Celebrating Preservation Month (and beyond) in Salem!
Did you know?
Salem’s historic architecture spans almost 400 years and includes almost all of the architectural styles popular in the United States over the past four centuries
Salem has more than 4,500 resources documented in the City’s historic inventory, the third largest inventory in Massachusetts
Salem has almost 1,700 historic buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Salem’s historic municipal assets date from the early 1600s to the mid-20th century and include historic buildings (15+), historic parks (7), historic monuments (5+), and historic cemeteries (5), as well as historic structures, artwork and documents
Salem has awarded more than $4.5 million in CPA funds to assist 45 City and non-profit owned historic properties
Salem has more than 25 organizations that participate in the Salem Preservation Partners group
Salem is excited to once again celebrate Preservation Month in May. Every year, communities throughout the nation celebrate Preservation Month in order to recognize the unique historic resources that make their communities special. Salem is blessed with one of the most important and most beautiful collections of historic buildings in the country. This heritage defines Salem’s unique character and sense of place and also serves as a vital tool that contributes to the city’s economic health.
This year’s Preservation Month theme celebrates the power of place, recognizing how historic places and historic preservation strengthens communities, breathes new life into neighborhoods, supports a healthier planet and builds a more just and connected society.
The City and the Salem Preservation Partners are excited to host local events beginning in May and continuing through the summer to focus attention on Salem’s unique heritage and people. Walking tours, in-person and virtual lectures and open house days are just some of the events planned. The City also continues preservation efforts at some of Salem’s most iconic historic landmarks, including restoration of Old Town Hall and the Dickson Memorial Chapel at Greenlawn Cemetery. Other recent preservation initiatives include an architectural survey of the historic Mack Park Neighborhood and upcoming preservation planning efforts at Fort Pickering and Fort Lee.
Check back for more information on the following upcoming events with new events to be added:
May 2nd 1pm-3pm - Walking Tour of the McIntire District Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission as part of Salem 400+
May 3rd 1pm-3pm - Walking Tour of Lafayette Street District Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission as part of Salem 400+
May 9th 10am-12pm - Walking Tour of Derby Street District Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission as part of Salem 400+
May 9th 1pm-3pm - Walking Tour of Washington Square District Hosted by the Salem Historical Commission as part of Salem 400+
May 9th - Harmony Grove Cemetery Tour - As part of the Salem 400+ celebration, free 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. 11 am-12 pm Peter Drummey, retired Chief Historian of the Massachusetts Historical Society, will present a lecture “Leverett Saltonstall, Salem’s First Mayor” at the historic Blake Memorial Chapel.1 pm to 3 pm. self-guided tour of the cemetery spotlighting Salem’s past mayors.
May 14th - May 27th - Historic Building Documents Exhibit at Old Town Hall - Opening reception on May 14th from 5:30-7pm. This exhibit will showcase documents uncovered during an ongoing document preservation project to preserve and catalog the City’s vast collection of historic building documents including blueprints and building permits that date back to 1913.
May 15th - 12:30pm - Winter Island Coastal Bank & Fort Pickering Walking Tour - Learn more about this ongoing innovative project to restore the natural elements of Winter Island’s coastal bank while preserving the historic features of Fort Pickering, first established in ca. 1643.