Salem Historical Society

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Salem Historical Society Salem Historical Society, est. 2015. SHS will serve as a community reference tool that connects other organizations through digital media.

MISSION:
The Salem Historical Society is an independent organization dedicated to the study, promotion, and preservation of Salem's history for the benefit of the community and its visitors. VISION:
The Salem Historical Society initiates, develops, executes, and collaborates on projects that advance the history of the City of Salem. These projects are non-political and in no way interfere with other established organizations or city run departments, committees, or councils. SHS is concerned with promoting the untold history of Salem by identifying the countless stories of Salem’s citizens and educating the community about their achievements throughout the city’s history. An important function of SHS is to be a centralized hub that collects, disseminates, and aids other established cultural and historical institutions. We strive to collaborate with recognized associations and societies on projects as well as to share information about and within the historical community. The overall purpose of SHS is to make known and give voice to the men and women throughout the centuries who have contributed to Salem’s history and character by assisting established organizations and developing unknown histories through research, educational tools, and events. A primary goal of SHS is to engage and motivate audiences of all ages to actively participate in the presentation of Salem’s history, knowing that “reflection on the past is essential to a reputable, beneficial, and satisfactory guidance of conduct in the future.” (Joseph B. Felt)


MOTTO:
Presenting Salem's spirit through history. Salem, Massachusetts 1626 ❦ Divitis Indiae usque ad ultimum sinum


Twitter: SalemMAHistory
Instagram: SalemMAHistory
http://salemhistoricalsociety.tumblr.com
[email protected]

We are beyond excited to announce that Pulitzer Prize-nominated historian Mary Beth Norton has accepted this year’s Sale...
09/08/2026

We are beyond excited to announce that Pulitzer Prize-nominated historian Mary Beth Norton has accepted this year’s Salem History Award! Join us at the House of the Seven Gables on Thursday, September 17 at 6:30pm to hear Professor Norton speak on the research process behind “In the Devil’s Snare: the Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692.” Registration is required and available on our website.

09/07/2026

On this Labor Day, we’re resharing a few photos of the Pequot Mills/Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company buildings (now Shetland Park), once one of Salem’s largest employers. In 1933, the mill was the scene of a violent eight week strike that was ultimately resolved via federal mediation sent by the Roosevelt administration. The mills moved south in 1953, with the loss of 800 local jobs. Although Shetland Park and our other local mill buildings now lead very different lives from their manufacturing heyday, we remember the role they played in the lives of immigrant workers from Québec, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Ireland, and many other nations, all of whom turned Salem into the city we know today.

Did you know that Roger Conant defused Miles Standish’s battle over a fish drying station? That he tried to get Beverly’...
09/07/2026

Did you know that Roger Conant defused Miles Standish’s battle over a fish drying station? That he tried to get Beverly’s name changed to honor his hometown of East Budleigh, Devonshire? That the rock his statue is standing on was dragged to Salem from Lynn Woods? Many thanks to SHS trustee and PV/Charter Street/Witch House staff member Carl Shultz for shedding much-needed light on Conant and his times, and thank you to all who came out to join us at the village tonight, including the wildlife. 😉 If you missed it, not to fear - we’ll share a link to the SATV recording as soon as possible.

Yeah, we’ve all seen the statue, but who WAS the guy?If you’ve ever walked past the statue of Salem founder Roger Conant...
09/05/2026

Yeah, we’ve all seen the statue, but who WAS the guy?
If you’ve ever walked past the statue of Salem founder Roger Conant and wondered, “What was this man like in real life? Where was he from? Did he actually wear a sweeping cloak on a daily basis?”…well, now is your chance to find out! Join SHS trustee and Pioneer Village staff member Carl Shultz on-site this Sunday, September 6, at 5:30pm to learn all about Roger Conant, his role in the colonization of Naumkeag, and the birth of Salem as we know it.

Photos courtesy of Destination Salem/Salem Heritage Trail and the City of Salem/Pioneer Village.

Happy Fourth on this 250th anniversary of American independence! Many thanks to all who turned out for this morning’s re...
07/04/2026

Happy Fourth on this 250th anniversary of American independence! Many thanks to all who turned out for this morning’s reading of the Declaration of Independence on Salem Common and to all who continue to make this event possible, including: the SCNA and Micah Hapworth ; readers Jonathan Streff and Diana Dunlap ; and all of our elected officials in attendance. Have a safe, enjoyable, and thoughtful Independence Day.
Photos were kindly shared with us by Ty Hapworth and Ian Helmick

07/02/2026

We’re delighted to return to Salem Common this Saturday, July 4, at 9am to participate in the Salem Common Neighborhood Association’s reading of the Declaration of Independence. There’s no better way to start off the United States’ 250th birthday than by reflecting on why we commemorate this day in the first place - and who can say no to coffee and treats from Coffee Time to accompany your slice of history?

Thank you to the Pickering House for working with us to host the Ladies Association of Revolutionary America, and to LAR...
05/18/2026

Thank you to the Pickering House for working with us to host the Ladies Association of Revolutionary America, and to LARA for a wonderful day of free interpretation for the public!

05/15/2026

“Women at War: Salem as the Home Front in 1776” is hosted by Salem Historical Society and the Pickering Foundation in partnership with the Ladies’ Association of Revolutionary America (LARA). Catch up with Pickering Exec. Director Vijay Joyce and SHS Trustee/LARA member Diana Dunlap about what they’re looking forward to on Saturday!

05/13/2026

Who are the Ladies’ Association of Revolutionary America (LARA)? LARA is a volunteer living history organization that interprets the lives of women in British America and the new United States from 1760-1785. Here in Essex County, LARA has worked with Salem Maritime NHP, Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum, and the Battle of Gloucester, as well as further afield at Minuteman NHP, Historic Deerfield, and the Museum of the American Revolution. Get ready to welcome LARA to the Pickering House on Saturday, May 16, from 11-4 for “Women at War: Salem as the Home Front in 1776!”

Did you know that Salem’s female population outnumbered men in 1776? How did women survive while men were away at war an...
05/11/2026

Did you know that Salem’s female population outnumbered men in 1776? How did women survive while men were away at war and at sea? Join us this Saturday, May 16, at the Pickering House for a glimpse into the lives of Salem’s women exactly 250 years ago.

Address

9 North Street
Salem, MA
01970

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