SALEM, MA – The City of Salem, in partnership with Salem 400+ and the Leslie’s Retreat SR Steering Committee, is providing an update for its landmark celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of “Leslie’s Retreat,” a pivotal pre-Revolutionary War confrontation that marked Salem’s first armed resistance to British authority.
This commemorative series of events is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and Revolution 250. Their commitment to preserving and celebrating Salem’s rich historical heritage has been instrumental in bringing this celebration to life.
Newly added to the expansive slate of programming is a National Park Service exhibit running from Friday, Feb. 21 to Sunday, April 27 out of the Salem Armory Visitor Center. Joining it is a joint Leslie’s Retreat service between First Church and Tabernacle Church, and the Norumbega Harmony Concert, both to be held at First Church on Sunday, Feb. 23.
“The events of February 1775 showed how diplomacy and level-headed leadership could prevent bloodshed even in times of extreme tension,” reflects Virginia “Gini” Cherol, coordinator of Salem 400+. “As we mark this 250th anniversary, we celebrate not just a pivotal moment in Salem’s revolutionary history, but a powerful lesson in conflict resolution that remains relevant today.”
Opening Feb. 21, “Leslie’s Retreat: Salem on the Brink of Revolution” is a free exhibit presented by the National Park Service at the Salem Armory Visitor Center (2 New Liberty Street). This comprehensive exhibit explores why Crown soldiers under Lt. Col. Alexander Leslie came to Salem, introduces the major players in the event, and examines how this historic moment has been remembered and celebrated in Salem over the past 250 years. The exhibit runs through April 27, with a special opening reception and curator lecture by Dr. Emily Murphy on Feb. 21 at 6:30 PM. The Salem Armory Visitor Center is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
The historic collaborative worship service between First Church and Tabernacle Church, to be held at First Church (316 Essex St.) at 10:30 AM on Sunday, Feb. 23, brings together two of Salem’s oldest congregations to commemorate the events of 1775. The service honors the role that Salem’s religious communities played during the Revolutionary period. Through period-appropriate hymns, readings, and reflections, attendees will experience the spiritual atmosphere of pre-Revolutionary Salem. Following it at 12:30 PM, the Norembega Harmony concert at First Church showcases New England and early American psalm. The event will delight the audience with a multisensory experience of Revolutionary New England religious culture.
For visitors wishing to fully immerse themselves in the historic weekend, the Hawthorne Hotel (18 Washington Square West) is offering a special Leslie’s Retreat Package for stays of two or more nights between February 21-24. The package includes 15% off room rates, a custom tea blend from Jolie Tea, a themed cocktail for guests 21 and over, a $15 Tavern voucher, and a comprehensive event itinerary. For reservations, please contact Brynn Bodero via phone or email: 978-825-4322 or bbodero@hawthornehotel.com.
The full calendar of events follows. For more information about Leslie’s Retreat 250th anniversary events, contact vcherol@salem.com.
Saturday, Feb. 15:
Salem’s commemoration of Leslie’s Retreat kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 15 with the “250th Anniversary Forum and Discussion” at the historic Pickering House (18 Broad Street) at 11:30 AM. This intimate gathering in Colonel Timothy Pickering’s historic home includes examination of period artifacts from the archives and expert discussions about Pickering’s crucial role in the events of that momentous day. The afternoon includes chowder service. This event is sold out.
Sunday, Feb. 16:
12-00-3:00 PM: Tours of the Pickering House (18 Broad Street, Salem, MA). Tour a First Period Colonial house in Salem’s Historic McIntire Historic District. Built in 1660, this became home to Colonel Timothy Pickering, a pivotal figure in Leslie’s Retreat, and the American Revolution. House tour will include period artifacts from the archives and expert discussions about Pickering’s crucial role in the events of that momentous day. Registration required https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-of-the-pickering-house-salems-oldest-tickets-1233999779559?aff=oddtdtcreator
Friday, Feb. 21
-All Day Leslie’s Retreat: Salem on the Brink of Revolution Exhibit (2 New Liberty Street)
This National Park Service exhibit will explore why Crown soldiers under Lt. Col. Alexander Leslie came to Salem on February 26, 1775, who were the major players in the event, and how this event has been remembered and celebrated in Salem in the last 250 years. This free exhibit will be on display from February 21-April 27 at the Salem Armory Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm.
-5:00 PM Leslie’s Retreat: Salem on the Brink of Revolution Exhibit Opening Reception and Lecture
Join the National Park Service, Essex National Heritage Area, and Eastern National for an opening reception and curator lecture for the exhibit Leslie’s Retreat: Salem on the Brink of Revolution. This free event will be held on Friday, February 21 at 5 pm at the Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem. A lecture by exhibit curator Dr. Emily Murphy will begin at 6:30 pm.
Saturday, Feb. 22:
– 9:30 AM: Speaking program at St. Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church (24 St. Peter’s Street), where stakeholders and community members will gather to discuss the historical significance of Leslie’s Retreat and its enduring lessons about leadership and diplomatic resolution during times of crisis.
– 11:00 AM: Historical reenactment of Leslie’s Retreat at North Bridge. Watch as history comes alive with reenactors recreating the dramatic confrontation at its original location. While the public cannot join the procession, spectators are encouraged to watch from designated viewing areas along the route as the historical scene unfolds, depicting the moment when Salem’s citizens faced off against British Lt. Colonel Alexander Leslie’s troops, ultimately resolving the conflict through negotiation rather than bloodshed.
– 12:00-3:00 PM: “Loyalists in our Midst” tours at St. Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church, featuring guided exploration of the sanctuary containing General Gage’s decorated pew and fascinating stories of Salem’s Tories.
– 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM: Salem-Marblehead Trolley Tours led by Judy Anderson. These 90-minute tours trace the landing of the British Regulars and their march to Salem, exploring how the American Revolution might have begun in these historic coastal towns. Tours depart from St. Peter’s Church. While free (donations welcomed), participants should note adjacent paid parking and dress appropriately for winter weather conditions. Reservations encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leslies-retreat-2050-trolley-tour-tickets-1246529446129?aff=oddtdtcreator. Trolley boards at 12:15 and 2:15; all reserved passengers must board by 12:20 or 2:20.
– 2:30 PM: “Fashion in the Season of Revolution” panel at the Peabody Essex Museum (161 Essex Street). This unique program in the Morse Auditorium features curator Petra Slinkard leading distinguished experts including Paula Bradstreet Richter exploring Abigail Adams’ petticoat, Dr. Kimberly Alexander discussing Revolutionary-era shoe fashion, and Dr. Emily A. Murphy examining dress in living history interpretation. Henry Rutkowski will share insights on reenactment attire, followed by an up-close viewing opportunity with reenactors.
– 7:30 PM: Revolution Ball at Hamilton Hall (9 Chestnut Street). This elegant colonial dress/black tie affair features period drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and music, with period dancing led by Commonwealth Vintage Dancers in the ballroom. Local reenactors will be present for photos and participation in the evening’s festivities. Guests may attend in either colonial costume or black tie attire.
Sunday, Feb. 23:
– 10:30 AM: Joint Leslie’s Retreat Service between First Church and Tabernacle Church, uniting the congregations in commemorative worship. This event will be held at First Church,316 Essex Street, at 10:30 AM.
– 12:30 PM: Norumbega Harmony Concert at First Church (316 Essex Street). Founded in 1976 at Wellesley College by Professor Stephen Marini, this renowned choral ensemble specializes in New England colonial and early American psalm singing. With over 125 performances at colleges, universities, libraries, and churches across the Northeast, three recordings, and their own published collection of historical tunes, the hour-long concert will immerse audiences in the musical, emotional, intellectual, political, and spiritual dimensions of Revolutionary religious culture.
-12:00-3:00 PM: Tours of the Pickering House (18 Broad Street, Salem, MA). Tour a First Period Colonial house in Salem’s Historic McIntire Historic District. Built in 1660, this became home to Colonel Timothy Pickering, a pivotal figure in Leslie’s Retreat, and the American Revolution. Tours are free, donations welcome!
– 3:00 PM: “In Open Rebellion” at Old Town Hall (32 Derby Square). This free event, commissioned by Essex National Heritage Commission, transports attendees to autumn 1774, exploring the tensions in Salem during General Gage’s governorship. The presentation examines critical questions about liberty and freedom in colonial America, including the perspective of enslaved Africans in Salem, providing a differing view of this pivotal period in American history.
About Leslie’s Retreat: On February 26, 1775, British troops led by Lt. Colonel Alexander Leslie attempted to seize colonial weapons in Salem. The ensuing standoff at North Bridge became known as “Leslie’s Retreat” and marked Salem’s first armed resistance to British authority. Through negotiation and restraint from both sides, bloodshed was avoided, though the American Revolution would begin less than two months later at Lexington and Concord.
