Salem Links and Lore - User contributions [en]

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-11-09T15:35:21Z

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 was kicked off with a lecture by Peter Drummey. Drummey is the retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society and the lecture was about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall. Following the lecture, guests were welcome to partake in 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 the first mayor of Salem, Leverett Saltonstall in the year 1810.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

*The city waived fees for residents in honor of '''Parks Days''' to encourage citizens to visit the city's over 40 parks as part of Salem 400+ celebrations. It is also to show the '''Salem Signature Parks Initiative''' which was a community effort to improve city parks. The event was held from September 12-13.

*The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is hosting multiple other exhibiitions and events both on-site at the museum and at other locations. Full details can be found at [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400].

*The city unveiled a new art installation in partnership with the Salem Public Art Commission near the Salem Ferry Terminal in celebration of Salem 400+. The piece is titled '''''Traces of arrival''''' by artist Roark T. Congdon. The piece draws inspiration from the city's Indigenous roots, Salem Harbor, and other aspects of the city. The installation features a pedestal of reclaimed granite from the base of Salem's Old Town Hall.

*A mural of flowers with the words "Flowers Grown in Massachusetts" was painted by artist Hells Gibson on the overpass of North Street for Salem 400+.

*''Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices'' edited by Salem Poet Laureate J.D. Scrimgeour was published in 2026 in celebration of Salem 400+. The book features 130 writers who are residents or work in Salem and highlight their experience of the city, each in 400 word passages.

*The city beat the world record in October 2026 for largest gathering of people wearing pointy witch hats during Salem 400+ Celebrations. The event titled ''Witches on the Wharf'' saw an estimated 2,700 people and Guinness World Records was there to declare the city the winner. The previous record was 1,607 people in Lleida, Spain in 2013.

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*"City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem waives permit fees for parks to celebrate Parks Day this weekend", ''The Salem News'' Sept 11, 2026, p. A03

*Celebrate Salem 400+ - Peabody Essex Museum [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400]

*"City to celebrate public art installation at Salem Ferry Terminal" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 24, 2026, p. A02

*"Flowers, And Murals, Grow in Salem" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 10, 2026, p. A14

*"'Pieces of Salem' Book Series To Highlight Poems, Prose Reflecting Witch City" ''Patch'', Sept 4, 2026

*"Living up to the name - Salem shatters record for largest gathering of people wearing witch hats" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 21, 2026, p. A01

Haunted Happenings

2026-11-09T15:35:17Z

Mflorea:

*Haunted Happenings' roots began with a Witches Weekend in 1981 which was co-chaired by Susannah Stuart, the former Salem Witch Museum Director, and Gloria Lampropoulous. It involved hotel package stays, a witches ball, a haunted house, a medieval festival and a screening of "Dracula" at the Salem Theatre.
*The first time Haunted Happenings took place in 1982, it featured parades, costume balls, ghost walks and a "Horribles Parade", among other things. Susannah Stuart and Joan Gormalley, who was then president of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, organized events over three days, including the chamber's own haunted house and a witch's brew contest at Victoria Station. Thousands flocked to Salem and jammed the East India Mall and Laurie Cabot judged the costumes for the Horribles Parade. Essex Institute ran an exhibit called "Salem Witches, Documents of an Early American Drama." Along with the scholarly bent, it also embraced traditional Halloween themes, and it brought together museums and retailers.
Over the next decade, with the Chamber of Commerce running the festival, it stretched over 10 days instead of just Halloween weekend.
*Salem's Tercentenary led to a more expanded and internationally flavored event. Elie Wiesel attended the dedication of the [[Salem Witch Trials Memorial]] in August of 1992.
*Eventually, the event outgrew the Chamber of Commerce and became an entity of its own. By 1995, Haunted Happenings had grown to a two week long event and became the city's largest tourist draw, with an estimated 150,000 people visiting Salem. In 1992, at the 300th anniversary of the Witch Trials, Destination Salem became the official "Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs". By 1998, the "Office of Tourism" became "Destination Salem."
*[[Destination Salem]] is a public-private partnership and was codified as the city's official marketing partner in 2008.
*The city held its first Halloween parade in 1995, with costumed schoolchildren and a unifying theme.
*The MBTA organized a special train coming to Salem called "Fright Train" starting in 1995. Passengers are welcome to come in costume and show up early for refreshments. The ride will be an entertaining and spooky 25 min. ride to Salem for the opening day parade.
*In 1997, King Fish Media started a Haunted Passport program which offers a discount card to local shops, restaurants and other tourist destinations.
*Starting in the early 2000's the Salem Festivals Committee has organized the month-long Haunted Happening events, along with Destination Salem, Salem Partnership and the Salem Chamber of Commerce.
*Haunted Happenings today begins on Oct. 1st and is pitched as a unique opportunity to visit Salem. The city is more adept at handling and controlling crowds and shifted events to more family friendly events, moving the bulk of the crowds out with a fireworks finale that signals the end of the festivities. The fireworks finale started in 2007 as a way to signal the large crowds that the evening is over.
*The amount of visitors varies from year to year, but a typical Saturday night before Halloween can draw between 50,000 and 75,000 visitors. Over 1 million people visit Salem every year.
*In October 2026, the world's largest jack-o'-lantern was carved at Salem Common during Haunted Happenings. The event was sponsored by Raising Cane's Chick Fingers and Guinness World Records was there to announce the record. The pumpkin weighed 3,156 lbs.
*The city beat the world record in October 2026 for largest gathering of people wearing pointy witch hats during Salem 400+ Celebrations. The event titled ''Witches on the Wharf'' saw an estimated 2,700 people and Guinness World Records was there to declare the city the winner. The previous record was 1,607 people in Lleida, Spain in 2013.

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

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

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Haunted Happenings'''

"Tourist firms move to take over Haunted Happenings" ''Salem Evening News'', Dec. 1, 1994, p. 9

"Dummies guide to Salem Witches; from witchcraft school to vampire balls and everything in between" ''Salem News'', Oct. 11, 2007, p. A1

"City: We'll keep lid on Halloween: mayor says fireworks may once again signal end of celebration" ''Salem News'', Sept. 12, 2008, p. 1

"Halloween a $202k treat for the city" ''Salem News'', Mar. 13, 2009, p.1

"How Haunted Happenings bewitched the city of Salem" ''Salem News'', Oct. 25, 2010, p. 1

"Revelry trumps frightful cold on city's big night" ''Salem News'', Nov. 1, 2010, p. 1

"Little trouble seen in Salem; generally a well-behaved crowd" ''Salem News'', Nov. 2, 2009, p. 1

"Halloween may come to Salem Common; Mayor considers adding October attraction geared toward families" ''Salem News'', Aug. 14, 2007, p. A1

"Destination Salem: More resources needed in tourism book" ''Salem News'', Feb. 6, 2023, p. 1

"A new record - Raising Cane's brings world's largest jack-o'-lantern to Salem Common" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Living up to the name - Salem shatters record for largest gathering of people wearing witch hats" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 21, 2026, p. A01

Satanic Temple

2026-11-08T18:44:27Z

Mflorea:

'''The Satanic Temple''' (TST) is a non-theistic group that was founded in 2013. It uses the figure of Satan to advocate for separation of church and state, lest all religions be equal under the law including Satanism.

Though TST has chapters spread throughout the United States, it lacked a flagship temple until the fall of 2016 when the organization opened its headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts. The temple is the organization’s first location that’s open to the public.

The temple houses an art museum, and a gift shop. Much of the art is a critique on organized religion. There’s even a library featuring literature about the Satanic Panic that spread throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Lucien Greaves is the spokesperson for the Satanic Temple.

A documentary was made of the Satanic Temple sect by Penny Lane in 2018 called "Hail Satan?".

On April 25, 2019, it was announced that the Satanic Temple had officially received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, being classified as a "church or a convention or association of churches."

In 2026, a federal judge ordered that the Satanic Temple be allowed to hold a holiday event at the state Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. The Satanic Temple has been barred from the event by Iowa Republican leaders in years prior. Although, a figure of Baphomet was included in 2023 at the Iowa State Capital and was vandalized quickly after installation. The statue and vandalization has increased scrutiny of the group.

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

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

[https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-satanic-temple-salem-massachusetts Satanic Temple] Atlas Obscura

*"Judge orders Iowa to allow Satanic Temple to hold event" ''The Salem News'', Nov. 5, 2026, p. A07

Haunted Happenings

2026-11-08T18:43:48Z

Mflorea:

*Haunted Happenings' roots began with a Witches Weekend in 1981 which was co-chaired by Susannah Stuart, the former Salem Witch Museum Director, and Gloria Lampropoulous. It involved hotel package stays, a witches ball, a haunted house, a medieval festival and a screening of "Dracula" at the Salem Theatre.
*The first time Haunted Happenings took place in 1982, it featured parades, costume balls, ghost walks and a "Horribles Parade", among other things. Susannah Stuart and Joan Gormalley, who was then president of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, organized events over three days, including the chamber's own haunted house and a witch's brew contest at Victoria Station. Thousands flocked to Salem and jammed the East India Mall and Laurie Cabot judged the costumes for the Horribles Parade. Essex Institute ran an exhibit called "Salem Witches, Documents of an Early American Drama." Along with the scholarly bent, it also embraced traditional Halloween themes, and it brought together museums and retailers.
Over the next decade, with the Chamber of Commerce running the festival, it stretched over 10 days instead of just Halloween weekend.
*Salem's Tercentenary led to a more expanded and internationally flavored event. Elie Wiesel attended the dedication of the [[Salem Witch Trials Memorial]] in August of 1992.
*Eventually, the event outgrew the Chamber of Commerce and became an entity of its own. By 1995, Haunted Happenings had grown to a two week long event and became the city's largest tourist draw, with an estimated 150,000 people visiting Salem. In 1992, at the 300th anniversary of the Witch Trials, Destination Salem became the official "Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs". By 1998, the "Office of Tourism" became "Destination Salem."
*[[Destination Salem]] is a public-private partnership and was codified as the city's official marketing partner in 2008.
*The city held its first Halloween parade in 1995, with costumed schoolchildren and a unifying theme.
*The MBTA organized a special train coming to Salem called "Fright Train" starting in 1995. Passengers are welcome to come in costume and show up early for refreshments. The ride will be an entertaining and spooky 25 min. ride to Salem for the opening day parade.
*In 1997, King Fish Media started a Haunted Passport program which offers a discount card to local shops, restaurants and other tourist destinations.
*Starting in the early 2000's the Salem Festivals Committee has organized the month-long Haunted Happening events, along with Destination Salem, Salem Partnership and the Salem Chamber of Commerce.
*Haunted Happenings today begins on Oct. 1st and is pitched as a unique opportunity to visit Salem. The city is more adept at handling and controlling crowds and shifted events to more family friendly events, moving the bulk of the crowds out with a fireworks finale that signals the end of the festivities. The fireworks finale started in 2007 as a way to signal the large crowds that the evening is over.
*The amount of visitors varies from year to year, but a typical Saturday night before Halloween can draw between 50,000 and 75,000 visitors. Over 1 million people visit Salem every year.
*In October 2026, the world's largest jack-o'-lantern was carved at Salem Common during Haunted Happenings. The event was sponsored by Raising Cane's Chick Fingers and Guinness World Records was there to announce the record. The pumpkin weighed 3,156 lbs.

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

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

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Haunted Happenings'''

"Tourist firms move to take over Haunted Happenings" ''Salem Evening News'', Dec. 1, 1994, p. 9

"Dummies guide to Salem Witches; from witchcraft school to vampire balls and everything in between" ''Salem News'', Oct. 11, 2007, p. A1

"City: We'll keep lid on Halloween: mayor says fireworks may once again signal end of celebration" ''Salem News'', Sept. 12, 2008, p. 1

"Halloween a $202k treat for the city" ''Salem News'', Mar. 13, 2009, p.1

"How Haunted Happenings bewitched the city of Salem" ''Salem News'', Oct. 25, 2010, p. 1

"Revelry trumps frightful cold on city's big night" ''Salem News'', Nov. 1, 2010, p. 1

"Little trouble seen in Salem; generally a well-behaved crowd" ''Salem News'', Nov. 2, 2009, p. 1

"Halloween may come to Salem Common; Mayor considers adding October attraction geared toward families" ''Salem News'', Aug. 14, 2007, p. A1

"Destination Salem: More resources needed in tourism book" ''Salem News'', Feb. 6, 2023, p. 1

"A new record - Raising Cane's brings world's largest jack-o'-lantern to Salem Common" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 28, 2026, p. A01

Main Page

2026-11-06T20:09:17Z

Mflorea: /* What other resources are available? */

<div style="float:right; margin-left: 25px;">
[[Image:links&lore.jpg]]
</div>
== Welcome to Salem Links & Lore ==

Salem Links & Lore is a collection of information about Salem, Massachusetts created by reference librarian Jennifer Strom. The database is curated by the staff of the [[Salem Public Library]]. It began many years ago as a file of index cards in the Reference Room used to help answer questions about the city. All of this information has been entered into an online format that can be easily searched by keyword or browsed by subject list. This collection of information will continue to grow as we add new entries.

== What kind of information does it have? ==

The entries in Salem Links & Lore cover people, places and events with some connection to Salem. Frequently asked questions, difficult to research questions and many just plain interesting facts are included. At the end of each entry you will find the source of the information as well as useful books and websites for more in depth research.

== How can I search Salem Links & Lore? ==

To search Salem Links & Lore enter your keywords into the search box at the top of the screen. Then click on either the Go button to find a specific article or the Search button to find any articles mentioning your search terms.

To see an alphabetical list of entries click on the Browse All Subjects link to the left of the screen under navigation.

== What other resources are available? ==

Many entries in Salem Links & Lore list the Vertical File in Salem Collection in their list of "See also" resources. For a list of these topical files including newspaper clippings, pamphlets and other assorted printed materials contained in the Vertical File in Salem Collection use this link.

[https://salempl.org/wiki/images/4/41/Vertical_File_A-Z_Updated_11-06-2026.pdf Vertical Files Updated 11.06.2026.pdf]

Main Page

2026-11-06T20:07:23Z

Mflorea: /* What other resources are available? */

File:Vertical File A-Z Updated 11-06-2026.pdf

2026-11-06T20:03:50Z

Mflorea:

Satanic Temple

2026-11-06T19:57:00Z

Mflorea:

'''The Satanic Temple''' (TST) is a non-theistic group that was founded in 2013. It uses the figure of Satan to advocate for separation of church and state, lest all religions be equal under the law including Satanism.

Though TST has chapters spread throughout the United States, it lacked a flagship temple until the fall of 2016 when the organization opened its headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts. The temple is the organization’s first location that’s open to the public.

The temple houses an art museum, and a gift shop. Much of the art is a critique on organized religion. There’s even a library featuring literature about the Satanic Panic that spread throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Lucien Greaves is the spokesperson for the Satanic Temple.

A documentary was made of the Satanic Temple sect by Penny Lane in 2018 called "Hail Satan?".

On April 25, 2019, it was announced that the Satanic Temple had officially received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, being classified as a "church or a convention or association of churches."

In 2026, a federal judge ordered that the Satanic Temple be allowed to hold a holiday event at the state Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. The Satanic Temple has been barred from the event by Iowa Republican leaders in year prior. Although, a figure of Baphomet was included in 2023 at the Iowa State Capital and was vandalized quickly after installation. The statue and vandalization has increased scrutiny of the group.

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

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

[https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-satanic-temple-salem-massachusetts Satanic Temple] Atlas Obscura

*"Judge orders Iowa to allow Satanic Temple to hold event" ''The Salem News'', Nov. 5, 2026, p. A07

Satanic Temple

2026-11-06T19:56:45Z

Mflorea:

'''The Satanic Temple''' (TST) is a non-theistic group that was founded in 2013. It uses the figure of Satan to advocate for separation of church and state, lest all religions be equal under the law including Satanism.

Though TST has chapters spread throughout the United States, it lacked a flagship temple until the fall of 2016 when the organization opened its headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts. The temple is the organization’s first location that’s open to the public.

The temple houses an art museum, and a gift shop. Much of the art is a critique on organized religion. There’s even a library featuring literature about the Satanic Panic that spread throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Lucien Greaves is the spokesperson for the Satanic Temple.

A documentary was made of the Satanic Temple sect by Penny Lane in 2018 called "Hail Satan?".

On April 25, 2019, it was announced that the Satanic Temple had officially received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, being classified as a "church or a convention or association of churches."

In 2026, a federal judge ordered that the Satanic Temple be allowed to hold a holiday event at the state Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. The Satanic Temple has been barred from the event by Iowa Republican leaders in year prior. Although, a figure of Baphomet was included in 2023 at the Iowa State Capital and was vandalized quickly after installation. The statue and vandalization has increased scrutiny of the group.

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

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - Satanic Temple, The

[https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-satanic-temple-salem-massachusetts Satanic Temple] Atlas Obscura

*"Judge orders Iowa to allow Satanic Temple to hold event" ''The Salem News'', Nov. 5, 2026, p. A07

Essex Heritage

2026-11-02T20:12:49Z

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.

*Essex Heritage has 17 members on their Board of Trustees and over 100 Commissioners, all of whom are either residents or work in Essex County.

*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" ''The Salem News'', July 29, 2026, p. A03

*"Essex Heritage Elects New Commissioners, Honors Preservation Work" ''Patch'', Oct. 15, 2026

Homeless

2026-10-28T19:21:06Z

Mflorea: Created page with "The city has a large unhoused population with residents either living at Lifebridge shelter or making camp somewhere around the city. The topic of camping and encampments have been largely debated by residents and city officials. In 2024, an ordinance was passed that prohibited unsanctioned camping around the city. Councilors have raised concerns involving the ordinance and how arrest records for violating these ordinances could get individuals experiencing homeles..."

The city has a large unhoused population with residents either living at [[Lifebridge]] shelter or making camp somewhere around the city.

The topic of camping and encampments have been largely debated by residents and city officials. In 2024, an ordinance was passed that prohibited unsanctioned camping around the city. Councilors have raised concerns involving the ordinance and how arrest records for violating these ordinances could get individuals experiencing homelessness even farther from being able to find stable housing or work.

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

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

*"Police: No-camping ordinance has been successful - Department says officers connect Salem's homeless with housing, emergency shelter when available" ''The Salem News'', Sept 29, 2026, p. A01

Presidential visits to Salem

2026-10-28T18:39:56Z

Mflorea:

Presidents who have visited Salem:

Bill Clinton - 2001

George Bush - 1994

Jimmy Carter - 1984

Gerald Ford - 1982

Franklin Roosevelt - 1940's

William Taft - 1912

Theodore Roosevelt - 1912

Benjamin Harrison - 1893

Chester A. Arthur - 1882

Ulysses S. Grant - 1871

James Polk - 1847

Franklin Pierce - 1850's

Andrew Jackson - 1833 (June 26)
While the President was previously welcomed to Salem in 1833, in 1834 a party opposing "King" Jackson, called the Whig party, created a memorial opposing Jackson's dismantling of the Second National Bank of America amid the "Bank War". The memorial was brought before Congress by Massachusetts Representative Edward Everett.

John Quincy Adams - 1825

George Washington - 1789

John Adams - 1769

[[Category:Browse Index]]

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Presidential Visits'''

*"The List; A presidential city," ''Salem Evening News'', July 19, 2002, pA2.

*"Whig Workers: Salem 1834" ''Streets of Salem blog", Sept. 7, 2026

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-10-24T13:58:11Z

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 was kicked off with a lecture by Peter Drummey. Drummey is the retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society and the lecture was about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall. Following the lecture, guests were welcome to partake in 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 the first mayor of Salem, Leverett Saltonstall in the year 1810.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

*The city waived fees for residents in honor of '''Parks Days''' to encourage citizens to visit the city's over 40 parks as part of Salem 400+ celebrations. It is also to show the '''Salem Signature Parks Initiative''' which was a community effort to improve city parks. The event was held from September 12-13.

*The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is hosting multiple other exhibiitions and events both on-site at the museum and at other locations. Full details can be found at [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400].

*The city unveiled a new art installation in partnership with the Salem Public Art Commission near the Salem Ferry Terminal in celebration of Salem 400+. The piece is titled '''''Traces of arrival''''' by artist Roark T. Congdon. The piece draws inspiration from the city's Indigenous roots, Salem Harbor, and other aspects of the city. The installation features a pedestal of reclaimed granite from the base of Salem's Old Town Hall.

*A mural of flowers with the words "Flowers Grown in Massachusetts" was painted by artist Hells Gibson on the overpass of North Street for Salem 400+.

*''Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices'' edited by Salem Poet Laureate J.D. Scrimgeour was published in 2026 in celebration of Salem 400+. The book features 130 writers who are residents or work in Salem and highlight their experience of the city, each in 400 word passages.

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*"City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem waives permit fees for parks to celebrate Parks Day this weekend", ''The Salem News'' Sept 11, 2026, p. A03

*Celebrate Salem 400+ - Peabody Essex Museum [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400]

*"City to celebrate public art installation at Salem Ferry Terminal" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 24, 2026, p. A02

*"Flowers, And Murals, Grow in Salem" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 10, 2026, p. A14

*"'Pieces of Salem' Book Series To Highlight Poems, Prose Reflecting Witch City" ''Patch'', Sept 4, 2026

Nonfiction Books About Salem

2026-10-24T13:53:22Z

Mflorea:

The following is a list of nonfiction books about Salem.

'''Julie Gordon''' ''Tails of Salem: The Untold History of Dogs in the Witch City'' (2026)

'''Edited by J.D. Scrimgeour''' ''Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices'' (2026)

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Books set in Salem]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Nonfiction Books About Salem'''

*"Sea dogs on board - Harbor cruise for humans and their canine companions celebrates release of new book" ''The Salem News''. Sept. 7, 2026, p. A01

*"'Pieces of Salem' Book Series To Highlight Poems, Prose Reflecting Witch City" ''Patch'', Sept 4, 2026

Salem State University

2026-10-24T13:43:30Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem State University''' began in 1854 as Salem Normal School, then [[Salem State College]] a teaching college for women. It changed to university status in 2011.

The land at the corner of Lafayette Street and Loring Avenue that the new college buildings were built on was the former Osgood farm, purchased in 1893.

In 1990, the Bates complex opened. In 1997, the former Sylvania plant was acquired by the school to become Central Campus.

Salem State enrolls over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students representing 27 states and 57 foreign countries, and is one of the largest state universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Salem State occupies 115 acres on five campuses less than a mile from downtown Salem.

The university is home to:
Approximately 2,000 undergraduate resident students in three residence halls and two residential complexes.

Approximately 5,725 undergraduate commuter students.

A new library is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2012.

Top Ten Most Popular majors are:

Business Administration

Nursing

Education

Criminal Justice

Biology

Psychology

Communications

Sport and Movement Science

English

History

The Salem State University Speaker Series was founded in 1982 as one of the first high-profile speaker series in the country. Former President Gerald Ford was its first speaker.

In Sept. of 2021, Salem State's Central Campus was officially renamed the "Nancy D. Harrington Campus" in honor of the former president, who died in December of 2020 at age 81.

In 2026, the university received a $6.37M gift to establish a Multilingual Student Services Endowment. This donation will be used in support of a full time multilingual student services coach and strengthen multilingual outreach for the school among other things. The donation was from Salem State alumna Kim Gasset-Schiller ('83) and her husband, Apple Fellow Philip Schiller.

The university opened an on-campus food pantry called ''Feed a Viking Market'' in 2026 to combat food insecurity among students. While there was a pantry on-campus previously, this market will be larger and self-serve

Former President Barrack Obama visited the school on September 21, 2026 as part of their ''Salem State Series'' which has brought over 100 leaders, artists, and other public figures to speak at the campus. The Former President spoke about the importance of hope and the fight against the polarization that has been going on politically among other topics.

Construction began in 2026 at the site of the former South Campus for 500 apartments. The apartments will be a mix of senior and low income housing options including standard apartment rentals.

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

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem State College'''

*[http://www.salemstate.edu/ Salem State University] website

*[http://catalog.salemstate.edu/content.php?catoid=30&navoid=4694 History of Salem State University] SSU website

*"Salem State: $6.4M grant expands language services" ''The Salem News'', Feb. 05, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem State Opens 'Feed A Viking Market' On-Campus Student Food Pantry" ''Patch'', Sept 10, 2026

*"Obama speaks to nation's need to bridge divisions" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 23, 2026, p. A01

*"South Campus housing redevelopment project breaks ground" ''The Salem News'', Oct 7, 2026, p. A01

Salem Skipper

2026-10-23T15:37:44Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem Skipper''' is a rideshare service started in 2020 that allows Salem residents and visitors (as well as limited pickups/drop offs for Danvers and Beverly residents) for $2 a ride. $1 for seniors, students, or disabled customers.

The Skipper had many interruptions in funding in 2026 and announced that they were first ending services to Beverly and Danvers, and then ending services completely. The city received multiple grants and were looking through different funding avenues to keep the service in operation.

*In October 2026, the city signed a contract to run the Skipper for an additional five years, contingent on funding.

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

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

*"The Skipper rides on" ''The Salem News'', March 19, 2026, p. A3

*"Salem Skipper to end service to Beverly, Danvers: Ridesharing service cited funding shortage" ''Salem Evening News'', May 7, 2026, p. A1

*Salem Skipper to end service" ''The Salem News'', May 20, 2026, p. A1

*"Salem Skipper hangs on for another two months" ''The Salem News'', June 24, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem Skipper service extended with $1M state grant" ''The Salem News'', Sept 16, 2026, p. A01

*"City signs 5-year contract to run Salem Skipper" ''The Salem News'', Oct 8, 2026, p. A01

Shetland Park

2026-10-23T15:25:43Z

Mflorea:

Shetland Park, an office park on the waterfront by the Pickering Wharf area, has 5 large buildings on 35 acres. This property was formerly known as [[Pequot Mills]], home to the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Co. Robert Lappin purchased the old complex in 1958. He has owned and run it for the last 53 years in his home town of Salem.

A recreated antique house called the [[Pequot House]] was built in front of Shetland Park. This house was built for the 1930 tercentenary of the settling of Massachusetts.

The Park soared in popularity when he added large windows to capture the view of the waterfront in the 1980's. In the past it had about a dozen manufacturers and businesses, but mostly empty buildings. The installation of pictures windows was the start of the transformation to an office park. It is home to both private businesses and public agencies and has 2,000 parking spaces in the center of the complex.

Robert Lappin was very involved in Jewish institutions and causes. He ran the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation. The city park at the corner of Essex and Washington Streets is named in memory to his parents. Lappin Park was in the news in 2005 when cable network TV Land erected the [[Bewitched statue]] at this park.

Robert Lappin passed away on April 3, 2020 at the age of 98.

In May of 2008, the Registry of Deeds moved into space at the park as the new courthouse on Federal Street was being built.
The Registry of Deeds will be moving to a smaller office in the Cummings Center in Beverly in late 2024.

Plans were being finalized in 2025 for redevelopment into 1200 mixed-income apartments. The project is set to include a 13-story hotel, a new academic building and gym for Salem Charter Academy School, a harbor walk, playgrounds and more. The project is expected to take 5-9 years and will not disrupt the flow of business in Shetland Park. Redevelopment is expected to generate over 1,000 union jobs as well as hundreds of jobs once construction is complete. A water taxi to the Salem Ferry as well as a shuttle to the Salem train station is also in the works. As of 2026, negotiations are still underway. For further information, visit [http://thefutureofshetlandpark.com thefutureofshetlandpark.com].

In 2026, it was announced that the city revoked a permit for a data center that was set to be built in Shetland Park. The data center plans were revealed during a June walk-through of construction. The permit was revoked in July by the building commissioner who stated that a data center was not permitted under current zoning ordinances in the area. Mayor Pangallo proposed an amendment to zoning that would prohibit data centers in Salem. The decision is part of a hot button debate about the ethicality of data centers in the US and around the world. The Salem Zoning Board of Appeals upheld the decision to reject the data center in a 5-0 vote.
The City Council approved Mayor Pangallo's amendment in October 2026 for a ban on data centers in Salem via zoning changes.

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

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Shetland Park'''

*"Shetland Office park is not the old mill it once was" ''Salem Evening News'', July 3, 1996, p. A1

*"Shetland Park celebrates 50 years; Lappin transformed former Pequot Mills into waterfront offices" ''Salem News'', Oct. 15, 2008, p. 1

*"Businesses growing at Shetland Park" ''Salem Evening News'', Mar. 14, 2001, P. A3

*"Registry moving to Cummings Center" ''Salem News'', Jan. 8, 2024, p.1

*"Shetland Park project zoning weighed" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 13, 2026, p. A01

*"City, revokes permit for Shetland Park project - Developer appeals decision in data center dispute" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 16, 2026, p. A01

*"Board OK's rejection of possible data center" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 18, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem council to take final vote on data center ban" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 8, 2026, p. A03

*"Council OK's data center ban" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 12, 2026, p. A01

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-10-22T17:37:51Z

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 was kicked off with a lecture by Peter Drummey. Drummey is the retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society and the lecture was about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall. Following the lecture, guests were welcome to partake in 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 the first mayor of Salem, Leverett Saltonstall in the year 1810.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

*The city waived fees for residents in honor of '''Parks Days''' to encourage citizens to visit the city's over 40 parks as part of Salem 400+ celebrations. It is also to show the '''Salem Signature Parks Initiative''' which was a community effort to improve city parks. The event was held from September 12-13.

*The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is hosting multiple other exhibiitions and events both on-site at the museum and at other locations. Full details can be found at [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400].

*The city unveiled a new art installation in partnership with the Salem Public Art Commission near the Salem Ferry Terminal in celebration of Salem 400+. The piece is titled '''''Traces of arrival''''' by artist Roark T. Congdon. The piece draws inspiration from the city's Indigenous roots, Salem Harbor, and other aspects of the city. The installation features a pedestal of reclaimed granite from the base of Salem's Old Town Hall.

*A mural of flowers with the words "Flowers Grown in Massachusetts" was painted by artist Hells Gibson on the overpass of North Street for Salem 400+.

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*"City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem waives permit fees for parks to celebrate Parks Day this weekend", ''The Salem News'' Sept 11, 2026, p. A03

*Celebrate Salem 400+ - Peabody Essex Museum [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400]

*"City to celebrate public art installation at Salem Ferry Terminal" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 24, 2026, p. A02

*"Flowers, And Murals, Grow in Salem" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 10, 2026, p. A14

Main Page

2026-10-16T19:15:01Z

Mflorea: /* What other resources are available? */

<div style="float:right; margin-left: 25px;">
[[Image:links&lore.jpg]]
</div>
== Welcome to Salem Links & Lore ==

Salem Links & Lore is a collection of information about Salem, Massachusetts created by reference librarian Jennifer Strom. The database is curated by the staff of the [[Salem Public Library]]. It began many years ago as a file of index cards in the Reference Room used to help answer questions about the city. All of this information has been entered into an online format that can be easily searched by keyword or browsed by subject list. This collection of information will continue to grow as we add new entries.

== What kind of information does it have? ==

The entries in Salem Links & Lore cover people, places and events with some connection to Salem. Frequently asked questions, difficult to research questions and many just plain interesting facts are included. At the end of each entry you will find the source of the information as well as useful books and websites for more in depth research.

== How can I search Salem Links & Lore? ==

To search Salem Links & Lore enter your keywords into the search box at the top of the screen. Then click on either the Go button to find a specific article or the Search button to find any articles mentioning your search terms.

To see an alphabetical list of entries click on the Browse All Subjects link to the left of the screen under navigation.

== What other resources are available? ==

Many entries in Salem Links & Lore list the Vertical File in Salem Collection in their list of "See also" resources. For a list of these topical files including newspaper clippings, pamphlets and other assorted printed materials contained in the Vertical File in Salem Collection use this link.

[https://salempl.org/wiki/images/c/c2/Vertical_File_A-Z_Updated_10-16-2026.pdf Vertical File A-Z Updated 10.16.2026.pdf]

File:Vertical File A-Z Updated 10-16-2026.pdf

2026-10-16T19:14:21Z

Mflorea:

Charlotte Forten Park

2026-10-15T23:04:38Z

Mflorea:

At 289 Derby Street on the South River the roughly 25,000 square foot '''Charlotte Forten Park''', formerly a vacant lot, was constructed with state grant funds and includes a plaza for programs and performances, a haborwalk around the South River, swing seating facing the water, built-in percussion features, and green space. An adjacent private property is beginning development to include an extension of the harborwalk, as well as outdoor dining seating for a future restaurant.

A bronze statue of Charlotte Forten was placed in the park in the fall of 2024, to honor her years as an educator and abolitionist.
The statue was dedicated on Nov. 16th with local officials and stakeholders gathered at the park.

In 2026, Friends of Forten Park was formed as a volunteer group unaffiliated with the city. The group hopes to facilitate live music, movie nights, and other events to transform the park into a "community gathering place".

For more info on Charlotte Forten, see this page on our wiki

[[Forten, Charlotte]]

[[Category:Browse Index]]

==See Also==

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Forten, Charlotte'''

"Equal attention: with artist selected, work begins to portray Forten" ''Salem News'', Feb. 2, 2024, p. 1

"Salem names 289 Derby Street park for abolitionist Charlotte Forten" ''Salem Gazette'', Aug. 19, 2019.

"Salem dedicated new Charlotte Forten memorial" ''Salem News'', Nov. 19, 2024.

"Community group plans for future programming at Forten Park" ''Salem Evening News'', March 9, 2026.

Houdini, Harry

2026-10-15T22:49:13Z

Mflorea:

'''Harry Houdini''', (Mar.24,1874-Oct. 31, 1926) the famous escape artist, visited Salem in 1906.

His given name was Erich Weiss. He was of Hungarian heritage, emigrating with his family to the U.S. at the age of four.

In three packed shows at the Salem Theater, Houdini escaped from a large secured wooden box, and a strapped locked barrel. He also escaped from inside a police cell at the Salem Police Station.

In 1926, Houdini died (on Halloween) of a ruptured appendix caused by blows from an overzealous fan. When dying, he made his wife promise to have an annual seance on the anniversary on his death and gave her a codeword that only she would know. His wife did this for 10 years. In 1990 a group of organizers in Salem held a seance on Halloween to call Houdini back.

In 2026, the PEM announced that they would display a pair of handcuffs stemming from Houdini's April 1906 visit to Salem. The display is titled, ''Harry Houdini in Salem''. In 1906, Houdini visited the ''Peabody Academy of Science'' (now the PEM) where he saw a pair of handcuffs that were being displayed at the PEM labeled as being from a sailor from the Wilkes Expedition. Houdini claimed that while the handcuffs were labeled as being from the 1840's, they were actually from the 1880's and offered to donate $1,000 to a charity of the mayor's choice if he was wrong.
Acting Director of the ''Peabody Academy of Science'', John Robertson, was interviewed where he confirmed that the handcuffs had only been used as an example of the type of cuffs used by sailors and were not necessarily from the 1840's. Houdini had moved on to his next tour stop by the time the story was published by ''The Salem News''.
The handcuffs were used in a Hawthorne Hotel Halloween seance in 1990 in attempts to contact Houdini. The display will include the handcuffs along with other photographs and memorabilia from Houdini's visit to Salem.

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Houdini, Harry'''

*"Handcuffs could not hold Houdini" ''Salem Evening News'', April 17, 1906,

*[http://Salem.noblenet.org/Record/3017553 Hidden History of Salem] by S. Saville, p. 88-91

*"Seance called to bring famed escape artist back" ''Salem Evening News'', Sept. 21, 1990, p. 13

*"Master showman - New display at PEM commemorates Houdini's historic visit to Salem" ''The Salem News'', Aug 27, 2026

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

Shetland Park

2026-10-15T22:46:23Z

Mflorea:

Shetland Park, an office park on the waterfront by the Pickering Wharf area, has 5 large buildings on 35 acres. This property was formerly known as [[Pequot Mills]], home to the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Co. Robert Lappin purchased the old complex in 1958. He has owned and run it for the last 53 years in his home town of Salem.

A recreated antique house called the [[Pequot House]] was built in front of Shetland Park. This house was built for the 1930 tercentenary of the settling of Massachusetts.

The Park soared in popularity when he added large windows to capture the view of the waterfront in the 1980's. In the past it had about a dozen manufacturers and businesses, but mostly empty buildings. The installation of pictures windows was the start of the transformation to an office park. It is home to both private businesses and public agencies and has 2,000 parking spaces in the center of the complex.

Robert Lappin was very involved in Jewish institutions and causes. He ran the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation. The city park at the corner of Essex and Washington Streets is named in memory to his parents. Lappin Park was in the news in 2005 when cable network TV Land erected the [[Bewitched statue]] at this park.

Robert Lappin passed away on April 3, 2020 at the age of 98.

In May of 2008, the Registry of Deeds moved into space at the park as the new courthouse on Federal Street was being built.
The Registry of Deeds will be moving to a smaller office in the Cummings Center in Beverly in late 2024.

Plans were being finalized in 2025 for redevelopment into 1200 mixed-income apartments. The project is set to include a 13-story hotel, a new academic building and gym for Salem Charter Academy School, a harbor walk, playgrounds and more. The project is expected to take 5-9 years and will not disrupt the flow of business in Shetland Park. Redevelopment is expected to generate over 1,000 union jobs as well as hundreds of jobs once construction is complete. A water taxi to the Salem Ferry as well as a shuttle to the Salem train station is also in the works. As of 2026, negotiations are still underway. For further information, visit [http://thefutureofshetlandpark.com thefutureofshetlandpark.com].

In 2026, it was announced that the city revoked a permit for a data center that was set to be built in Shetland Park. The data center plans were revealed during a June walk-through of construction. The permit was revoked in July by the building commissioner who stated that a data center was not permitted under current zoning ordinances in the area. Mayor Pangallo proposed an amendment to zoning that would prohibit data centers in Salem. The decision is part of a hot button debate about the ethicality of data centers in the US and around the world. The Salem Zoning Board of Appeals upheld the decision to reject the data center in a 5-0 vote.

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

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Shetland Park'''

*"Shetland Office park is not the old mill it once was" ''Salem Evening News'', July 3, 1996, p. A1

*"Shetland Park celebrates 50 years; Lappin transformed former Pequot Mills into waterfront offices" ''Salem News'', Oct. 15, 2008, p. 1

*"Businesses growing at Shetland Park" ''Salem Evening News'', Mar. 14, 2001, P. A3

*"Registry moving to Cummings Center" ''Salem News'', Jan. 8, 2024, p.1

*"Shetland Park project zoning weighed" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 13, 2026, p. A01

*"City, revokes permit for Shetland Park project - Developer appeals decision in data center dispute" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 16, 2026, p. A01

*"Board OK's rejection of possible data center" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 18, 2026, p. A01

Woman's Friend Society

2026-10-15T22:43:24Z

Mflorea:

*The Woman's Friend Society is comprised of volunteers who support the historic Emmerton House on 12 Hawthorne Blvd. Built in 1811, the Emmerton House provides affordable housing and a safe environment for single women of all ages and backgrounds, who are working or students.

*Different committees work to address concerns of the residents and to facilitate the upkeep of the house. The volunteers also run fund raisers throughout the year to help maintain the historic house.

*The Society was founded in 1876. Jenny Bertram Emmerton and her father [[Bertram, John|Capt. John Bertram]] donated the house to the society in 1879.

*The Emmerton or Joseph Fenno House at 12 Hawthorne Blvd. was placed on the ''National Register of Historic Places'' in 2008.

*In 2026, the Woman's Friend Society celebrated 150 years of providing a safe haven for women in need. On March 14, 2026, historical interpreter Jennifer Emerson put on a solo performance as Jennie Bertram Emmerton. Celebrations included an anniversary gala at the Waterfront Hotel in September and a dedication for a new sign detailing the Woman's Friend Society mission and the history of the Emmerton House outside of 12 Hawthorne Boulevard.

==See Also==
*Vertical File in the Salem Collection - '''Woman's Friend Society'''

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2096844 The History of the Woman's Friend Society of Salem, Massachusetts 1876-2001.] by Gloria F. Bowens, Ed. D.

*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157715804350472 Women's Friend Society] Salem State flickr

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1958881 Salem Women's Heritage Trail] by Bonnie Hurd Smith, p.22.

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2060027 19th Annual Report of Associated Charities] 1910 ed., p. 69-70

*"Woman's Friend Society marks 120 years" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 31, 1997, C3

*"The Story of the Brookhouse Home and Woman's Friend Society" J. McAllister for the ''Salem News'', Essex County Chronicles, Feb. 25, 2013

*"Woman's Friend Society marks anniversary, keeps mission alive." ''Salem Evening News'', June 21, 2001. p. A1.

*"Witch City's charity of firsts gets its stories down on paper" ''Salem News'', Jan. 27, 2003. p.A2

*"Woman's Friend Society, a local and national landmark, makes Register of Historic Places" ''Salem News'', Nov. 9, 2009. p.?

*"Woman's Friend Society celebrates 150 years of empowerment" ''The Salem News'', March 11, 2026.

*"Woman's Friend Society to host 150th anniversary events" ''The Salem News'', Sept 7, 2026, p. A08

[[Category:Browse Index]]

[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

Woman's Friend Society

2026-10-15T22:42:14Z

Mflorea:

*The Woman's Friend Society is comprised of volunteers who support the historic Emmerton House on 12 Hawthorne Blvd. Built in 1811, the Emmerton House provides affordable housing and a safe environment for single women of all ages and backgrounds, who are working or students.

*Different committees work to address concerns of the residents and to facilitate the upkeep of the house. The volunteers also run fund raisers throughout the year to help maintain the historic house.

*The Society was founded in 1876. Jenny Bertram Emmerton and her father [[Bertram, John|Capt. John Bertram]] donated the house to the society in 1879.

*The Emmerton or Joseph Fenno House at 12 Hawthorne Blvd. was placed on the ''National Register of Historic Places'' in 2008.

*In 2026, the Woman's Friend Society celebrated 150 years of providing a safe haven for women in need. On March 14, 2026, historical interpreter Jennifer Emerson put on a solo performance as Jennie Bertram Emmerton. Emmerton was the richest woman in Salem in her time and an influential member of the Society's founding. Her father, Captain John Bertram promised to donate the Hawthorne Blvd residence to the Society if they were successful for five years. He passed before the deadline was up but Jennie kept her promise to keep the house running and remain a place of refuge for women. Celebrations included an anniversary gala at the Waterfront Hotel in September and a dedication for a new sign detailing the Woman's Friend Society mission and the history of the Emmerton House outside of 12 Hawthorne Boulevard.

==See Also==
*Vertical File in the Salem Collection - '''Woman's Friend Society'''

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2096844 The History of the Woman's Friend Society of Salem, Massachusetts 1876-2001.] by Gloria F. Bowens, Ed. D.

*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157715804350472 Women's Friend Society] Salem State flickr

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1958881 Salem Women's Heritage Trail] by Bonnie Hurd Smith, p.22.

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2060027 19th Annual Report of Associated Charities] 1910 ed., p. 69-70

*"Woman's Friend Society marks 120 years" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 31, 1997, C3

*"The Story of the Brookhouse Home and Woman's Friend Society" J. McAllister for the ''Salem News'', Essex County Chronicles, Feb. 25, 2013

*"Woman's Friend Society marks anniversary, keeps mission alive." ''Salem Evening News'', June 21, 2001. p. A1.

*"Witch City's charity of firsts gets its stories down on paper" ''Salem News'', Jan. 27, 2003. p.A2

*"Woman's Friend Society, a local and national landmark, makes Register of Historic Places" ''Salem News'', Nov. 9, 2009. p.?

*"Woman's Friend Society celebrates 150 years of empowerment" ''The Salem News'', March 11, 2026.

*"Woman's Friend Society to host 150th anniversary events" ''The Salem News'', Sept 7, 2026, p. A08

[[Category:Browse Index]]

[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-10-15T22:35:40Z

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 was kicked off with a lecture by Peter Drummey. Drummey is the retired chief historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society and the lecture was about the impact of Salem's first mayor, Saltonstall. Following the lecture, guests were welcome to partake in 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 the first mayor of Salem, Leverett Saltonstall in the year 1810.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

*The city waived fees for residents in honor of '''Parks Days''' to encourage citizens to visit the city's over 40 parks as part of Salem 400+ celebrations. It is also to show the '''Salem Signature Parks Initiative''' which was a community effort to improve city parks. The event was held from September 12-13.

*The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is hosting multiple other exhibiitions and events both on-site at the museum and at other locations. Full details can be found at [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400].

*The city unveiled a new art installation in partnership with the Salem Public Art Commission near the Salem Ferry Terminal in celebration of Salem 400+. The piece is titled '''''Traces of arrival''''' by artist Roark T. Congdon. The piece draws inspiration from the city's Indigenous roots, Salem Harbor, and other aspects of the city. The installation features a pedestal of reclaimed granite from the base of Salem's Old Town Hall.

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*"City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem waives permit fees for parks to celebrate Parks Day this weekend", ''The Salem News'' Sept 11, 2026, p. A03

*Celebrate Salem 400+ - Peabody Essex Museum [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400]

*"City to celebrate public art installation at Salem Ferry Terminal" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 24, 2026, p. A02

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-10-15T22:21:25Z

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 Lansdowne 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.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

*The city waived fees for residents in honor of '''Parks Days''' to encourage citizens to visit the city's over 40 parks as part of Salem 400+ celebrations. It is also to show the '''Salem Signature Parks Initiative''' which was a community effort to improve city parks. The event was held from September 12-13.

*The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is hosting multiple other exhibiitions and events both on-site at the museum and at other locations. Full details can be found at [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400].

*The city unveiled a new art installation in partnership with the Salem Public Art Commission near the Salem Ferry Terminal in celebration of Salem 400+. The piece is titled '''''Traces of arrival''''' by artist Roark T. Congdon. The piece draws inspiration from the city's Indigenous roots, Salem Harbor, and other aspects of the city. The installation features a pedestal of reclaimed granite from the base of Salem's Old Town Hall.

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*"City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem waives permit fees for parks to celebrate Parks Day this weekend", ''The Salem News'' Sept 11, 2026, p. A03

*Celebrate Salem 400+ - Peabody Essex Museum [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400]

*"City to celebrate public art installation at Salem Ferry Terminal" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 24, 2026, p. A02

Plummer Home for Boys

2026-10-15T22:16:05Z

Mflorea:

*Once the Plummer Farm School of Reform for Boys, now just simply, the '''Plummer Home for Boys''', this home began operating in 1855 with money bequeathed by [[Plummer, Caroline|Caroline Plummer]]. In 1955, it became more of a home for abandoned and neglected boys instead of a reform school.

*Most of the boys today, ages 12 to 18, attend local schools and become part of the community. A new initiative in 2007 brought the addition of an apartment suite available for older boys to give them some independence.

*This 19th century home is tucked into a beautiful 19 acre parcel of land at Winter Island in Salem.

*Caroline Plummer is also well known for her contributions to the [[Salem Athenaeum]] and for the endowment of a Professorship that bears her name at Harvard University; the Plummer Professorship of Christian Morals.

*A new initiative of music instruction was started when a piano was donated in 2008. Some of the residents started playing the piano which led to donations of other musical instruments. With the help of community volunteers and staff, many residents have gotten involved in playing instruments and writing music as well. The program is led by Aaron Katz, musician and music producer. The youths have recorded and produced CDs of their music for distribution, with some of the music written by the residents.

*Plummer Home was the recipient of a new basketball court for the residents in 2010, through donations by Steve Young's Forever Young Foundation, RE/MAX and the Boston Celtics. Two of the Celtic team players, Cedric Maxwell and Glen Davis came to see the home and play ball with the residents this August after the court was completed.

*The home has started a culinary and catering program where the residents learn to plan menus, meet customers and cater events.

*In May of 2017, Plummer Home changed its name to '''Plummer Youth Promise''' to reflect the mission of this local foster care and youth development organization in a better way.

*Salem resident, Erin Truex was hired as the new Director of Development and Communications for Plummer Youth Promise in January 2026. Truex previously worked as the Executive Director of Beverly Main Streets. Her prior experience includes leadership roles in development and communications at Trinity Boston Foundation, LEAP for Education, and Mabel Center for Immigrant Justice.

*A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in May 2026 to celebrate the multi year, $25 million dollar revitalization project which began in 2023. Among the renovations were a new residential building with updates to the Caroline Plummer House. Space was made for residential staff as well as an apartment for family of the youth to host overnight visits. Youth housed at Plummer House will no longer have to share bedrooms. Common rooms were also built along with wellness/fitness rooms, and offices for staff work and training. Solar and geothermal power will also be added to make the home "net-carbon neutral".

Board of Trustees as of 2026:
Chair: Lisa Glahn,
Vice Chair: Molly Cook, Psy. D,
Treasurer: Kimberly Eng,
Secretary: David Guilbeault,
Robert Wentworth,
Caleb Friday,
Elena Foster,
María Fernanda Cantón,
Amy Cutler,
Jonathan Flores,
Sarah Wolfgang,
Sue Anamier O’Callaghan, Esq.

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Plummer Home'''

*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Plummer, Caroline'''

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1372109 Old Naumkeag] by C. H. Webber, p. 226

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1657961 Historical Sketch of Salem] by Charles S. Osgood, p. 352-360

*[https://plummeryouthpromise.org/our-programs/residential-programs/ Plummer Youth Promise] website

*[https://libguides.salemstate.edu/home/archives/blog Plummer Farm School] S.S.U. blog

*"Plummer Home celebrates its 150th anniversary" ''Salem News'', June 23, 2005, p. A1.
*"Hoop dreams come true" ''Salem News'', Aug. 17, 2010, p.1
*"It began with a piano; my view" ''Salem News'', Sept. 6, 2010 p.?
*"At a boys' home, music instruction strikes a chord" ''Boston Globe'', Dec. 24, 2009, p. 1
*"Plummer Home lands new name" ''Salem News'', May 17, 2017, p. 5

*"Plummer Youth Promise Hires New Director of Development and Communications" ''Patch'', Jan. 21, 2026

*"Brimming with hope - Plummer Youth Promise to celebrate opening of renovated historic building" ''The Salem News'', April 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem's Plummer Youth Promise Names Child Welfare Attorney To Board" ''Patch'', Sept. 23, 2026

*Plummer Youth Promise Leadership [https://plummeryouthpromise.org/about-us/leadership/#tab-id-2]

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

Plummer Home for Boys

2026-10-15T22:15:13Z

Mflorea:

*Once the Plummer Farm School of Reform for Boys, now just simply, the '''Plummer Home for Boys''', this home began operating in 1855 with money bequeathed by [[Plummer, Caroline|Caroline Plummer]]. In 1955, it became more of a home for abandoned and neglected boys instead of a reform school.

*Most of the boys today, ages 12 to 18, attend local schools and become part of the community. A new initiative in 2007 brought the addition of an apartment suite available for older boys to give them some independence.

*This 19th century home is tucked into a beautiful 19 acre parcel of land at Winter Island in Salem.

*Caroline Plummer is also well known for her contributions to the [[Salem Athenaeum]] and for the endowment of a Professorship that bears her name at Harvard University; the Plummer Professorship of Christian Morals.

*A new initiative of music instruction was started when a piano was donated in 2008. Some of the residents started playing the piano which led to donations of other musical instruments. With the help of community volunteers and staff, many residents have gotten involved in playing instruments and writing music as well. The program is led by Aaron Katz, musician and music producer. The youths have recorded and produced CDs of their music for distribution, with some of the music written by the residents.

*Plummer Home was the recipient of a new basketball court for the residents in 2010, through donations by Steve Young's Forever Young Foundation, RE/MAX and the Boston Celtics. Two of the Celtic team players, Cedric Maxwell and Glen Davis came to see the home and play ball with the residents this August after the court was completed.

*The home has started a culinary and catering program where the residents learn to plan menus, meet customers and cater events.

*In May of 2017, Plummer Home changed its name to '''Plummer Youth Promise''' to reflect the mission of this local foster care and youth development organization in a better way.

*Salem resident, Erin Truex was hired as the new Director of Development and Communications for Plummer Youth Promise in January 2026. Truex previously worked as the Executive Director of Beverly Main Streets. Her prior experience includes leadership roles in development and communications at Trinity Boston Foundation, LEAP for Education, and Mabel Center for Immigrant Justice.

*A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in May 2026 to celebrate the multi year, $25 million dollar revitalization project which began in 2023. Among the renovations were a new residential building with updates to the Caroline Plummer House. Space was made for residential staff as well as an apartment for family of the youth to host overnight visits. Youth housed at Plummer House will no longer have to share bedrooms. Common rooms were also built along with wellness/fitness rooms, and offices for staff work and training. Solar and geothermal power will also be added to make the home "net-carbon neutral".

Board of Trustees as of 2026:
Chair: Lisa Glahn
Vice Chair: Molly Cook, Psy. D
Treasurer: Kimberly Eng
Secretary: David Guilbeault
Robert Wentworth
Caleb Friday
Elena Foster
María Fernanda Cantón
Amy Cutler
Jonathan Flores
Sarah Wolfgang
Sue Anamier O’Callaghan, Esq.

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Plummer Home'''

*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Plummer, Caroline'''

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1372109 Old Naumkeag] by C. H. Webber, p. 226

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1657961 Historical Sketch of Salem] by Charles S. Osgood, p. 352-360

*[https://plummeryouthpromise.org/our-programs/residential-programs/ Plummer Youth Promise] website

*[https://libguides.salemstate.edu/home/archives/blog Plummer Farm School] S.S.U. blog

*"Plummer Home celebrates its 150th anniversary" ''Salem News'', June 23, 2005, p. A1.
*"Hoop dreams come true" ''Salem News'', Aug. 17, 2010, p.1
*"It began with a piano; my view" ''Salem News'', Sept. 6, 2010 p.?
*"At a boys' home, music instruction strikes a chord" ''Boston Globe'', Dec. 24, 2009, p. 1
*"Plummer Home lands new name" ''Salem News'', May 17, 2017, p. 5

*"Plummer Youth Promise Hires New Director of Development and Communications" ''Patch'', Jan. 21, 2026

*"Brimming with hope - Plummer Youth Promise to celebrate opening of renovated historic building" ''The Salem News'', April 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem's Plummer Youth Promise Names Child Welfare Attorney To Board" ''Patch'', Sept. 23, 2026

*Plummer Youth Promise Leadership [https://plummeryouthpromise.org/about-us/leadership/#tab-id-2]

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

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-10-14T15:19:28Z

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.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

*The city waived fees for residents in honor of '''Parks Days''' to encourage citizens to visit the city's over 40 parks as part of Salem 400+ celebrations. It is also to show the '''Salem Signature Parks Initiative''' which was a community effort to improve city parks. The event was held from September 12-13.

*The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is hosting multiple other exhibiitions and events both on-site at the museum and at other locations. Full details can be found at [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400].

*The city unveiled a new art installation in partnership with the Salem Public Art Commission near the Salem Ferry Terminal in celebration of Salem 400+. The piece is titled '''''Traces of arrival''''' by artist Roark T. Congdon. The piece draws inspiration from the city's Indigenous roots, Salem Harbor, and other aspects of the city. The installation features a pedestal of reclaimed granite from the base of Salem's Old Town Hall.

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*"City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem waives permit fees for parks to celebrate Parks Day this weekend", ''The Salem News'' Sept 11, 2026, p. A03

*Celebrate Salem 400+ - Peabody Essex Museum [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400]

*"City to celebrate public art installation at Salem Ferry Terminal" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 24, 2026, p. A02

Salem Wharf at Blaney Street

2026-10-14T15:19:24Z

Mflorea:

The Salem Wharf at Blaney Street was given an overhaul in 2011. The Salem Ferry uses this area to dock their boat.
The city was able to buy the 2.2 acre parcel from Dominion, who operated Salem Harbor Power Station, after leasing the parcel for some years.

Using funds from the Mass. Seaport Advisory Council and the governor's office to boost Salem's maritime industry, the city
hoped to boost ferry and cruise ship traffic.

The funds helped pay for a new concrete and steel wharf with floating dock system. The new dock is 250 feet long. The second tier
of improvements include the design and ultimate dredging of the South River. There is approximately 140 parking spaces in the
new paved parking abutting the wharf.

In 2026, the city received funding from the Seaport Economic Council in order to close out the design phase of the future Ferry Terminal Building. This building will serve as a "hub for waterborne transportation and expand operational capacity for tourism". While the date for construction is not firm, the city is hoping to begin in 2028. The amount awarded by the Seaport Economic Council was $1,405,670.

The city unveiled a new art installation in partnership with the Salem Public Art Commission near the Salem Ferry Terminal in celebration of Salem 400+. The piece is titled ''Traces of arrival'' by artist Roark T. Congdon. The piece draws inspiration from the city's Indigenous roots, Salem Harbor, and other aspects of the city. The installation features a pedestal of reclaimed granite from the base of Salem's Old Town Hall.

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

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Blaney Street Wharf'''

*"Sea changes; funding influx will help Salem promote its coastal industry" ''Salem Gazette'', Nov. 5, 2010, p. 1

*"Blaney Street is going through a phase; first part of wharf expansion begins with repaving, new building" ''Salem Gazette'', Mar.11, 2011, p.1

*"Pier construction on course; Salem Wharf an investment that's going to pay off" ''Salem News'', Dec. 28, 2011, p. 1

*"A gateway hub; City wrapping up design phase of new Ferry Terminal Building " ''The Salem News'', Jan. 21, 2026, p. 1

*"City to celebrate public art installation at Salem Ferry Terminal" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 24, 2026, p. A02

Salem State University

2026-10-14T15:01:00Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem State University''' began in 1854 as Salem Normal School, then [[Salem State College]] a teaching college for women. It changed to university status in 2011.

The land at the corner of Lafayette Street and Loring Avenue that the new college buildings were built on was the former Osgood farm, purchased in 1893.

In 1990, the Bates complex opened. In 1997, the former Sylvania plant was acquired by the school to become Central Campus.

Salem State enrolls over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students representing 27 states and 57 foreign countries, and is one of the largest state universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Salem State occupies 115 acres on five campuses less than a mile from downtown Salem.

The university is home to:
Approximately 2,000 undergraduate resident students in three residence halls and two residential complexes.

Approximately 5,725 undergraduate commuter students.

A new library is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2012.

Top Ten Most Popular majors are:

Business Administration

Nursing

Education

Criminal Justice

Biology

Psychology

Communications

Sport and Movement Science

English

History

The Salem State University Speaker Series was founded in 1982 as one of the first high-profile speaker series in the country. Former President Gerald Ford was its first speaker.

In Sept. of 2021, Salem State's Central Campus was officially renamed the "Nancy D. Harrington Campus" in honor of the former president, who died in December of 2020 at age 81.

In 2026, the university received a $6.37M gift to establish a Multilingual Student Services Endowment. This donation will be used in support of a full time multilingual student services coach and strengthen multilingual outreach for the school among other things. The donation was from Salem State alumna Kim Gasset-Schiller ('83) and her husband, Apple Fellow Philip Schiller.

The university opened an on-campus food pantry called ''Feed a Viking Market'' in 2026 to combat food insecurity among students. While there was a pantry on-campus previously, this market will be larger and self-serve

Former President Barrack Obama visited the school on September 21, 2026 as part of their ''Salem State Series'' which has brought over 100 leaders, artists, and other public figures to speak at the campus. The Former President spoke about the importance of hope and the fight against the polarization that has been going on politically among other topics.

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

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem State College'''

*[http://www.salemstate.edu/ Salem State University] website

*[http://catalog.salemstate.edu/content.php?catoid=30&navoid=4694 History of Salem State University] SSU website

*"Salem State: $6.4M grant expands language services" ''The Salem News'', Feb. 05, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem State Opens 'Feed A Viking Market' On-Campus Student Food Pantry" ''Patch'', Sept 10, 2026

*"Obama speaks to nation's need to bridge divisions" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 23, 2026, p. A01

Shetland Park

2026-10-14T14:06:10Z

Mflorea:

Shetland Park, an office park on the waterfront by the Pickering Wharf area, has 5 large buildings on 35 acres. This property was formerly known as [[Pequot Mills]], home to the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Co. Robert Lappin purchased the old complex in 1958. He has owned and run it for the last 53 years in his home town of Salem.

A recreated antique house called the [[Pequot House]] was built in front of Shetland Park. This house was built for the 1930 tercentenary of the settling of Massachusetts.

The Park soared in popularity when he added large windows to capture the view of the waterfront in the 1980's. In the past it had about a dozen manufacturers and businesses, but mostly empty buildings. The installation of pictures windows was the start of the transformation to an office park. It is home to both private businesses and public agencies and has 2,000 parking spaces in the center of the complex.

Robert Lappin was very involved in Jewish institutions and causes. He ran the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation. The city park at the corner of Essex and Washington Streets is named in memory to his parents. Lappin Park was in the news in 2005 when cable network TV Land erected the [[Bewitched statue]] at this park.

Robert Lappin passed away on April 3, 2020 at the age of 98.

In May of 2008, the Registry of Deeds moved into space at the park as the new courthouse on Federal Street was being built.
The Registry of Deeds will be moving to a smaller office in the Cummings Center in Beverly in late 2024.

Plans were being finalized in 2025 for redevelopment into 1200 mixed-income apartments. The project is set to include a 13-story hotel, a new academic building and gym for Salem Charter Academy School, a harbor walk, playgrounds and more. The project is expected to take 5-9 years and will not disrupt the flow of business in Shetland Park. Redevelopment is expected to generate over 1,000 union jobs as well as hundreds of jobs once construction is complete. A water taxi to the Salem Ferry as well as a shuttle to the Salem train station is also in the works. As of 2026, negotiations are still underway. For further information, visit [http://thefutureofshetlandpark.com thefutureofshetlandpark.com].

In 2026, it was announced that the city revoked a permit for an AI data center that was set to be built in Shetland Park. The AI data center plans were revealed during a June walk-through of construction. The permit was revoked in July by the building commissioner who stated that a data center was not permitted under current zoning ordinances in the area. Mayor Pangallo proposed an amendment to zoning that would prohibit data centers in Salem. The decision is part of a hot button debate about the ethicality of data centers in the US and around the world. The Salem Zoning Board of Appeals upheld the decision to reject the data center in a 5-0 vote.

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

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Shetland Park'''

*"Shetland Office park is not the old mill it once was" ''Salem Evening News'', July 3, 1996, p. A1

*"Shetland Park celebrates 50 years; Lappin transformed former Pequot Mills into waterfront offices" ''Salem News'', Oct. 15, 2008, p. 1

*"Businesses growing at Shetland Park" ''Salem Evening News'', Mar. 14, 2001, P. A3

*"Registry moving to Cummings Center" ''Salem News'', Jan. 8, 2024, p.1

*"Shetland Park project zoning weighed" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 13, 2026, p. A01

*"City, revokes permit for Shetland Park project - Developer appeals decision in data center dispute" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 16, 2026, p. A01

*"Board OK's rejection of possible data center" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 18, 2026, p. A01

Murders

2026-10-14T13:57:51Z

Mflorea:

'''Murders''':

'''Nicholas P. Fiore'''
see: Salem Evening News, July 13, 1987

'''Frances Cochrane murder''' July 17, 1941
see: Salem Evening News, July 19 or 21st 1941

'''Beatrice Blanchard'''
see: ''Salem Evening News'', Feb. 16, 1948

'''Jessie Costello''' ,Feb. 15, 1933
see; N.Y.T Index, trial was Aug. 1933

'''Beryl Atherton''', Nov. 27, 1950

[[Corbin, Evelyn]], Sept. 8, 1963

'''Claire Gravel''', June 29, 1986. In March 2026, John Carey was convicted of the murder of Claire Gravel and in April 2026, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A ''20/20'' segment in 2026 highlighted the case and the conviction of Carey. The murder was unsolved for over 40 years.

'''Marion Mavrogenis''', May, 1986.
see: Boston Sunday Globe, 6/1/86 p.30, Boston Globe, 6/3/86, p.24, 6/11/86 p.39. Boston Globe 3/27/87 p.19, 3/25/87 p.19

[[Brailsford, Martha]], July 15, 1991
see: Salem News, and Boston Globe

'''Carrie Brown''', April 25, 1891 (Jack-the-Ripper style murder in N.Y.C.)

'''Henry McMahon''', July 21, 1922 (12 year old boy from Boston St.)

'''Patricia Donaldson''', September, 2026.

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

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Murders, Local'''

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Costello, Jessie'''

*"Carey guilty in 1986 Claire Gravel murder" ''The Salem News'', March 4, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem State Student cold case killer sentenced to life in prison for 1986 strangulation" ''Patch'', April 9, 2026

*"Victim ID'd as Patricia Donaldson, 42, of Salem" ''The Salem News'', Sept 11, 2026, p. A01

*"20/20 segment to highlight Claire Gravel case" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 25, 2026, p. A01

Salem Fire Department

2026-10-13T16:33:11Z

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.

Salem Fire Station 2 on North Street reopened in September 2026 after being closed for extensive construction since June of that year. Remodeling was done to the doors of the station along with other remodeling and repairs such as the removal of steam radiators and installing heat pumps, replacement of electrical fixtures and system, new water fountains, and laundry machines among other things. The city has plans to improve multiple other fire stations in the coming years.

[[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" ''The Salem News'', Jan. 9, 2026, p. 3

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

"Modernizing the station - Salem Fire Station 2 reopens following extensive remodeling" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 17, 2026, p. A01

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-10-13T15:56:38Z

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.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

*The city waived fees for residents in honor of Parks Days to encourage citizens to visit the city's over 40 parks as part of Salem 400+ celebrations. It is also to show the '''Salem Signature Parks Initiative''' which was a community effort to improve city parks. The event was held from September 12-13.

*The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is hosting multiple other exhibiitions and events both on-site at the museum and at other locations. Full details can be found at [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400].

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*"City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem waives permit fees for parks to celebrate Parks Day this weekend", ''The Salem News'' Sept 11, 2026, p. A03

* Celebrate Salem 400+ - Peabody Essex Museum [https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400 pem.org/celebrate-salem-400]

Nonfiction Books About Salem

2026-10-13T15:51:42Z

Mflorea:

The following is a list of nonfiction books about Salem.

'''Julie Gordon''' ''Tails of Salem: The Untold History of Dogs in the Witch City'' (2026)

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Books set in Salem]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Nonfiction Books About Salem'''

*"Sea dogs on board - Harbor cruise for humans and their canine companions celebrates release of new book" ''The Salem News''. Sept. 7, 2026, p. A01

Nonfiction Books About Salem

2026-10-13T15:51:09Z

Mflorea: Created page with "The following is a list of nonfiction books about Salem. ''Julie Gordon''' ''Tails of Salem: The Untold History of Dogs in the Witch City'' (2026) Category:Browse Index Category:Books set in Salem ==See Also== Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Nonfiction Books About Salem''' *"Sea dogs on board - Harbor cruise for humans and their canine companions celebrates release of new book" ''The Salem News''. Sept. 7, 2026, p. A01"

The following is a list of nonfiction books about Salem.

''Julie Gordon''' ''Tails of Salem: The Untold History of Dogs in the Witch City'' (2026)

[[Category:Browse Index]]
[[Category:Books set in Salem]]

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Nonfiction Books About Salem'''

*"Sea dogs on board - Harbor cruise for humans and their canine companions celebrates release of new book" ''The Salem News''. Sept. 7, 2026, p. A01

Category:Books set in Salem

2026-10-13T15:45:59Z

Mflorea: Created blank page

Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood

2026-10-13T15:38:31Z

Mflorea:

'''Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood'''

*Well-preserved collection of Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian-era homes
*Former industrial area
*Collins Cove

The ''Bridge Street Neck Beautification Awards'' have been held since 2014. It is a celebration of personal property owners and businesses around the Bridge Street neighborhood that award those who help make the neighborhood beautiful.

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

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Neighborhood Associations'''

[https://www.historicsalem.org/bridgestreetneck.html Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood] Historic Salem Inc.

*"2026 Annual Bridge Street Neck Celebration & Beautification Awards" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 4, 2026, p. A01

Shetland Park

2026-10-09T17:18:34Z

Mflorea:

Shetland Park, an office park on the waterfront by the Pickering Wharf area, has 5 large buildings on 35 acres. This property was formerly known as [[Pequot Mills]], home to the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Co. Robert Lappin purchased the old complex in 1958. He has owned and run it for the last 53 years in his home town of Salem.

A recreated antique house called the [[Pequot House]] was built in front of Shetland Park. This house was built for the 1930 tercentenary of the settling of Massachusetts.

The Park soared in popularity when he added large windows to capture the view of the waterfront in the 1980's. In the past it had about a dozen manufacturers and businesses, but mostly empty buildings. The installation of pictures windows was the start of the transformation to an office park. It is home to both private businesses and public agencies and has 2,000 parking spaces in the center of the complex.

Robert Lappin was very involved in Jewish institutions and causes. He ran the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation. The city park at the corner of Essex and Washington Streets is named in memory to his parents. Lappin Park was in the news in 2005 when cable network TV Land erected the [[Bewitched statue]] at this park.

Robert Lappin passed away on April 3, 2020 at the age of 98.

In May of 2008, the Registry of Deeds moved into space at the park as the new courthouse on Federal Street was being built.
The Registry of Deeds will be moving to a smaller office in the Cummings Center in Beverly in late 2024.

Plans were being finalized in 2025 for redevelopment into 1200 mixed-income apartments. The project is set to include a 13-story hotel, a new academic building and gym for Salem Charter Academy School, a harbor walk, playgrounds and more. The project is expected to take 5-9 years and will not disrupt the flow of business in Shetland Park. Redevelopment is expected to generate over 1,000 union jobs as well as hundreds of jobs once construction is complete. A water taxi to the Salem Ferry as well as a shuttle to the Salem train station is also in the works. As of 2026, negotiations are still underway. For further information, visit [http://thefutureofshetlandpark.com thefutureofshetlandpark.com].

In 2026, it was announced that the city revoked a permit for an AI data center that was set to be built in Shetland Park. The AI data center plans were revealed during a June walk-through of construction. The permit was revoked in July by the building commissioner who stated that a data center was not permitted under current zoning ordinances in the area. Mayor Pangallo proposed an amendment to zoning that would prohibit data centers in Salem. The decision is part of a hot button debate about the ethicality of data centers in the US and around the world.

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

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Shetland Park'''

"Shetland Office park is not the old mill it once was" ''Salem Evening News'', July 3, 1996, p. A1

"Shetland Park celebrates 50 years; Lappin transformed former Pequot Mills into waterfront offices" ''Salem News'', Oct. 15, 2008, p. 1

"Businesses growing at Shetland Park" ''Salem Evening News'', Mar. 14, 2001, P. A3

"Registry moving to Cummings Center" ''Salem News'', Jan. 8, 2024, p.1

"Shetland Park project zoning weighed" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 13, 2026, p. A01

"City, revokes permit for Shetland Park project - Developer appeals decision in data center dispute" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 16, 2026, p. A01

City Seal

2026-10-09T17:08:20Z

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 was finalized in September 2026, by the Salem City Council to change the city seal. The tally was 8-2. A committee will be made to discuss what comes next.

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" ''The Salem News'', Oct. 21, 2025, p. A01

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

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

"Salem City Council votes to change city seal" ''The Salem News'', Sept. 15, 2026, p. A01

Scottish Visitors

2026-10-07T19:00:13Z

Mflorea: Created page with "In 2026, the FIFA World Cup brought many Scottish football fans to Salem. Portions of the World Cup were held in Foxborough at Gillette Stadium and many Scottish tourists (known as the ''Tartan Army''), flocked to Salem for the match. The tourists were greeted positively and filled the bars and pubs around the city. A traffic cone was placed on the head of the Bewitched statue as a practical joke as part of longstanding Scottish tradition. Mayor Pangallo wrote a lett..."

In 2026, the FIFA World Cup brought many Scottish football fans to Salem. Portions of the World Cup were held in Foxborough at Gillette Stadium and many Scottish tourists (known as the ''Tartan Army''), flocked to Salem for the match.

The tourists were greeted positively and filled the bars and pubs around the city. A traffic cone was placed on the head of the Bewitched statue as a practical joke as part of longstanding Scottish tradition.

Mayor Pangallo wrote a letter to the Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, and received a letter back thanking the city of Salem for their hospitality and warm welcome during the city's quadricentennial.

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

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Scottish Visitors'''

"Salem-Scottish Ties Sealed With Official Letter Confirming Bond" ''Patch'', Aug. 26, 2026

"Facebook post, Dominick Pangallo, letter from Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney" ''Facebook'', Aug 26, 2026.

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-10-06T17:47:11Z

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.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

*The city waived fees for residents in honor of Parks Days to encourage citizens to visit the city's over 40 parks as part of Salem 400+ celebrations. It is also to show the '''Salem Signature Parks Initiative''' which was a community effort to improve city parks. The event was held from September 12-13.

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*"City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

*"Salem waives permit fees for parks to celebrate Parks Day this weekend", ''The Salem News'' Sept 11, 2026, p. A03

Murders

2026-10-06T17:31:47Z

Mflorea:

'''Murders''':

'''Nicholas P. Fiore'''
see: Salem Evening News, July 13, 1987

'''Frances Cochrane murder''' July 17, 1941
see: Salem Evening News, July 19 or 21st 1941

'''Beatrice Blanchard'''
see: ''Salem Evening News'', Feb. 16, 1948

'''Jessie Costello''' ,Feb. 15, 1933
see; N.Y.T Index, trial was Aug. 1933

'''Beryl Atherton''', Nov. 27, 1950

[[Corbin, Evelyn]], Sept. 8, 1963

'''Claire Gravel''', June 29, 1986. In March 2026, John Carey was convicted of the murder of Claire Gravel and in April 2026, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

'''Marion Mavrogenis''', May, 1986.
see: Boston Sunday Globe, 6/1/86 p.30, Boston Globe, 6/3/86, p.24, 6/11/86 p.39. Boston Globe 3/27/87 p.19, 3/25/87 p.19

[[Brailsford, Martha]], July 15, 1991
see: Salem News, and Boston Globe

'''Carrie Brown''', April 25, 1891 (Jack-the-Ripper style murder in N.Y.C.)

'''Henry McMahon''', July 21, 1922 (12 year old boy from Boston St.)

'''Patricia Donaldson''', September, 2026.

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

==See Also==
Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Murders, Local'''

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Costello, Jessie'''

*"Carey guilty in 1986 Claire Gravel murder" ''The Salem News'', March 4, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem State Student cold case killer sentenced to life in prison for 1986 strangulation" ''Patch'', April 9, 2026

*"Victim ID'd as Patricia Donaldson, 42, of Salem" ''The Salem News'', Sept 11, 2026, p. A01

Salem 400+ Celebration

2026-10-06T17:28:29Z

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 Lansdowne 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.

*An event titled ''The Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging'' took place in September 2026 and celebrated the people and stories that make up the city. The Salem Point neighborhood was featured with artwork, panel discussions, and a performance by Salem's Youth Poet Laureate, Lianna Galvan. The event was in partnership with the North Shore Community Development Coalition and took place in Palmer Cove Park.

[[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" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', May 11, 2026, p. A1

*"Food at 400+ - 12-day festival to honor Salem's culinary past, present" ''The Salem 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" ''The Salem News'', August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

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

*City, North Shore CDC to host event at Palmer Cove Park" ''The Salem News'', Aug 28, 2026, p. A01

Salem High School

2026-10-02T13:37:51Z

Mflorea:

*'''Salem High School''' was built in 1975-6 and opened on Willson Street in January of 1976.

*The pre-cast concrete and brick building cost $18M and replaced the "old" High School building on Highland Ave. which had been built in 1908-9. That school was later remodeled to be used as Collins Middle School.

*A total of 1,968 students were enrolled. The students were separated into three small high school groups or "houses" on each floor of the academic wing, which was formed around a central courtyard.

*An open house was conducted on April 25, 1976 to give everyone a chance to visit the new structure.

*The ceremonies included dedicating the school auditorium to M. Ruth Norton. Additionally, the three story library was dedicated to Judge Samuel E. Zoll.

* In 2026, Salem City Council voted to borrow up to $447M in order to pay for the construction of a new high school. The new high school will be 365,000 square feet and reside between the current high school's footprint and Highland Avenue. Much of the money for this project is expected to come from a raise in property taxes with about 44% coming from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

*The city approved the debt exclusion tax override by city vote in May of 2026 for the building of the new high school. The city will be able to legally raise the property tax rate beyond the 2.5% annual limit over 30 years.

*In 2026, Black Cat Pantry opened at Salem High, an in-school food pantry for students and families of the school. This initiative is in partnership with the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry program. The program donated $7,500 and a commercial-grade refrigerator to Salem High School.

*In February of 2026. Governor Maura Healey appointed Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr. as Secretary of Education. Zrike was the Salem Superintendent of Schools since 2020. Thomas Welch was appointed the district's next superintendent in July 2026 and brings 27 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and regional superintendent. He will begin his term in August 2026.

*In 2026, Michael Daly was named as the new athletic director for Salem High School. He was formerly the director of athletics and co-curricular director at a Deering High School in Portland, Maine.

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

==See Also==
*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Schools #1'''

*"$18 M Salem High opens" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 26, 1976, p. 1

*"New SHS 'it's beautiful' (open house)" ''Salem Evening News'', Apr. 26, 1976, p. 1

*"City Council OK's $447M for new high school" ''The Salem News'', Jan. 23, 2026, pg. 1

*"Black Cat Pantry opens its doors at Salem High" ''The Salem News'', Feb. 05, 2026, pg. 1

*"Salem Superintendent Steve Zrike Named MA Secretary of Education" ''Patch'', Feb. 10, 2026

*"Voters OK new school" ''The Salem News'', May 6, 2026, p. A1

*"Thomas Welch tapped as next superintendent" ''The Salem News', July 16, 2026

*"Salem High names new athletic director" ''The Salem News'', Sept 8, 2026, p. A01

Woman's Friend Society

2026-10-02T13:32:21Z

Mflorea:

*The Woman's Friend Society is comprised of volunteers who support the historic Emmerton House on 12 Hawthorne Blvd. Built in 1811, the Emmerton House provides affordable housing and a safe environment for single women of all ages and backgrounds, who are working or students.

*Different committees work to address concerns of the residents and to facilitate the upkeep of the house. The volunteers also run fund raisers throughout the year to help maintain the historic house.

*The Society was founded in 1876. Jenny Bertram Emmerton and her father [[Bertram, John|Capt. John Bertram]] donated the house to the society in 1879.

*The Emmerton or Joseph Fenno House at 12 Hawthorne Blvd. was placed on the ''National Register of Historic Places'' in 2008.

*In 2026, the Woman's Friend Society celebrated 150 years of providing a safe haven for women in need. On March 14, 2026, historical interpreter Jennifer Emerson put on a solo performance as Jennie Bertram Emmerton. Emmerton was the richest woman in Salem in her time and an influential member of the Society's founding. Her father, Captain John Bertram promised to donate the Hawthorne Blvd residence to the Society if they were successful for five years. He passed before the deadline was up but Jennie made good on his promise. Celebrations included an anniversary gala at the Waterfront Hotel in September and a dedication for a new sign detailing the Woman's Friend Society mission and the history of the Emmerton House outside of 12 Hawthorne Boulevard.

==See Also==
*Vertical File in the Salem Collection - '''Woman's Friend Society'''

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2096844 The History of the Woman's Friend Society of Salem, Massachusetts 1876-2001.] by Gloria F. Bowens, Ed. D.

*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157715804350472 Women's Friend Society] Salem State flickr

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1958881 Salem Women's Heritage Trail] by Bonnie Hurd Smith, p.22.

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2060027 19th Annual Report of Associated Charities] 1910 ed., p. 69-70

*"Woman's Friend Society marks 120 years" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 31, 1997, C3

*"The Story of the Brookhouse Home and Woman's Friend Society" J. McAllister for the ''Salem News'', Essex County Chronicles, Feb. 25, 2013

*"Woman's Friend Society marks anniversary, keeps mission alive." ''Salem Evening News'', June 21, 2001. p. A1.

*"Witch City's charity of firsts gets its stories down on paper" ''Salem News'', Jan. 27, 2003. p.A2

*"Woman's Friend Society, a local and national landmark, makes Register of Historic Places" ''Salem News'', Nov. 9, 2009. p.?

*"Woman's Friend Society celebrates 150 years of empowerment" ''The Salem News'', March 11, 2026.

*"Woman's Friend Society to host 150th anniversary events" ''The Salem News'', Sept 7, 2026, p. A08

[[Category:Browse Index]]

[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

Woman's Friend Society

2026-10-02T13:32:05Z

Mflorea:

*The Woman's Friend Society is comprised of volunteers who support the historic Emmerton House on 12 Hawthorne Blvd. Built in 1811, the Emmerton House provides affordable housing and a safe environment for single women of all ages and backgrounds, who are working or students.

*Different committees work to address concerns of the residents and to facilitate the upkeep of the house. The volunteers also run fund raisers throughout the year to help maintain the historic house.

*The Society was founded in 1876. Jenny Bertram Emmerton and her father [[Bertram, John|Capt. John Bertram]] donated the house to the society in 1879.

*The Emmerton or Joseph Fenno House at 12 Hawthorne Blvd. was placed on the ''National Register of Historic Places'' in 2008.

*In 2026, the Woman's Friend Society celebrated 150 years of providing a safe haven for women in need. On March 14, 2026, historical interpreter Jennifer Emerson put on a solo performance as Jennie Bertram Emmerton. Emmerton was the richest woman in Salem in her time and an influential member of the Society's founding. Her father, Captain John Bertram promised to donate the Hawthorne Blvd residence to the Society if they were successful for five years. He passed before the deadline was up but Jennie made good on his promise.
Celebrations included an anniversary gala at the Waterfront Hotel in September and a dedication for a new sign detailing the Woman's Friend Society mission and the history of the Emmerton House outside of 12 Hawthorne Boulevard.

==See Also==
*Vertical File in the Salem Collection - '''Woman's Friend Society'''

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2096844 The History of the Woman's Friend Society of Salem, Massachusetts 1876-2001.] by Gloria F. Bowens, Ed. D.

*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157715804350472 Women's Friend Society] Salem State flickr

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/1958881 Salem Women's Heritage Trail] by Bonnie Hurd Smith, p.22.

*[http://salem.noblenet.org/Record/2060027 19th Annual Report of Associated Charities] 1910 ed., p. 69-70

*"Woman's Friend Society marks 120 years" ''Salem Evening News'', Jan. 31, 1997, C3

*"The Story of the Brookhouse Home and Woman's Friend Society" J. McAllister for the ''Salem News'', Essex County Chronicles, Feb. 25, 2013

*"Woman's Friend Society marks anniversary, keeps mission alive." ''Salem Evening News'', June 21, 2001. p. A1.

*"Witch City's charity of firsts gets its stories down on paper" ''Salem News'', Jan. 27, 2003. p.A2

*"Woman's Friend Society, a local and national landmark, makes Register of Historic Places" ''Salem News'', Nov. 9, 2009. p.?

*"Woman's Friend Society celebrates 150 years of empowerment" ''The Salem News'', March 11, 2026.

*"Woman's Friend Society to host 150th anniversary events" ''The Salem News'', Sept 7, 2026, p. A08

[[Category:Browse Index]]

[[Category:Clubs and Organizations]]

Salem State University

2026-09-30T20:39:39Z

Mflorea:

'''Salem State University''' began in 1854 as Salem Normal School, then [[Salem State College]] a teaching college for women. It changed to university status in 2011.

The land at the corner of Lafayette Street and Loring Avenue that the new college buildings were built on was the former Osgood farm, purchased in 1893.

In 1990, the Bates complex opened. In 1997, the former Sylvania plant was acquired by the school to become Central Campus.

Salem State enrolls over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students representing 27 states and 57 foreign countries, and is one of the largest state universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Salem State occupies 115 acres on five campuses less than a mile from downtown Salem.

The university is home to:
Approximately 2,000 undergraduate resident students in three residence halls and two residential complexes.

Approximately 5,725 undergraduate commuter students.

A new library is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2012.

Top Ten Most Popular majors are:

Business Administration

Nursing

Education

Criminal Justice

Biology

Psychology

Communications

Sport and Movement Science

English

History

The Salem State University Speaker Series was founded in 1982 as one of the first high-profile speaker series in the country. Former President Gerald Ford was its first speaker.

In Sept. of 2021, Salem State's Central Campus was officially renamed the "Nancy D. Harrington Campus" in honor of the former president, who died in December of 2020 at age 81.

In 2026, the university received a $6.37M gift to establish a Multilingual Student Services Endowment. This donation will be used in support of a full time multilingual student services coach and strengthen multilingual outreach for the school among other things. The donation was from Salem State alumna Kim Gasset-Schiller ('83) and her husband, Apple Fellow Philip Schiller.

The university opened an on-campus food pantry called ''Feed a Viking Market'' in 2026 to combat food insecurity among students. While there was a pantry on-campus previously, this market will be larger and self-serve.

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

Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem State College'''

*[http://www.salemstate.edu/ Salem State University] website

*[http://catalog.salemstate.edu/content.php?catoid=30&navoid=4694 History of Salem State University] SSU website

*"Salem State: $6.4M grant expands language services" ''The Salem News'', Feb. 05, 2026, p. 1

*"Salem State Opens 'Feed A Viking Market' On-Campus Student Food Pantry" ''Patch'', Sept 10, 2026