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...
Over the years, civic employees have uncovered remarkable pieces of our community's past in the most unexpected places. Tucked behind filing cabinets, nestled in dusty corners, and forgotten in the recesses of municipal buildings, these artifacts tell stories that official records sometimes miss. Among our discoveries: a check dating back to 1864, its ink faded...
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...
Register for this event! 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.
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...
The Salem State Community Chorus presents “Salem by the Sea: A Musical Tapestry” in celebration of Salem 400+ on May 12 (open dress rehearsal) and May 13 (performance) at 7 pm. The concert takes place in Salem State’s Recital Hall located at 71 Loring Avenue. The nautically themed evening features works by Salem composers and...