Plummer Home for Boys

• 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 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

• Old Naumkeag by C. H. Webber, p. 226

• Historical Sketch of Salem by Charles S. Osgood, p. 352-360

• Plummer Youth Promise website

• 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 [1]