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In 2026, as part of the Salem 400+ initiative, PEM will present “Salem as Muse,” a series of talks that highlight works represented in PEM’s collection. These programs will explore a diverse range of subjects that connect to the unique history and character of Salem, Massachusetts. Join us for the launch of “Salem as Muse” with George Schwartz, Curator-at-Large, who will discuss his book Collecting the Globe.

As the oldest continually operating and collecting museum in the country, PEM has seen more than two centuries of evolution and innovation since its founding in 1799. Collecting the Globe offers a window into the early days of the museum: “To escape the ‘prosaic streets’ of Salem, Massachusetts, in the first half of the 19th century, local residents and travelers from across the United States and the globe came to the East India Marine Society Museum (1799–1876). Located on the town’s main thoroughfare, Essex Street, the museum transported individuals to another world…”

“It is unheard of to still have the original archival material, and the collection, and the permanent home for an early American institution,” says Schwartz. “You have to use the term ‘unique,’ because we are the only one.” A comprehensive history offering fresh perspectives on museums and how they helped shape our national identity, Collecting the Globe explores collecting, exhibiting and interpreting a diversity of international objects and art in early America. Schwartz, co-curator of the new installation in the East India Marine Society’s first permanent home, East India Marine Hall, aims to capture the dynamic history of one of the most important American museums during a pivotal time when Salem was a leading port and launching point for global trade.

Explore the hundreds of fascinating objects on view in East India Marine Hall before or after the talk.

Included with Admission. Salem residents and people who work in Salem receive free general admission upon presentation of a business card or employee ID at the admissions desk; preregistration encouraged.

There will be a book signing outside Morse Auditorium after the program. Books can be purchased at the event or in advance from the PEM Shop.

About our presenter: George Schwartz
George Schwartz has worked on many successful PEM exhibitions and installations, including curating Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic, and Mediums and co-curating the new installation in the museum’s historic East India Marine Hall, among others. His specialty and interests are in maritime art, material culture, early collecting and museum history. Schwartz earned his B.A. in Anthropology from Brown University, his M.A. in Historical Archaeology from UMASS Boston and his Ph.D. in American and New England Studies from Boston University. He is the editor and lead author of Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic, and Mediums (Rizzoli Electa, 2024), which was the gold winner for Foreword Reviews’ 2024 Indie Book of the Year Awards in the Popular Culture category. Schwartz has lectured internationally and has written articles and essays for museum catalogues, journals and magazines. He is an honorary member of the Salem Marine Society, and also teaches a course on material culture at Tufts University in the Museum Studies program.

Included with Admission. Salem residents and people who work in Salem receive free general admission upon presentation of a business card or employee ID at the admissions desk; preregistration encouraged.

The talk will be in Morse Auditorium from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

There will be a book signing outside Morse Auditorium after the program. Books can be purchased at the event or in advance from the PEM Shop.