African American History in Salem

The rich history of Black people, cultures, and communities in Salem and Essex County, runs deep. However, much of it has been hidden, scattered, or misplaced.

A new guide has been created called: African Americans in Essex County, Massachusetts, An Annotated Guide Primary Investigators: Dr. Kabria Baumgartner and Dr. Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello . According to the guide, "The central goal of this two-year, grant-funded project was to identify, locate, and compile the collections and resources, organizations, and individuals concerning the Black experience in Essex County."

"We have visited a combined twenty repositories; collected and scanned hundreds of documents, from newspaper articles to bills of sale to wills; and searched through digital databases and vital records.

This report provides an overview of each repository, highlights stories that are well-sourced, synthesizes key themes, and offers suggestions for projects that could be under-taken—in both the short and long terms—based on these materials."

Here is the link to the guide: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/upload/African_Americans_EssexCo_FINAL.pdf

• Salem celebrated its' third annual Juneteenth Jam on Friday June 19, 2026 at Charlotte Forten Park. There was a historical reenactment of Sarah Parker Remond, a black physician, abolitionist, and lecturer who was born in Salem in 1828. There was also a reading of Frederick Douglass' speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" and a Salem Black History walking tour put on by Salem Historical Tours.

See Also

• Vertical File in Salem Collection - Black History

• Salem looks back, steps forward on Juneteenth" Salem Evening News June 22, 2026, p. A01