Old Town Hall in Salem will be transformed into a living, breathing journey through four centuries of local history — and everyone is invited. History Alive, Inc. is planning a free public exhibit featuring 40 remarkable Salemites who shaped the city between 1626 and 1936. The collection highlights a diverse range of people from across Salem’s long and layered past, brought to life through displays, audio-visual presentations, and hands-on experiences.

One of the most distinctive features of the exhibit is that it will be built in public. Costume and prop makers will work right in the space, constructing parade materials in real time. Community members and volunteers are welcome to roll up their sleeves and help build elements that will eventually appear in Salem’s August 1st Heritage Days Parade — making the creative process itself part of the experience.

That parade will also feature History Alive company members drawn from communities across the North Shore, including Beverly, Danvers, Haverhill, Peabody, Rowley, Lynn, Salem, Swampscott, and Marblehead, alongside a volunteer cast of Salem residents. The procession is designed to reflect Salem’s full community, with participants of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and ages taking part.

The exhibit is part of Salem’s broader 400+ anniversary celebrations — a milestone marking more than four centuries since the city’s founding. History Alive’s contribution is a reminder that Salem’s story isn’t just about one moment in time, but about the many people, across many generations, who made it what it is today. You’ll find the dove making crafting at other celebratory events throughout the summer in culmination with “Love, Your Salem” on August 1st—and maybe even a time warp ball if the fancy strikes us!

History Alive, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing local history to life through performance, education, and community engagement.

Old Town Hall hours are:
Thursdays 4-7 pm
Fridays 12-4 pm
Saturdays 12-4 pm
Sundays 12-4pm