Events

Last Day to see Afterimages: Retracing BIPOC History in the Old China Trade Presented by the North Shore AAPI Coalition, in recognition of Salem's 400th anniversary   This community history project began with a question: why do we have so little information today about BIPOC people in Salem’s past? The exhibition retraces BIPOC presence during the...

Captain Michael Rutstein recounts the events leading to the battle between schooner Hannah and HMS Nautilus, Oct. 1775. Join Captain Michael Rutstein as he covers the events leading up to the famous battle between the armed American schooner Hannah and HMS Nautilus in October 1775. He will walk us step by step through the engagement...

Salem Historical Society is honored to have Mary Beth Norton recieve its 2026 Salem History Award. Professor Emeritus of American History at Cornell University, Mary Beth Norton will speak on her work at the Salem Historical Society Annual Meeting.   Register here!

Come to the beloved Salem Book Swap! Zero Waste Salem Free Book Swap returns on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00am-1:00pm! Horace Mann Laboratory School gym (79 Willson St, entrance in rear of building). Swapping isn’t necessary — you may donate, take away, or both. We accept ONLY books, CDs, DVDs, records (all in original cases, please), plus puzzles...

Levi Maxcy was the most prolific gravestone carver in Salem during the height of its maritime trade, from 1791 until 1811. Come for a walk of the cemetery and a discussion of Maxcy’s unique and elegant take on the classic Urn and Willow design. Come learn about his strange and rambling life.   Register Here!

Join Salem’s Poet Laureate J.D. Scrimgeour and PEM’s Director of Learning and Community Engagement David Snider for the official book launch of Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices. Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices is like a stroll along a beach, each step bringing a new, fascinating discovery — a rock...

Salem: The Game Show will be a live, in-person, interactive game show. Inspired by Vaudeville, A Prairie Home Companion, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Price Is Right, the one-hour show will include music, comedy, and games where Salem locals will have the chance to win prizes contributed by local businesses.

Please join us on Thursday, September 24th at 5:30pm at 10 Blaney St, Salem MA for the dedication of the installation of Traces of Arrival. This event marks a significant addition to Salem’s public art landscape and serves as a lasting tribute to the city’s past, present, and future as part of the Salem 400+...

Judge William G. Young explores how Salem and Boston maritime conflicts (1800–1840) shaped early American admiralty law post Revolution. Learn about the establishment of American Admiralty Law in Salem and Boston following the American Revolution, tracing how early 19th-century maritime conflicts in these port cities shaped the development of American jurisprudence. The lecture will examine...