem Forges Sister City Bond with English City for Quadricentennial" ''Patch'', Feb. 13, 2026

*"Salem To Restore George Washington Portrait At City Hall For 400+ Anniversary" ''Patch''. May 8, 2026

*"Salem's many mayors" ''Salem Evening News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''Salem Evening News'', June 10, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Exhibit To Trace Witch City's Last 100 Years In New Exhibit" ''Patch'' May 22, 2026

*"Salem Sets First Family Field Day At Forest River Park" ''Patch'' June 18, 2026

*"Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" ''Patch'' July 9, 2026

*"Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" ''salemma.gov'' July 15, 2026

*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

Haunted Warren Museum

2026-08-17T14:51:16Z

Mflorea:

The '''Haunted Warren Museum''' is a mixed media experience set to open in August 2026 by business partners Elton Castee and comedian Matt Rife. The museum will feature guided tours of 13-15 exhibit spaces with paranormal artifacts from around the world, Rife and Castee will feature the "Annabelle" doll from paranormal investigator husband and wife team, Ed and Lorraine Warren in the museum. The museum will be at the former site of Haunt Blackcraft at 259 Essex St.

*In March 2026, the museum was granted a 90 day trial period of a late closing time of 12 am midnight. This latest development follows a request by owner Elton Castee for a daily closing time of 2 am. Residents are disgruntled with this proposal as they believe it will lead to excessive noise in the early hours of the morning.

*The museum announced in May 2026 that they will be opening for a limited time on August 26. The opening will feature a guided tour and guests will purchase tickets in advance for specific entry times, with no outdoor queuing. The owners hope to be open until Christmas and then relocate.

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Businesses'''

*"Council OK's late closure for museum" ''Salem Evening News'', March 31, 2026, p. A1

*"Paranormal artifacts museum to open Aug. 26" ''Salem Evening News, May 25, 2026, p. A1

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Businesses]]

Salem Jazz and Soul Fesitval

2026-08-17T14:38:28Z

Mflorea:

The '''''Salem Jazz and Soul Festival''''' is a nonprofit that arranges free community concerts to the North Shore and raises money for music education in the area. The first annual fundraiser and concert held at Salem Willows Park was held on April 21, 2007. The main festival has continued annually since the first fundraiser and takes place in August each year. The festival draws crowds of more than 6,000 each year. There are also multiple smaller concerts and fundraisers put on by SJSF throughout the year around the North Shore.

The festival seeks to recreate the jazz scene and culture created in the early 20th century at the Salem Willows when pianist and composer Duke Ellington and other musicians from the Big Band era played at Charleshurst Ballroom.

*Since the year 2007, Salem Jazz and Soul Festival has raised $70,000 in efforts to educate people in music on the North Shore.

*The festival line up for 2026 featured local high school artists to national musicians such as The Nth Power and Dwayne Dopsie and Zydeco Hellraiser.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem Jazz and Soul Festival'''

[https://www.salemjazzsoul.org/ Salem Jazz and Soul Festival]
Salem Jazz and Soul Festival Website

*"Salem Jazz and Soul Festival brings national talent to local stage" ''Salem Evening News'', July 24, 2026, p. A11

Salem Jazz and Soul Fesitval

2026-08-17T14:37:29Z

Mflorea: Created page with "The ''Salem Jazz and Soul Festival'' is a nonprofit that arranges free community concerts to the North Shore and raises money for music education in the area. The first annual fundraiser and concert held at Salem Willows Park was held on April 21, 2007. The main festival has continued annually since the first fundraiser and takes place in August each year. The festival draws crowds of more than 6,000 each year. There are also multiple smaller concerts and fundraisers pu..."

The ''Salem Jazz and Soul Festival'' is a nonprofit that arranges free community concerts to the North Shore and raises money for music education in the area. The first annual fundraiser and concert held at Salem Willows Park was held on April 21, 2007. The main festival has continued annually since the first fundraiser and takes place in August each year. The festival draws crowds of more than 6,000 each year. There are also multiple smaller concerts and fundraisers put on by SJSF throughout the year around the North Shore.

The festival seeks to recreate the jazz scene and culture created in the early 20th century at the Salem Willows when pianist and composer Duke Ellington and other musicians from the Big Band era played at Charleshurst Ballroom.

*Since the year 2007, Salem Jazz and Soul Festival has raised $70,000 in efforts to educate people in music on the North Shore.

*The festival line up for 2026 featured local high school artists to national musicians such as The Nth Power and Dwayne Dopsie and Zydeco Hellraiser.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Events]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem Jazz and Soul Festival'''

[https://www.salemjazzsoul.org/ Salem Jazz and Soul Festival]
Salem Jazz and Soul Festival Website

*"Salem Jazz and Soul Festival brings national talent to local stage" ''Salem Evening News'', July 24, 2026, p. A11

Salem Offshore Wind Terminal

2026-08-07T15:18:28Z

Mflorea:

The '''Salem Offshore Wind Terminal''' was announced to be in development at the site of Salem Harbor Station in 2021, with agreements to develop the site in 2024. According to the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal site, "The terminal will be a logistics and operations center for turbine pre-assembly, transportation, staging activities and storage of assembly components." The project will redevelop the Salem Harbor Station and will create more than 800 jobs. The partnership is between Crowley, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), and the City of Salem.

In April 2026, the Healey-Driscoll administration filed legislation (House Bill 5377) to redirect up to $70M to the new offshore wind terminal project. The Offshore Wind Tax Incentive Program was originally meant for an owner of an offshore wind facility rather than something like the wind terminal in Salem. Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) had not received any applications in the prior two years, but had budgeted $35M for both. This money will support the first phase of construction in Salem. If the legislature is approved, construction will be able to begin. Once completed, the project will be the second offshore wind terminal in the state other than New Bedford.

The project, estimated to cost $250M-$300 (In addition to $75M from MassCEC, Salem Offshore Wind Terminal was supposed to receive $36M in grants from the federal government). In August 2025, the Department of Transportation rescinded $34M of the $36M grant promised to the project. Plans are being made to design a new port to account for the loss of the funds.

As of May 2026, the project is paused due to ongoing political conflicts with the Trump administration, including a January 2025 executive order by Trump halting new leases for offshore wind.

Further information about the project is available at salemoffshorewind.com.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Businesses]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - ''''''Salem Offshore Wind Terminal''''''

*"Crowley Wind Services - Salem Offshore Wind Terminal" ''https://www.crowley.com/wind/salem/''

*"Port cities trying to weather shifting winds" ''Salem Evening News'', May 21, 2026, p. A07

*"Healey bill gives $70M for Salem wind terminal" ''Salem Evening News'', April 27, 2026

Cove Hotel

2026-08-07T14:49:13Z

Mflorea:

*'''The Cove Hotel''' opened in 2023 at 40 Bridge St after a complete renovation of the former Clipper Ship Inn property.

*In February of 2026, firefighters responded to a call of smoke coming from the north side of the building. The fire spread throughout the attic and was labeled a four-alarm fire. The fire never spread through the roof into the hotel rooms but there was significant damage to the attic, which is where it was said to have started. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and no injuries were reported. The hotel had a partial reopening one day after the fire.

*In 2026, the hotel announced that they would open a new outdoor space on hotel grounds called The Lawn. Set to open on August 15, The Lawn will feature a beer and wine garden, games, fire pits, and food. Live music and events will be featured and will be open to hotel guests and the general public. The space will be available to rent for events.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Businesses]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Cove Hotel, The'''

*"Firefighters douse attic fire at Cove Hotel" ''Salem Evening News'', Feb 10, 2026, p.1

*"North Shore Hotel To Open 'The Lawn' Outdoor Gathering Space" ''Patch'', July 27, 2026

Pickering, Timothy

2026-08-01T19:47:10Z

Mflorea:

Timothy Pickering (1745-1829) was a renowned soldier, prominent in the Revolutionary days of Salem. He was a colonel of the militia and present with part of his command at North Bridge during the incident known as [[Leslie's retreat]]. He marched to assist at Concord and Lexington, but arrived too late to take a hand in the affair.

He was clerk in the registry of deeds, and later a judge of the court of common pleas, and probate court judge for Suffolk, Middlesex and Essex counties.

He participated in numerous battles of the Revolution and was adjutant general of the staff of General Washington for a time. He was a member of the continental war board of 1777 and quartermaster general of the army in 1780.

After the war he settled in Philadelphia, and was appointed the first postmaster general by President Washington in 1791 and secretary of state in 1795. He resigned and returned to Salem but served in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. He was the organizer and first president of the Essex Agricultural Society, which holds annual fairs in Topsfield. Pickering founded Salem's 2nd Corps of Cadets after the war.

He is perhaps the most famous resident of his family ancestral home on Broad Street, the [[Pickering House]], owned by his family for 11 generations, passed down from father to son many times.

He married Rebecca White on April 8, 1776. They had 10 children: Tim, Edward, Henry, Charles, William, John, Octavius, George, Mary, and Elizabeth (twin girls).

He is buried in Broad Street Cemetery.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:People]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Pickering, Timothy'''

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1300786 Timothy Pickering as the leader of New England Federalism, 1800-1915] by Hervey P. Prentiss

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2382888 Essex Institute Historical Collection] Vol. 111, p. 65-77

[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20978/timothy-pickering Timothy Pickering] Find a grave

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2052469 Highlights in the History of Salem] Salem Evening News, p. 11

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1657961 Historical Sketch of Salem; 1626-1879] by Osgood, p. 240-1

"Glover and Pickering were counted among Washington closest friends in the area" Salem News, Feb. 15, 2010, p. 5

"Timothy Pickering, a military genius" Salem Evening News, May 5, 1976, p.?

"Ten generations of Pickerings lived in Broad Street house" ''Salem Evening News'', June 6, 2001, A3

Carlton, Samuel (Col.)

2026-08-01T19:19:04Z

Mflorea:

Lt. Colonel Samuel Carlton (Aug. 11, 1731- Mar. 28, 1804)

Continental Army officer and member of the Massachusetts General Court. During the Revolution he raised a regiment at Salem in 1777 and marched to Fort Ticonderoga.
Served under George Washington at Valley Forge. He is buried at Howard Street cemetery with his wife Eunice (Hunt).

Lt. Colonel Carlton was paralyzed from the waist down during service.

His former residence is on Union Street in Salem.

For more, see entry on this wiki for [[Carltonville]]

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:People]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in the Salem Collection - '''Carlton, Samuel'''

[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=9446942 Samuel Carlton] Find a grave site

[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1823471 Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War] Vol. 3, p. 106

*"Salem 250: Revolutionary Residences" ''Streets of Salem'' June 29, 2026

Allen, Capt. Edward

2026-08-01T19:15:03Z

Mflorea: Created page with "Captain Edward Allen (1725-1803) was a Salem merchant and shipmaster. He commanded schooners ''Baltick'' and ''Industry'' and brig ''Neptune''. Captain Allen resided at 125 Derby Street in Salem. The house was built by the commander of the South Carolina naval brigantine ''Comet''. It was said that Allen was gifted the residence as a reward for bringing Charleston news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Captain Allen relayed this news on his schooner ''Industry''..."

Captain Edward Allen (1725-1803) was a Salem merchant and shipmaster. He commanded schooners ''Baltick'' and ''Industry'' and brig ''Neptune''.

Captain Allen resided at 125 Derby Street in Salem. The house was built by the commander of the South Carolina naval brigantine ''Comet''. It was said that Allen was gifted the residence as a reward for bringing Charleston news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Captain Allen relayed this news on his schooner ''Industry''.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:People]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection -''' Allen, Capt. Edward'''

*"Salem 250: Revolutionary Residences" ''Streets of Salem'' June 29, 2026

*"The Important Captain Edward Allen Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Bombé Chest-on-Chest, Probably Salem, Massachusetts circa 1780" ''Sotheby's''

Forrester, Capt. Simon

2026-08-01T19:02:23Z

Mflorea:

Simon Forrester was born May 10, 1748 in Kelleenbach, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parents.

Forrester arrived in Salem in 1767 at the age of 19, as a member of the crew of the schooner ''Salisbury''. The captain of the ship, Captain Daniel Hathorne (Nathaniel Hawthorne's grandfather) invited him to stay in Salem at his home on Union Street. Forrester married Hathorne's daughter.

He became one of the pioneers of Salem merchant shipping and one of Salem's leading merchants and philanthropists. He was said to have commanded or had interest in 7 privateers during the Revolution, including the ''Rover''.

He was a member of the Salem Marine Society and served on a committee which arranged for the lighthouse to be built on Baker's Island.

His house still stands on 188 Derby Street. He acquired this three story, five-bay, hipped-roof house in an unfinished state in 1791.

He died in 1817 on July 4th and is buried at Charter Street Burying Point.

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:People]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection -''' Forrester, Simon'''

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/2063829 Captain Forrester; the story of a Salem merchant prince] by H.D. Purcell

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/2054158 Simon Forrester of Salem and his Descendants] H. W. Belknap

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/2264429 Architecture in Salem] by Tolles, p. 55-6

* "Forrester was an active millionaire" ''Salem Evening News'', Mar. 22, 2000 p. A2

*"Salem's Simon Forrester an early immigrant success story" ''Salem News'', Nov. 7, 2006, p. B5

*"Salem 250: Revolutionary Residences" ''Streets of Salem'', June 29, 2026