Did you know Salem had the first elephant ever to set foot in America? It's true! Join us for a silly storytime of fun Salem firsts- we'll be reading books, playing games and making a craft- and enjoying a sweet treat at the end! Come learn more about some of Salem's firsts!
On April 25th, Salem's historic Derby Street waterfront transforms into a lively pirates and privateers venue. "Pirates! The Battle for Derby Street" is a swashbuckling festival packed with adventure, history, music and mischief for the pirates in all of us. At the heart of the festival is an epic and playful rivalry between two legendary...
Join us for a memorable evening of music, history, and conversation celebrating the life, military service, and lasting legacy of one of the American Revolution's most celebrated — and often overlooked — figures. The evening kicks off with a rousing performance by Scurvy Fellows Indeed, a spirited crew of 18th-century privateers who will entertain with...
Join us in raising the Polish Flag to celebrate Polish Constitution Day! We will gather at Riley Plaza for flag raising and speakers.
On May 1, 1971, Mayor Samuel Zoll proclaimed it "Hello Day." Fire station bells rang across Salem at noon. Residents poured into the streets — along Essex Street, across the Common — to do something radical in its simplicity: say hello to each other. A rock band made up of Salem High students played on...
Tour is free, but space is limited! Register Here! Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission to celebrate Preservation Month and Salem 400+. Join Historical Commission Chair Vijay Joyce, owner of Rekindled History, for a tour of the beautiful McIntire District. Learn about the neighborhood, Salem’s 1st historic district, and the four centuries of architecture represented...
Tour is free but space is limited! Please register by calling the City of Salem Planning Department at 978-619-5685 or email pkelleher@salem.com. May 3rd 1pm-3pm - Walking Tour of Lafayette Street District Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission as part of Salem 400+. Join Historical Commission Chair Vijay Joyce, owner of Rekindled History, for a...
May 9th 10am-12pm - Walking Tour of Derby Street District Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission as part of Salem 400+. Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission as part of Salem 400+. Join Historical Commission Chair Vijay Joyce, owner of Rekindled History, for a tour of the historic waterfront neighborhood of Derby Street. Tour will...
Fish weirs have been constructed by the Indigenous Massachusett people since time immemorial. Join Thomas Green and other members of the Massachusett Tribe to learn the history and participate in the renewal of this tradition in Salem Harbor. Space may be limited, reservations may be required. Please check back soon for more information.
Please register here! As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, we invite you to save the date: Saturday, May 9, 2026. Join us for a free special program featuring a keynote lecture on Leverett Saltonstall, followed by an optional self-guided tour of Harmony Grove Cemetery highlighting the graves and lives of these former mayors. Join...
May 9th 1pm-3pm - Walking Tour of Washington Square District Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission as part of Salem 400+. Join Historical Commission Chair Vijay Joyce, owner of Rekindled History, for a tour of Washington Square surrounding the Salem Common to view some of the finest Federal era architecture in the nation. Tour will...
Step Into Salem's Past: History Alive Brings Free Interactive Exhibit to Old Town Hall This summer, 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...