Salem Historical Society

06/24/2026

Salem Federation of Women’s Clubs presents “The American Soldier” staring Doug Taurel July 25th, 2026, 7:00 p.m. at Salem High School. Tickets are available at Ricky English Pub, Salem Computer Center, Simply Scarves and Such in Salem and Sandy Beaver Insurance in Lisbon. See the first link to order your tickets through Eventbrite.

06/05/2026

The David C. Stratton Memorial Garden… Before and so far.

05/31/2026

If you've traveled along East Pershing Street recently, you've likely noticed the activity taking place in the garden behind the Schell Building.

Thanks to the generosity of many individuals who gave memorial gifts in honor of our former director, David Stratton, we are able to transform and enhance this special space. In recognition of his lasting impact, the garden will be named the David C. Stratton Memorial Garden.

The new garden design was created by David's longtime friend and master gardener, Gordon Dunn, and is being expertly brought to life by Smith Landscaping.

We are excited to share the finished results, which will further beautify our museum and provide an inviting space for our community to enjoy.

We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our local community, as well as the many friends across the country who stay connected with us. Your generosity and encouragement help make projects like this possible.

04/28/2026

We are very honored.

The Salem Historical Society and Museum in Salem, Ohio, actively preserves and interprets the city's significant role as an Underground Railroad hub, largely due to the strong anti-slavery ideologies of its early Quaker settlers. Salem was also home to the headquarters of the Western Anti-Slavery Society, which published the Anti-Slavery Bugle.

Established in 1947, the Historical Society now offers an extensive Underground Railroad exhibit and provides educational programming, including docent-led trolley tours that highlight ten extant safe houses and the lives of local allies. Salem ensures the stories of freedom seekers enroute to Canada remain a central part of the community's history.

The Salem Historical Society and Museum in Salem, Ohio is among 32 new listings added by the U.S. National Park Service to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It joins more than 800 sites, facilities and programs already in the network that provide insight into the diverse experiences of freedom seekers who bravely escaped slavery and the allies who assisted them.

Image: Red trolley waiting for passengers on a street under blue sky.

04/10/2026

Don’t forget, Founders Day reservations must be made by April 21, 2026.