Old Town Hall

Dating from 1816-17, Old Town Hall is the earliest surviving municipal structure in Salem. A Federal Style building, the Great Hall has been used as a public hall and contained Town offices until 1837. The first floor was designed as a public market. The building contains design elements attributed to Charles Bulfinch and Samuel McIntire. Saved from demolition in the 1930's by Salem preservation architect Philip Horton Smith, it underwent partial restoration in the 1970's.

The building has historical associations with Salem's prominent Derby family.

Presently, it is used as a public art space in conjunction with Artists Row in the adjacent Marketplace. The upstairs Great Hall is also used for dancing. Gordon College acting group History Alive uses it for their interactive show "Cry Innocent" about the witchcraft trials.

In 2011 the Salem Museum opened up to the public on the first floor of the Old Town Hall. They ask for a suggested donation of $3 to $5 as an entry fee.

See Also

• Vertical File in Salem Collection - Market House

• Old Naumkeag C.H.Webber, p. 90 (drawing shown)

• Salem Old Town Hall Website

• Salem Historic District Study Committee Report The Committee, 1969, Vol. 3