Salem Common during the winterBrick sidewalk Salem, Massachusetts
1636
First muster on Salem Common. This was the first time that a regiment of militia drilled for the common defense of a multi-community area,[3] thus laying the foundation for what became the Army National Guard.[4]
What would be the 1st customs house in Salem is built to collect taxes on imported cargoes. In the years that follow, 13 Customs Houses in Salem. The final is located on Derby Wharf & built in 1819. Located on what is now the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, managed by the NPS and is open for tours.
The Retire Becket House is built and later moved in 1924 to the campus of the House of the 7 Gables.[7] Retire Beckett's ships were masterpieces and Cleopatra's Barge was the first oceangoing yacht built in the United States. It was built in 1816 at Salem, MA by shipbuilder Retire Becket for owner George Crowninshield Jr.
1664
The Pickman House is built and is now owned by the Peabody Essex Museum & is not open to the public. First Period Style construction.
1665
Gedney House[8] built on High Street in downtown, at Summer Street (approximate date). Operated as a non-profit museum by Historic New England. Rarely open to the public, though private tours can be arranged. Built in the First Period style.
1668
First phase on the original construction by Captain John Turner the 1st. Now the House of the Seven Gables It remained in his family for three generations, descending from John Turner II to John Turner III and then was sold to Captain Ingersol in 1782. After this Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The House of the Seven Gables, a Gothic novel written beginning in mid-1850 by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Elizabeth Cate Upton (1840–1909) purchased the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion in 1883 and lived in the house with her family until 1908 when they sold the site to Caroline Emmerton.[9][10] When a relative died in 1912, her obituary read: "She was the richest woman in Salem, well known for her charitable disposition and ever ready to extend a helping hand to those who were desirous of helping themselves, and to those who were unable to help themselves."[11]
Narbonne House is constructed on what is now the Salem Maritime National Historic Site .[15]
1680
What would be the 1st phase of The Neal House is constructed at 12 Broad Street. Jonathan Neil was a carpenter who owned a waterfrontwarehouse in Salem. Enlarged in 1767.[16]
1682
The Hooper-Hathaway House at 23 Washington Street[17][18] (a former bakery) was spared demolition[19][20] moved next to the House of the 7 Gables (sparing demolition) in 1911 by a team effort of Caroline Emmerton and Historic New England.[21]
John Ward House built. The house was moved to its present site in 1910 and restored by the Peabody Essex Museum. It is open for viewing on guided tour. Rooms on the first floor feature 17th-century furnishings.[22]
Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace a wooden house built on Union Street and moved in 1958 to the House of the 7 Gables property and now a Historic District.[24] On the 4th of July 1804 to 1808 Hawthorne lived. American author Nathaniel Hawthorne was born. It is located at 27 Hardy Street but accessible through 54 Turner Street, Salem, Massachusetts. The house is now a nonprofit museum along with the House of the Seven Gables
1757
Samuel McIntire, c. 1786, pastel portrait attributed to Benjamin BlythSamuel McIntire (January 16, 1757 – February 6, 1811) American architect and craftsman, born in Salem. He built a simple home and workshop on Summer Street in 1786.
Derby House built on what is today the Salem Maritime National Historic Site . The Derby House is the oldest brick house in Salem.
Derby Wharf (1762, extended 1806) – Salem's longest wharf (nearly 1/2-mile). When in active use, it was lined with warehouses of goods from around the world. The Derby Wharf Light (1871) remains at the end of the wharf.
On February 26, 1775, patriots raised the drawbridge at the North River, preventing British Colonel Alexander Leslie and his 300 troops of the 64th Regiment of Foot from seizing stores and ammunition hidden in North Salem. A few months later, in May 1775, a group of prominent merchants with ties to Salem, including Francis Cabot, William Pynchon, Thomas Barnard, E. A. Holyoke and William Pickman, felt the need to publish a statement retracting what some interpreted as Loyalist leanings and to profess their dedication to the Colonial cause.[26]
May 19: New England's Dark Day, an unusual darkening of the day sky over the New England states and parts of Canada, so complete that candles were required from noon on. It is thought to have been caused by a combination of smoke from forest fires, a thick fog, and cloud cover, and did not disperse until the middle of the next night.[27]
The Captain Ingersol mansion, (now the house of the 7 Gables.) John Turner III lost every thing and the house was sold to another mariner, Samuel Ingersoll, in 1782.[10]
Peirce-Nichols House, a Federal Mansion is built on Chestnut Street in what today is the Samuel McIntire Historic District.
1784
The Joshua Ward House, a three-story Federal style brick house was built in 1784 and is one of the first brick houses in Salem. Its interior woodwork was done by noted Salem builder and woodworker Samuel McIntire, including an original staircase that is the oldest surviving staircase created by him. George Washington is reported to have specifically requested staying in this house when he visited Salem in 1789.
Antique Colonial built in 1795, 15 Beckford Street in what is now the Historic McIntire District.
1796
Chestnut Street is drafted and now is the McIntire HistoricDistrict, named after prominent Colonial Architect and woodcarver Samuel McIntire[33]
1797
Friendship of Salem built. She made 15 voyages during her career, to Batavia, India, China, South America, the Caribbean, England, Germany, the Mediterranean, and Russia; she was captured as a prize of war by the British in September 1812.
East India Marine Hall in 2013, now part of the Peabody Essex Museum (built, 1805) Customs House. Downtown Salem, MATopmast Studio (WORKSHOP) Salem Massachusetts
19th century
Hamilton Hall Chestnut Street, Salem MassachusettsCleopatra's Barge painted in 1818Essex Register published in Salem 1807–1840Map of Salem, 1820City Hall, built 1838 (photo later 19th century)Advertisements for Salem businesses, 185712 Chestnut StreetAutumn leaves with two pumpkin on Chestnut Street
The Captain Jonathan Hodges constructed at brick Federal mansion at 12 Chestnut Street.
The Rufus Choate House was built. It is now in the National Register of Historic Places. A three-story Federal style wood-frame house that was built in 1805 by Ebenezer Beckford, a Salem merchant and real estate developer.
Derby Wharf extended. Salem's longest wharf (nearly 1/2-mile). When in active use, it was lined with warehouses of goods from around the world. (Originally constructed 1762.)
Salem Old Town Hall built. It is the earliest surviving municipal structure in Salem (dating from 1816 to 1817) and an outstanding example of Federal architecture. The second floor of the building, Great Hall, has always been used as a public hall. The first floor, originally a public market, now houses the Salem Museum.
Cleopatra's Barge was the first oceangoing yacht built in the United States. Launched on 21 October 1816 in Salem.
The Salem Customs House was built on what is now the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. This is the 13th Customs House in Salem; the first was built in 1649. Each collected taxes on imported cargoes.
Service on the Eastern Railroad from Salem to East Boston began on August 27, 1838, with fares half that of competing stagecoaches.[40][41]
A late drawing of the first station in Salem, Massachusetts and based on an early dauguerrotype taken between 1839 and 1848. Drawn by George Elmer Browne (born in 1871) sometime before 1917
An Incredible high style Victorian is constructed at 170 Federal Street.
Caroline Emmerton[44] was born in Salem and in 1908 would purchase the House of the 7 Gables, The Hooper-Hathaway House (1682) was moved to the property in 1911. The Retire Becket House (1655) was saved in 1924.
By the 1870s, a roundhouse, coaling tower, and water tank were located inside the wye to serve the three lines from the west.[46][47] The roundhouse was later rebuilt with more stalls and access from the south to serve commuter trains.[48]
1881
North Street Fire Station built.
The southern end of the station in the 1880s
1882
On April 7, 1882, a fire resulting from an explosion of a can of fusees destroyed the wooden trainshed, although the granite facade and towers were intact. A wooden replacement was built around the burnt section.[40][49] On December 2, 1884, the Eastern was acquired by the B&M.[40][41] For several decades until the 1930s, Salem was the turnback point for a limited number of short turn trains.[50]
1883
Parker Brothers was founded by George S. Parker and Frederick Huntington "Fred" Parker in Salem. Parker Brothers is an American toy and game manufacturer and brand.
The original Salem Willows Park Pier was built in 1894. A fishingpier that stood until 2021.[51] The pier stood for over 100 years before it was demolished due to deterioration, storm damage & a rising sea level. The pier was rebuilt for five million and opened again in 2024.
Parker Brothers publishes the game Rook. It quickly became the best-selling game in the country, and remains their most successful card game to this day.
Salem Laundry building built. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
1907
The Salem Athenaeum's new building, at 337 Essex Street, dedicated. The Athenaeum was founded in 1810 and is one of the oldest private library organizations in the United States. In 1905, the Athenæum sold the building at 132 Essex Street to the Essex Institute (now the Peabody Essex Museum), and constructed its new building.
1908
Caroline Emmerton bought the Turner-Ingersoll house from the successful Upton family who sold the property after they moved to the Salem Willows neighborhood.[10] today the Upton neighborhood of 1908 is the Salem Willows Historic District. Emerton hired Joseph Everett Chandler as the architect.[53] Caroline O. Emmerton formed the House of Seven Gables Settlement Association & during a two-year restoration with Joseph Everett Chandler built back the exterior to have seven gables like the book. Clifford Pyncheon is Hepzibah's brother and Judge Pyncheon's cousin and for this designed a secret passage from the 1st floor, with a false wall inside a closet off the first floor dining room. The secret staircase goes up two full floors and is cut inside a center chimney to represent part of the book The House of the Seven Gables, Caroline O. Emmerton built a secret staircase inside the House of the Seven Gables as a secret passageway for the character Clifford Pyncheon. Hepzibah Pyncheon has a candy shop on the first floor facing Turner Street in representation with the book. An office for Colonel Pyncheon is on the 2nd floor.[10][54] The House of the Seven Gables opened to the public in April 1910 and has seen millions of visitors since.[54]
1909
Registry of Deeds is built at 36 Federal Street.[55] Salem Probate and Family Court wins Build New England.[56]
Coast Guard Air Station Salem officially designated as the first Air-Sea Rescue station on the eastern seaboard. The Martin PBM Mariner, a hold-over from the war, became the primary rescue aircraft. In the mid-1950s helicopters came as did Grumman HU-16 Albatross amphibious flying boats (UFs).
1956
Formation of the Salem Redevelopment Authority.[63]
1958
The B&M extended the Salem tunnel to the south, and soon after built a station in the southern approach span.[64] However, the station lacked modern elements like parking capacity and elevators to make the below-ground-level platforms handicapped accessible. In 1987, the MBTA abandoned the station and built the present station at the north end of the tunnel. The 1959 station building remains at 89 Margin Street; it has been converted into a private school.[65] The platforms remain extant in the tunnel approach, as do rusted pieces of staircases from Mill Street and a pedestrian overpass behind the station building.[66]
1964
Hawthorne Cove Marina was constructed to [67] establish a 110-slip marina on Salem Harbor near the Salem ferry terminal.
By this time, urban renewal – a growing trend of redeveloping economically blighted areas in cities – had destroyed 87 buildings and displaced 160 families when Ada Louise Huxtable ran a feature in The New York Times titled "Urban Renewal Threatens Historic Buildings in Salem, Mass." The article was credited a decade later with spotlighting the loss of history in downtown Salem and the turning around and redeveloping of Salem's downtown core.[63]
1968
John Ward House added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Hamilton Hall at 9 Chestnut Street – added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 & built in 1805 by Samuel McIntire -
Forced to recognize the cost of urban renewal in downtown Salem, the Salem Redevelopment Authority retools its focus and starts focusing on preservation of the city's history downtown. By this time, 87 buildings had been destroyed, mostly 18th and 19th century homes.[63]
Rufus Choate House was added to the National Register of Historic Places, a three-story Federal style wood-frame house that was built in 1805 by Ebenezer Beckford, a Salem merchant and real estate developer.
Phillips House at 34 Chestnut Street added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 built in 1800 by Samuel McIntire -
1983
Fort Pickering Light was relit as a private aid to navigation by the City of Salem in 1983.
John P. Peabody House is a historic house at 15 Summer Street was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Stephen Phillips House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 & is now owned and operated as a historic house museum by Historic New England and is open for public tours.
West Cogswell House, a historic set of row houses located at 5–9 Summer Street and was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Peabody Essex Museum was formed by mergeding with the Essex Institute to form the Peabody Essex Museum. Included in the merger was the legacy of the East India Marine Society, established in 1799 by a group of Salem-based ship captains.
Winter Island Light is a constituent part of the Winter Island Historic District and Archeological District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 14, 1994, reference number 94000335.
Fort Lee was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and Rectory is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
1997
Construction of the rigging shed (80-by-16-foot wooden building) at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, a carpentry workshop and storage space since for The Friendship.
1999
The Salem Diner was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
21st century
2000
Friendship of Salem is a 171-foot replica of a 1797 East Indiaman, built in the Scarano Brothers Shipyard in Albany, New York, in 2000. The ship usually functions as a stationary museum during most of the year, however the ship is a fully functioning United States Coast Guard certified vessel capable of passenger and crew voyages, and will set sail during various times of the year. The first American National Historic Site is run by the National Park Service at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site where the Friendship of Salem is docked.
Friendship of Salem at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
2001
Pickering Wharf Marina opens as a full-service marina in Salem Harbor.
The National Park Service acquired the Pedrick Store House from the town of Marblehead, this 1770 warehouse was built in Marblehead, just across the harbor from Salem, in 1770 by Thomas Pedrick, a successful member of the merchant community in pre-Revolutionary War Marblehead.[78]
The original Fame was a fast Chebacco fishing schooner that was reborn as a privateer when war broke out in the summer of 1812. She was arguably the first American privateer to bring home a prize, and she made 20 more captures before being wrecked in the Bay of Fundy in 1814. The new Fame is a full-scale replica of this famous schooner. Framed and planked of white oak and trunnel-fastened in the traditional manner, the replica of Fame was launched in 2003. She is now based at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site at Pickering Wharf Marina, where she takes the paying public for cruises on historic Salem Sound.[79]In celebration of Nathaniel Bowditch and his work writing the New American Practical Navigator, first published in 1802, is still carried on board every commissioned U.S. Naval vessel., in his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts there is the Salem Ferry, named after Bowditch, a high speed catamaran takes people to Boston and is pictured as it is approaching its dock off Blaney Street, Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
The Peabody Essex Museum completed a massive $100million renovation and expansion resulting in the opening a new wing designed by Moshe Safdie, more than doubling the gallery space to 250,000 square feet (23,000m2); this allowed the display of many items from its extensive holdings, which had previously been unknown to the public due to lack of capability to show them. At this time, the museum also opened to the public the Yin Yu Tang House, an early 19th-century Chinese house from Anhui that had been removed from its original village and reconstructed in Salem.[80]
Yin Yu Tang House[81] Yin Yu Tang, was built around 1800 in China. Over 200 years after construction the Yin Yu Tang House was disassembled in China, shipped to America and then reassembled in 2003 inside the Peabody Essex Museum.
2005
A homeless shelter opens in downtown Salem, operated by a NGO Lifebridge.[82] as a result of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston sex abuse scandal, a church is sold off and turned into a homeless shelter.[83] The Archdiocese of Boston closed the parish in 2003, according to Historic Salem Inc. "In 2005, the Salem Mission bought the closed St. Mary's Italian Church on Margin Street from the Archdiocese of Boston,"
2006
Kimberley Layne Driscoll (born August 12, 1966) is an American politician and lawyer who served as the mayor of Salem, Massachusetts and is the 73rd lieutenant governor of Massachusetts since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Driscoll was first elected mayor in 2005. Before becoming mayor, Driscoll served as an elected member of the Salem City Council and worked as the deputy city manager and chief legal counsel for the city of Chelsea, Massachusetts.
The Salem Ferry a 92-foot (28m) high-speed catamaran that travels from Salem to Boston in 50 minutes from May to October and had its maiden voyage on June 22, 2006.[87]
Waterfront redevelopment – The first step in the redevelopment was in 2006, when the State of Massachusetts gave Salem $1,000,000.[88] The bulk of the money – $750,000 – was earmarked for acquisition of the Blaney Street landing, the private, 2-acre (8,100m2) site off Derby Street used by the ferry. Another $200,000 was approved for the design of the new Salem wharf, a large pier planned for the landing, which officials said could be used by small cruise ships, commercial vessels and fishing boats.
Doyle Sailmakers expanded into a new 31,000 square foot loft in Salem, Massachusetts
The City of Salem launched the Haunted Passport program which offers visitors discounts and benefits from local tourist attractions and retailers from October to April.[90]
Pedrick Store House, a three-story building, constructed around 1770, is a historic rigging and sail loft, which the Park Service relocated from Marblehead to Salem in 2007 & construction began in the rebuilding of the Pedrick Store House, which had been in storage for many years disassembled – current location is Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.[92][93][94][95]
Start of the Salem Farmers Market, taking place every Thursday – starting in June and going thru to October at Derby Square on Front Street Salem Farmers' Market
2010
The City of Salem's plans call for a total build-out of the current Blaney Street pier, known as the Salem Wharf project. When finished, the Blaney Street pier will be home to small to medium-sized cruise ships, commercial vessels and the Salem Ferry. This project is fully engineered and permitted.[96]
On July 28, 2010, Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick signed into law today a bill that transforms Salem State College into Salem State University. Salem and eight other Massachusetts state colleges have collectively formed a new Massachusetts state university system.[97]
Salem Harborwalk opened in July 2010 to celebrate the rebirth of the Salem waterfront as a source of recreation for visitors as well as the local community. The 1,100-foot (340m) walkway extends from the area of the Salem Fire Station to the Salem Waterfront Hotel.[98][99]
The $57.5million, 525-student residence hall on Central Campus at Salem State University opened.[100]
2011
Opening of the $109million J. Michael Ruane Judicial Centerin Salem, located at 56 Federal Street.[101]
A bike program called Salem Spins, that offers bicycles, free of charge, with a fleet of 20 bicycles, split between two hubs, at Salem State University and downtown, near the Hawthorne Hotel.[102]
Waterfront redevelopment – construction crews were building a long seawall at the Blaney Street landing, which runs from the edge of the ferry dock back toward Derby Street and along an inner harbor. This is one of the early and key pieces of the Salem Pier, which the city hopes to have completed by 2014 and is the key to eventually bring cruise ships to Salem.[103][104]
A master plan was developed for Winter Island in Salem, with help from the planning and design firm The Cecil Group of Boston and Bioengineering Group of Salem, and the City of Salem paid $45,000 in federal money.[105] In the long term the projected cost to rehabilitate just the barracks is $1.5million. But in the short term, there are multiple lower-cost items like a proposed $15,000 for a kayak dock or $50,000 to relocate and improve the bathhouse. This is a very important project since Fort Pickering guarded Salem Harbor as far back as the 17th century.[106]
In 2011, a mahogany side chair with carving done by Samuel McIntire sold at auction for $662,500.[107] The price set a world record for Federal furniture. McIntyre was one of the first architects in the United States, and his work represents a prime example of early Federal-style architecture. Elias Hasket Derby, Salem's wealthiest merchant and thought to be America's first millionaire, and his wife, Elizabeth Crowninshield, purchased the set of eight chairs from McIntire.[108] Samuel McIntyre's house and workshop were located at 31 Summer Street in what is now the Samuel McIntire Historic District.[108][107]
2012
Waterfront redevelopment – In June 2012, the $1.75million was awarded by the state of Massachusetts and will launch a first phase of dredging and construction of a 100-foot (30m) extension of the pier; a harborwalk to improve pedestrian access; and other lighting, landscaping and paving improvements. Dredging will allow the city to attract other ferries, excursion vessels and cruise ships of up to 250 feet (76m).[109]
The District, superior courthouses have was emptied and remained so since 2019 when the building was demolished.[110][111]
Salem has eight stations where drivers can charge their electric cars. Four are located at the Museum Place Mall near the Peabody Essex Museum and the other four are in the South Harbor garage across the street from the Salem Waterfront Hotel.[114] The program started in January 2013 and will be free of charge for two years, allowing people to charge their electric cars and other electric vehicles for up to six hours. This program was paid for by a grant from the state of Massachusetts due to Salem's status as a Massachusetts Green Community.[115]
Salem State University campus – $74million, 122,000-square-foot library at.[118] The new library will have more than 150 public computers and 1,000 seats of study space, from tables and desks to lounge chairs scattered throughout the building.
Salem State University campus – $15million 40,000-square-foot, two-story, glass-walled facility at the existing athletic O’Keefe Center complex. The new fitness facility will provide—in addition to more exercise equipment, two basketball courts, a yoga studio, and a conference/lecture hall that can accommodate an audience of 1000—a place where students can gather, connect and find a bit of respite from the rigors of their academic studies.[119]
Salem State University campus – Construction announcement of a $36 to $42million Dorn for 350 to 400 students. A construction start in the spring of 2014 is the goal and to have the new residence hall open in 2015.[120][121]
Salem will be getting a new state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot Senior Center. In March 2013, The Salem Senior Center was finalized in March 2013 by the Mayor of Salem & the Salem city councilors it is official with a $4.9million bond – the final OK needed to build a community/senior center as part of a private/public development at Boston and Bridge streets.[122][123] The Salem Senior Center will include parking for 374 automobiles.[124]
2014
The Coal-Fired Power Plant is Decommissioned, paving the way for a total transformation of the harbor in Salem.[125]
In October 2014, the much anticipated Salem MBTA Parking Garage opened.[126]"This project has been 20 years in the making," said Mayor Kim Driscoll. "I was an intern in the planning department, this would've been 1988 ... people were talking about it then. Seriously, that long ago. That's a long time ago." The 714-space garage, built on a former MBTA parking lot, is just one part of the $44million project to remake the station that began in July 2013.[127] The 714-space garage, built on a former MBTA parking lot, is just one part of the $44million project to remake the station that began in July 2013 "This project has been 20 years in the making," said Mayor Kim Driscoll. "I was an intern in the planning department, this would've been late 1988.[126]
(river stones with the brick sidewalk) Chestnut Street, In 1981 the City of Salem named its largest historic district after Samuel McIntire. Encompassing Broad, Chestnut, Essex, Federal and connecting streets. Chestnut Street is one of the oldest planned streets in America. Initially laid out in 1796, and then widened in 1803 to 80-feet
2015
Footprint Power cleared the last major hurdle on its way to building a $1billion natural gas-fired plant on Salem Harbor.[128][129]
In June, officials hold groundbreaking for Salem's $1B Footprint power plant.[130][131]
Tourists from all over the world make up the over one million people visit Salem annually, and bring in over $100million annually in tourism spending.[132]
Joshua Ward House, a historic Federal style brick house,[133] built in 1784 and interior woodwoork was done by noted Salem builder and woodworker Samuel McIntire[134] is turned into an 11-room boutique[135] Hotel. The building is owned by Salem residents Kimberly and Todd Waller.
Main entrance to Salem station, January 2016
2016
Peabody Essex Museum's $49million expansion proposal got critical support from the Design Review Board Wednesday night as the project draws closer to breaking ground.[136]
Salem Harbor has four stops for 2016 new Salem Water Shuttle: Blaney Street, Congress Street, Salem Willows and Winter Island.[137][138][139][140][141]
2017
The Registry of Deeds is proposed to be moved to the old Superior Court and County Commissioner buildings downtown.[142] But the proposal has opposition.[143] 0
A Boutique 44-room hotel opened on the Essex Street pedestrian mall in downtown, fitted with a gigantic roofdeck restaurant. A street level café opening to Essex street with a ground-floor coffee shop off the hotel's lobby. Even bowling alley is located in this new Boutique Hotel.[144][145][146]
Salem State University will open its $18million Sophia Gordon Center[147] for the Creative and Performing Arts on April 2.[148][149][150][151][152][153]
John Legend was honored by Salem State University with an Advocate For Social Justice Award.[154][155] Based on his extensive efforts to make a difference in the lives of others, Legend will be the inaugural recipient of the Salem Advocate for Social Justice award, presented by Salem Award Foundation for Human Rights and Social Justice.
A$50million development project on the corner of Washington and Dodge Streets to build a 110-Room Hampton Inn[161] City officials estimate a $200,000 boost in new hotel occupancy tax revenues from the project with City Planning Director Tom Daniel said Maine Course Hospitality Group is seeking foundation and building permits for the project, which is being built on property bordering Dodge and Washington streets.[162]
Opening of the Peabody Essex Museum's $200million[170]‘Gallery Expansion Project.’ the PEM opened the 40,000-sq-ft Wing and 13 New Galleries and Exhibitions in September 2019,[171][172][173] allocated from the museum's ambitious $650million Advancement Campaign, launched in 2011.[174]
Urban Spaces/Diamond Sinacori Break Ground on Salem Condo Complex is a $20million project titles[175] 'BRIX' will have 61 Residences and a mix of Retail to Former Courthouse location at 65 Washington Street, a few minute walk to the Salem Commuter Rail Station with train and bus service to Boston.[176][177]
Topmast Studio at the Custom House in Downtown Salem off Essex Street (built, 1805). En plein air artist, Gold leaf & Wood carver John Pydynkowski at his studio
The City of Salem launched a microtransit network called the Salem Skipper in December 2020.[180][181] an on-demand transit network is operated by Via allowing riders to share the same vehicle for approximately the same price as a MBTA bus ticket. Passengers can hail a ride on their mobile device with the Salem Skipper app, or by calling a dispatcher.[181]
2021
An on-demand transit network is operated by Via and allows riders to share the same vehicle for approximately the same price as a MBTA bus ticket. Passengers can hail a ride on their mobile device with the Salem Skipper app, or by calling a dispatcher.[181][182] a brand new ridesharing service serving the entire historic city.[183][181]
Salem's historic courthouse and commissioner's building, as well as plans to add 110 units of housing in an 8-story building next to the Salem MBTA Commuter Rail station. Winn won a bid awarded by the Salem Redevelopment Authority to revitalize and incorporate Salem's historic courthouse buildings in the redevelopment project.[184][185][186] Recent documents submitted to the Community Preservation Committee show the entire project – the court buildings, crescent lot, and everything between – will cost more than $63million to build.
A New Luxury Condo Building named BRIX opens with a lottery for the 6 affordable homeownership units being built at Brix Condominiums.[187][188][189][190]
2022
The Governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, made a statement that $30million[191] will go to Salem State University to redesign the campus and modernize areas.[192]
The City of Salem now required to provide ballots in Spanish with 20% of the population Spanish speaking, a first for the Witch City. Bert Russ, a deputy chief at the DOJ, in a recent letter to the city wrote "The director of the Census has determined that the city of Salem is subject to the bilingual election requirements of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act ... with respect to persons of Hispanic heritage."[193]
Pickleball is now at the Salem Willows with new tennis courts and covered parking.[194] This project was funded paid by the Witch City's $30million "Signature Parks" program that was launched in 2020 to boost Salem's most prominent Open space reserve ahead of its 400th anniversary in 2026.
The House of Seven Gables on Turner Street received a state grant on a coastal resilience plan thanks to the Governor of MassachusettsCharlie Baker. This $509,919 grant "Preserving History: Assessments and Climate Adaptations at the House of Seven Gables".[195]
In October 2022[196] 42 acres on the Salem waterfront is sold for $30million. This is latest milestone toward the development of the state's second major offshore wind port terminal.[197][198] The Salem Harbor Wind Terminal is a public-private partnership between Crowley and the City of Salem, with AVANGRID serving as the port's anchor tenant for Offshore wind power construction. Commonwealth Wind and Park City Wind projects are the main companies.[199][200]
Robert McCarthy,[209] a three-time City Council[210] president became the acting Salem Mayor.[211] This City position was vacated by[212] Kim Driscoll.[213] because of resignation to become lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.[214][215][216]Salem Mayor Robert McCarthy was the 51st and then Dominick Pangallo was voted in, 52nd Mayor of Salem on May 16, 2023.
The City of Salem announced the Charlotte Forten Memorial Project, a Call for an Artist to design. The City of Salem welcomes The Moving Spirit of Love, a life-sized bronze of Charlotte Forten Grimké was dedicated in October 2024[217]
In 2023, Salem welcomed 1.3 million [218] visitors between mid-September and October. “We saw about 50 percent of our [annual] visitors for the year in 50 days,” says Ashley Judge, executive director for Destination Salem. It's a sign that the small coastal city is slowly becoming an overcrowded fall destination[219]
2024
In April[220] of 2024, a city[221] ordinance[222] banning camping on public property passed the[223] City Council.[224] "It’s had an undeniable impact on the surrounding community, and it’s been a significant impact on city resources," Mayor Dominick Pangallo said.What started in the spring of 2023 has grown out of control. "Police. Fire. Medical response. Public works for cleanup on the regular. But most importantly, it’s been bad for the people who live there." The Salem City Council passed the ban on camping on city property by a 10–1 vote but removed fines for unhoused individuals. At the end of June 2024 the Salem Police with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police cleared the homeless tent encampment.
The Derby Wharf stabilization and repair project is being funded by the National Park Service.[225][226] The wharf stabilization and repair project will make repairs necessary to stabilize Derby and Central wharves and provide additional protection against future erosion. Work on this project is scheduled to begin on May 28 along the east side bulkhead of Derby Wharf and will continue throughout the summer and early fall. The project is anticipated to be completed by winter 2024. Derby Wharf, built in 1762, and Central Wharf, constructed in 1790, are on the National Register of Historic Places and are National Historic Landmarks.
South Salem station now has two million in funding to move forward[227][228] A pre construction estimate to design & construct is estimated at 25 million for a 2nd station in Salem on the Newburyport/Rockport Line. Situated between Canal Street and Jefferson Avenue with close proximity to Salem State University & Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital. This locaton is critical because of the 30 acres of underutilized property that can support transit-oriented development.[229]
Walking Tours are now big business and City Hall thinks the $10 yearly fee is too cheap. Now, The Mayor on a six figure salary with pension [230] has increased the yearly fee [231] 3,500% from to $350.[232]
In August, a Ground-breaking took place for an offshore wind port on Salem Harbor. This is going to be the 2nd for the State of Massachusetts.[233] Governor Maura Healey stated “the site will be [234] critical for creating jobs.[235][236]
The Charlotte Forten statue dedication ceremony took place at Charlotte Forten Park, 289 Derby Street.[237]Charlotte Forten Park[238] is dedicated in Downtown Salem.,[239] a graduate of the Salem Normal School For Teachers & later in 1856, a teacher at the Epes Grammar School in Salem. The Epes School stands off Aborn St as the oldest wood grammar school building still standing,[240] still occupied. Today it is a modest 4-unit apartment building.[241][242][243]
A guaranteed income program: $500 a month to 100 residents was announced by [244] Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo [245] said Uplift Salem is a pilot program that the city will run in[246] collaboration with UpTogether aimed at helping make Salem "an affordable place for everyone." The program cost of $685,000 is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and a private contribution to UpTogether. 100 Residents will be Chosen via lottery.
The 27 th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade [247] will take place, as always, on the first Thursday of October, October 3, 2024.[248][249]
Another record year for October 2024 [250] when Salem had over a 1 million tourists during October for its month-long Haunted Happenings festival. Over one million people visited the spooky city during October, an 8.6% increase from 2023.[251] According to city officials, Salem welcomed 87,351 visitors on the 31st of October 2024, a new record.[252] Salem saw 1,040,600 visitors in October 2024 for its annual month-long Haunted Happenings festival, an 8.6 percent increase over October 2023.[253]
State and local leaders cut the ribbon on the newly constructed, at a cost of five million dollars,[254] Salem Willows Fishing Pier on December 2, 2024. Originally constructed in 1894, the pier stood for over 100 years before it was demolished due to deterioration, storm damage, and sea-level rise impacts.[255][256][257] The newly rebuilt Salem Willows Fishing Pier will provide access to anglers looking to tangle with[258]striped bass, bluefish, flounder and squid.[259] “It’s an honor to welcome residents and visitors back to the Salem Willows Fishing Pier. This pier is more than just a place to fish—it is a place where families have gathered for generations to connect with nature, share traditions, and make life-long memories,” said Lieutenant GovernorKim Driscoll. “In the heart of Salem, this project showcases what we can accomplish when we come together to create space for community and connection with nature in our cities. With the revitalization of Salem Willows, we are putting Salem on the map as a destination for outdoor recreation and improving the quality of life for all our North Shore residents.” The new pier will extend out into Salem Sound 346 feet similarly to the old pier, but will also have a 16 foot x 60 foot ‘T’ at the end of the gangway. This design allows for more people to fish from the end of the pier, which is generally the most coveted location for angling.
Salem is a historic coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, located on the North Shore of Greater Boston. Continuous settlement by Europeans began in 1626 with English colonists. Salem was one of the most significant seaports trading commodities in early American history. Prior to the dissolution of county governments in Massachusetts in 1999, it served as one of two county seats for Essex County, alongside Lawrence.
The North Shore is a region in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, loosely defined as the sea coast between Boston and New Hampshire. Its counterpart is the South Shore region extending south and east of Boston.
Samuel McIntire was an American architect and craftsman, best known for his work in the Chestnut Street District, a classic example of Federal style architecture.
Winter Island is an island connected by a causeway to Salem Neck in Salem, Massachusetts. It is about 45 acres (18 ha) in size, and is bounded by Smith Pool to the northwest, Cat Cove to the west, Salem Channel to the south and east, and Juniper Cove to the north. The island has about a dozen residences at the north end and one road, Winter Island Road. The Plummer Home for Boys sits on 18 acres (7.3 ha) of land on the northeastern shore. The balance of the island is Winter Island Marine Park. The entire island was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Winter Island Historic District and Archeological District in 1994.
Salem Harbor is a harbor in northeastern Massachusetts spanning an area north and south of Salem. Historically the Salem Harbor was the site of one of the major international ports in the colonies. During the American Revolutionary War, merchant ships were enlisted as privateers, an important role to augment the ill-prepared Continental Navy. In 1790, Salem Harbor was a world-famous seaport and sixth-largest in the United States of America. Now the harbor is used for commercial and recreational purposes and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site is very popular with tourists from around the world.
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a National Historic Site consisting of 12 historic structures, one replica tall-ship, and about 9 acres of land along the waterfront of Salem Harbor in Salem, Massachusetts, United States. Salem Maritime is the first National Historic Site established in the United States. It interprets the Triangle Trade during the colonial period, in cotton, rum, sugar and slaves; the actions of privateers during the American Revolution; and global maritime trade with the Far East, after independence. The National Park Service manages both the National Historic Site and a Regional Visitor Center in downtown Salem. The National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior.
Located in Salem, Massachusetts and owned by the Peabody Essex Museum the Cotting–Smith Assembly House was built in 1782 and is located at 138 Federal Street in the Federal Street District. Built as a Federalist Clubhouse in which balls, concerts, lectures, and other events might be held. George Washington attended a dance here. The original architect is unknown, but the house was later remodeled by Samuel McIntire for use as a private residence. The house is in the Federal style and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The building can be rented for special events.
The Peirce–Nichols House is a historic house museum located at 80 Federal Street in Salem, Massachusetts. Designed early in the career of noted Salem builder Samuel McIntire (1757–1811), and modified later by him, the building gives a unique view into the methods and styles of McIntire. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973 for its significance as an early masterwork of one of the country's first recognized master builders. It is now owned by the Peabody Essex Museum.
Long Wharf is a historic American pier in Boston, Massachusetts, built between 1710 and 1721. It once extended from State Street nearly a half-mile into Boston Harbor; today, the much-shortened wharf functions as a dock for passenger ferries and sightseeing boats.
Hamilton Hall is a National Historic Landmark at 9 Chestnut Street in Salem, Massachusetts. Designed by noted Salem builder Samuel McIntire and built in 1805–1807, it is an excellent instance of a public Federal style building. It was built as a social space for the leading families of Salem, and was named for Founding Father and Federalist Party leader Alexander Hamilton. It continues to function as a social hall today: it is used for events, private functions, weddings and is also home to a series of lectures that originated in 1944 by the Ladies Committee.
The Gardner–Pingree House is a historic house museum at 128 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts. It is judged to be a masterpiece of Federal architecture by the noted Salem builder Samuel McIntire, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972 for its architectural significance. It is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum as part of its architectural collection.
The Chestnut Street District is a historic district bounded roughly by Bridge, Lynn, Beckford, and River Streets in Salem, Massachusetts. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and enlarged slightly in 1978. The district contains a number of architecturally significant works of Samuel McIntire, a builder and woodworker who had a house and workshop at 31 Summer Street, and who designed and built a number of these houses, and others that display the profits made in the Old China Trade by Salem's merchants. The district is a subset of a larger locally designated McIntire Historic District.
The Historic Derby Street Neighborhood, also known as the Derby Waterfront District in Salem, Massachusetts encompasses a historically significant portion of the waterfront area of the city. It encompasses properties along Derby Street, which parallels the waterfront, eastward from the Salem Maritime National Historic Site to its junction with Fort Avenue, and includes properties on the side streets between Derby and the waterfront. In addition to the National Historic Site, it includes the House of Seven Gables, a National Historic Landmark District.
Downtown Salem District is a historic district roughly bounded by Church, Central, New Derby, and Washington Streets in Salem, Massachusetts. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, and represents a major expansion of the Old Town Hall Historic District, which was listed in 1972.
The Essex Institute Historic District is a historic district at 134-132, 128, 126 Essex Street and 13 Washington Square West in Salem, Massachusetts. It consists of a compact group of properties associated with the Essex Institute, founded in 1848 and merged in 1992 into the Peabody Essex Museum. Listed by increasing street number, they are: the Crowninshield-Bentley House, the Gardner-Pingree House, the John Tucker Daland House, and the Phillips Library. The John Ward House, which fronts on Brown Street but shares the 132 Essex Street address, is another National Historic Landmark within the district. The Andrew Safford House at 13 Washington Square West, built in 1819, was said to be the most expensive home in New England at the time.
The Gedney and Cox Houses are historic houses at 21 High Street in Salem, Massachusetts. The earliest part of the Gedney House was built c. 1665, and the houses were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. They are owned by Historic New England, which offers limited tours.
Peabody City Hall is the historic city hall of Peabody, Massachusetts. It is located at 24 Lowell Street, near Peabody Square.
Salem Common Historic District is a historic district bounded roughly by Bridge, Derby, and St. Peter's streets, as well as Collins Cove in Salem, Massachusetts, United States.
Beebe Homestead, also known as the Lucius Beebe House and Beebe Farm, is a historic Federal period home at 142 Main Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts, which was built during the federal era that extended from the late 18th-century into the 1820s. It is suspected to have been remodeled into the federal style from an earlier home built in circa 1727. It overlooks Lake Quannapowitt, and according to a 1989 study of historic sites in Wakefield, the house is "one of Wakefield's most imposing landmarks." The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Kimberley Lord Driscoll is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the 73rd lieutenant governor of Massachusetts since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Driscoll previously served as the 50th mayor of Salem from 2006 to 2023. Before becoming mayor, Driscoll served as an elected member of the Salem City Council and worked as the deputy city manager and chief legal counsel for the city of Chelsea.
↑ Henry Wheatland (1862), "Historical Sketch of the Philosophical Library at Salem", Historical Collections of the Essex Institute, vol.4, no.4, hdl:2027/uva.x000464589
1 2 Gorov, Linda (February 9, 1984). "Parker Brothers giving [children's] music market a spin". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2010. Parker's move comes on the heels of its 1983 entry into children's books. Its 12 books about Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake sold an unprecedented 3.5 [million units].
↑ "Media Kit – Salem, MA". Archived from the original on February 16, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2016. Salem, Massachusetts, is a destination recognized around the world for its rich history... Today more than one million people visit Salem annually, generating more than $100 million in tourism spending.
Rees, Abraham (1819), "Salem", The Cyclopaedia, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown
Anne Newport Royall (1826). "Salem". Sketches of History, Life, and Manners, in the United States. New Haven: New Haven, Printed for the author. p.356+.
Hayward, John (1849). "Salem". Gazetteer of Massachusetts. Boston: J.P. Jewett & Co. hdl:2027/mdp.39015078325076.
Adams, George (1857), The Salem directory, Salem, Massachusetts: H. Whipple & Son, OCLC36779111, OL23331213M
"Historical Events of Salem, from its Early Settlements to the Present Time". Historical Collections of the Essex Institute. 15. Salem: Essex Institute. 1878. hdl:2027/nyp.33433081909636.
Arrington, Benjamin F., ed. (1922). "City of Salem". Municipal History of Essex County in Massachusetts. Vol.1. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company. hdl:2027/uva.x000924219.
James Duncan Phillips (1929), The life and times of Richard Derby, merchant of Salem, 1712–1783, Cambridge: Riverside Press, OCLC3187955
James Duncan Phillips (1933), Salem in the seventeenth century, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company
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