Salem Links and Lore - Recent changes [en]

Salem Sound Coastwatch

Mflorea — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:50:08 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

	"~~Cleaning up~~ Salem Sound" ''Salem Evening News'', ~~Mar~~. 1, ~~1995~~, p. ~~4-5~~		*"A sound investment: Salem Sound 2000 is trying to clean up river beds" ''Salem Evening News'', Dec. 18, 1997, p. C1

	"~~A sound investment:~~ Salem Sound 2000 ~~is trying to clean up river beds~~" ''Salem Evening News'', ~~Dec. 18~~, ~~1997~~, p. C1		*"Salem Sound 2000 study finds high levels of pollution in water" ''Salem Evening News'', June 4, 1999, p. 1

	"Salem Sound ~~2000 study finds high levels of pollution in water~~" ''Salem Evening News'', ~~June 4~~, ~~1999~~, p. 1		*"Salem Sound Coastwatch announces new executive director" ''Salem Evening News'', April 21, 2026, p. A1

	"~~Salem Sound Coastwatch announces new executive director~~" ''Salem Evening News''~~, April 21~~, 2026, p. A1		*"Group gets $30K to encourage tree planting" ''Salem Evening News'' Sept 2, 2026, p. A01

Salem Public Schools

Mflorea — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:40:23 GMT

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

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

	[[Category:Browse Index]]		[[Category:Browse Index]]
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	*"Salem's Bates Elementary Awarded $20K Cummings Foundation Gift" ''Patch'' Aug 25, 2026		*"Salem's Bates Elementary Awarded $20K Cummings Foundation Gift" ''Patch'' Aug 25, 2026

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

Salem 400+ Celebration

Mflorea — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:33:09 GMT

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

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

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

Salem Fire Department

Mflorea — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:47:41 GMT

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

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

	[[Category:Browse Index]]		[[Category:Browse Index]]
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	"Salem to end master box fire alarm system" ''Salem News'', Jan. 9, 2026, p. 3		"Salem to end master box fire alarm system" ''Salem News'', Jan. 9, 2026, p. 3

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

Salem Public Schools

Mflorea — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:37:03 GMT

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

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

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

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

Salem Athenaeum

Mflorea — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:37:43 GMT

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	*The Athenaeum celebrated its 200th anniversary as an organization in 2010 with a period ball at the Hamilton Hall on Chestnut St.		*The Athenaeum celebrated its 200th anniversary as an organization in 2010 with a period ball at the Hamilton Hall on Chestnut St.

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

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

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

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

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

	~~[[Category:Browse Index]]~~		"Salem Athenaeum to unveil reproduction of 1629 Massachusetts Bay Charter" ''Salem Evening News'' Sept 3, 2026, p. A03

Salem 400+ Celebration

Mflorea — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:36:20 GMT

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	*The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in honor of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026.		*The 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 August 2026, the city removed the double entrance doors to City Hall for restoration in celebration of Salem 400+. The doors have been in place since at least 1926.

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

	[[Category:Browse Index]]		[[Category:Browse Index]]
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	*"Salem to restore grand wood entrance doors at City Hall" ''Salem Evening News'' August 19, 2026, p. A01		*"Salem to restore grand wood entrance doors at City Hall" ''Salem Evening News'' August 19, 2026, p. A01

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

House of the Seven Gables

Mflorea — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:49:17 GMT

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	*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables was awarded $461,000 in federal funding to ensure protection of its' seaside campus from stormwater damage. 209 Massachusetts recipients will be sharing $221,551,060. The money will be Congressionally directed spending. From ''Patch'', "The federal money will support construction of a rain garden, a subsurface infiltration system beneath the Colonial Revival gardens, a catch basin and drywell near the Hooper-Hathaway House and Hawthorne Birthplace, and a section of permeable pavers on the walkway near the exit."		*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables was awarded $461,000 in federal funding to ensure protection of its' seaside campus from stormwater damage. 209 Massachusetts recipients will be sharing $221,551,060. The money will be Congressionally directed spending. From ''Patch'', "The federal money will support construction of a rain garden, a subsurface infiltration system beneath the Colonial Revival gardens, a catch basin and drywell near the Hooper-Hathaway House and Hawthorne Birthplace, and a section of permeable pavers on the walkway near the exit."
	*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables held a ceremony in celebration of becoming an official affiliate site of the estate of legendary actor, Vincent Price. Price was a descendant of Salem Witch Trials victim Rebecca Nurse. Price also starred as Clifford Pyncheon in The House of Seven Gables 1940 film adaption. The House of Seven Gables plans to hold an annual Vincent Price program series and art exhibition.		*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables held a ceremony in celebration of becoming an official affiliate site of the estate of legendary actor, Vincent Price. Price was a descendant of Salem Witch Trials victim Rebecca Nurse. Price also starred as Clifford Pyncheon in The House of Seven Gables 1940 film adaption. The House of Seven Gables plans to hold an annual Vincent Price program series and art exhibition.
	*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables announced that they will be opening an interactive Nathanial Hawthorne museum and launching a $1 million dollar fundraising campaign to pay for the costs. Executive Director Dakota Russell explained that this museum will be used to help guests learn about Nathaniel Hawthorne for the first time. The museum will include personal artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and will tell stories of the authors life and work and his relation to Salem. The exhibits are in cooperation with Amaze Design and the design phase of the project was funded by grants and private donations.		*In 2026, The House of Seven Gables announced that they will be opening an interactive Nathanial Hawthorne museum and launching a $1 million dollar fundraising campaign to pay for the costs. Executive Director Dakota Russell explained that this museum will be used to help guests learn about Nathaniel Hawthorne for the first time. The museum will include personal artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and will tell stories of the authors life and work and his relation to Salem. The exhibits are in cooperation with Amaze Design and the design phase of the project was funded by grants and private donations. The museum will also be able to display more items of Hawthorne's that have remained in storage due to space issues. The items include a personal checkerboard, original stencils from Hawthorne's time working at the Custom House, and the desk on which the author wrote a large part of ''The Scarlet Letter''.

	[[Image:CentShop.jpg]]		[[Image:CentShop.jpg]]
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	*"Official Nathaniel Hawthorne Museum to Open In Salem At The House of Seven Gables" ''Patch'', July 14, 2026		*"Official Nathaniel Hawthorne Museum to Open In Salem At The House of Seven Gables" ''Patch'', July 14, 2026

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

Salem Inn

Mflorea — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:31:44 GMT

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

	The '''Curwen House''', an Italianate Revival home, built in 1854 at 331 Essex Street, has 11 rooms. The third is the '''John P. Peabody House''', a Dutch Colonial style at 15 Summer Street~~. Dick and Diane Pabich have run the Inn for the past 28 years~~.		The '''Curwen House''', an Italianate Revival home, built in 1854 at 331 Essex Street, has 11 rooms. The third is the '''John P. Peabody House''', a Dutch Colonial style at 15 Summer Street.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Salem 400+ Celebration

Mflorea — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:33:34 GMT

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

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

	[[Category:Browse Index]]		[[Category:Browse Index]]
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	*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026		*"Peabody Essex Museum's 'Ten Footer' Shoe Shop Reactivated This Summer" ''Patch'' July 21, 2026

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

City Hall

Mflorea — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:33:26 GMT

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

	The building is a two-story granite structure in the Greek Revival style.

	A golden eagle copied from the original by Samuel McIntire tops the roof parapet.

	On May 31, 1838, Mayor Saltonstall delivered an address and the first meeting of the city council was held in the new building.

	Cost of City Hall, completed and furnished together with land was $22,878. City Hall was enlarged in 1876 at the cost of $24,000.

	City Hall was placed on the ''National Register of Historic Places'' in 1973.


	[[File:CityHallsmall.jpg\|thumb]]		[[File:CityHallsmall.jpg\|thumb]]







	[[Image:cityseal.gif]]		[[Image:cityseal.gif]]

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


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

	~~==See Also==~~
	*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem City Hall'''		*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Salem City Hall'''

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

	~~[[Category:Browse Index]]~~		*"Salem to restore grand wood entrance doors at City Hall" ''Salem Evening News'' August 19, 2026, p. A01
	~~[[Category: Buildings]]~~

City Seal

Mflorea — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:12:41 GMT

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

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

	The Motto of the city on the seal is:		The Motto of the city on the seal is:
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	[[Image:cityseal.gif]]		[[Image:cityseal.gif]]





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


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

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

YMCA

Mflorea — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:09:19 GMT

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

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

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

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

Salem CyberSpace

Mflorea — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:52:11 GMT

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

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

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

	[[Category:Browse Index]]		[[Category:Browse Index]]
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	==See Also==		==See Also==
			*Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''LEAP for Education'''

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

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

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

Winter Island

Mflorea — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:33:13 GMT

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

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

	[[Category:Browse Index]]		[[Category:Browse Index]]
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	*"Function hall to open at Winter Island" Salem News March 2, 2000, p.A3		*"Function hall to open at Winter Island" Salem News March 2, 2000, p.A3

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

Salem Public Schools

Mflorea — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:25:58 GMT

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

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

	[[Category:Browse Index]]		[[Category:Browse Index]]
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	*"Salem Renames Elementary School After 19th-Century Abolitionist" ''Patch'', March 12, 2026		*"Salem Renames Elementary School After 19th-Century Abolitionist" ''Patch'', March 12, 2026

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

Porchfest

Mflorea — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:19:03 GMT

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	Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Porchfest'''		Vertical File in Salem Collection - '''Porchfest'''

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

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

Porchfest

Mflorea — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:18:52 GMT

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

New page

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

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

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

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

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

Ota, Japan

Mflorea — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:48:29 GMT

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

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

	[[Category:Browse Index]]		[[Category:Browse Index]]
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	"Salem cements tie to Japan community" ''Salem Evening News'', Nov. 26, 1991, p. 1		"Salem cements tie to Japan community" ''Salem Evening News'', Nov. 26, 1991, p. 1

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

Salem Heritage Days

Mflorea — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:48:06 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Peter's Church

Mflorea — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:34:13 GMT

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	*St. Peter's was founded in 1733, soon after permission was granted for religious groups other than Congregationalists to worship in the colony. The land on which the church is built was donated by Phillip English, a wealthy merchant. During the Revolutionary War years, St. Peter's was a focus for anti-British sentiment.		*St. Peter's was founded in 1733, soon after permission was granted for religious groups other than Congregationalists to worship in the colony. The land on which the church is built was donated by Phillip English, a wealthy merchant. During the Revolutionary War years, St. Peter's was a focus for anti-British sentiment.
	*St. Peter's has a small cemetery. The small burial ground is located on either side of the tall front tower of St. Peter's Church. The two areas are contained by iron fences set on granite curbing with granite posts. As of 1998 there were approximately 40 headstones.		*St. Peter's has a small cemetery. The small burial ground is located on either side of the tall front tower of St. Peter's Church. The two areas are contained by iron fences set on granite curbing with granite posts. As of 1998 there were approximately 40 headstones.
			*St. Peter's Church will soon host an exhibit that was formerly housed at Old Town Hall. The exhibit, created by local artist Karen Gross, is a compilation of letters and drawings of children detained by ICE in a Texas detention center detailing their experiences. The exhibit contains the aforementioned letters and drawings and responses from students and faculty of the Salem High School.

	[[Image:St.Peterschurch.jpg]]		[[Image:St.Peterschurch.jpg]]
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	*"St. Peter's celebrates installation of new organ" ''Salem Evening News'', Nov. 9, 1998, p C3		*"St. Peter's celebrates installation of new organ" ''Salem Evening News'', Nov. 9, 1998, p C3
	*[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1966954/saint-peters-church-cemetery St. Peter's cemetery] Find a grave		*[https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1966954/saint-peters-church-cemetery St. Peter's cemetery] Find a grave
			*Exhibit highlights voices of children in ICE detention - Display moves from Old Town Hall to St. Peter's Church" ''Salem Evening News'' Aug. 8, 2026, p. A01