Reflect upon the global perspective that has made Salem such a distinctive city as we mark the 200th anniversary of East India Marine Hall.

Explore several hundred fascinating objects inside the historic hall, a sampling of the many collections that were displayed in the museum during its earliest years. This installation gives voice to early collectors, trading partners and museum visitors about these objects — some extracted from records in the museum’s vast archive — along with perspectives shared by a range of people living today. These captivating stories and works that reflect local and global history, as well as the impact of maritime trade, will recenter East India Marine Hall as the heart of the museum. From its inception, this space and the objects in it have elicited empathy, curiosity and wonder and transported visitors to places around the world.

Major support for this project has been provided by Mr. Ulf B. Heide, Tim and Joanie Ingraham, Alex Ingraham, and Sam Ingraham. Generous support has been provided by Haven Trust, Mr. and Mrs. James B. Hawkes, Mr. and Mrs. Howard B. Hodgson Jr., Angus and Leslie Littlejohn, Chip and Susan Robie, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart W. Pratt, Katie Huddleson and Alan Kraning, Edward A. Studzinski and Anne G. Studzinski, the Salem Marine Society, and Henry Birdseye Weil and Ann Uppington. Additional support has been provided by The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund, Jonathan B. Loring, Walter C. Meibaum III, Jean Verbridge, and Connie and Stan Grayson.

Follow along on social media using #EIMH200

This exhibition is part of Salem 400+ celebrations. Explore all of PEM’s Salem 400+ activities at pem.org/salem400. 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.