SALEM – Did you know?
- Salem’s historic architecture spans 400 years and includes almost all architectural styles popular in the United States over the past four centuries.
- Salem has more than 4,500 resources documented in its 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.
Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the City of Salem are 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 of Salem of today is built upon a long and important history,” remarked Mayor Pangallo, “As we prepare to commemorate our quadricentennial anniversary in 2026, it is important to reflect on that history and the legacies that it imparts to us, and to continue striving to learn from our past. I am grateful to City staff, local organizations, and community partners who are so dedicated to preservation efforts. And I encourage community members to participate in the many preservation related events happening in Salem throughout the month of May.”
The City of Salem and the Salem Preservation Partners are excited to host local events starting in May in order to focus attention on Salem’s unique heritage and people. Historic cemetery tours/events, walking tours, in-person and virtual lectures, and open house days are just some of the events planned. The City celebrates recent restoration efforts of the 1686 Salem Deed and the stained glass windows at the Dickson Memorial Chapel in Greenlawn Cemetery as well as ongoing restoration of Salem’s most iconic historic landmark, Old Town Hall, and upcoming preservation planning efforts at Fort Lee and Fort Pickering. Other recent preservation initiatives include the completion of an architectural survey of the historic Mack Park Neighborhood and efforts to address climate change impacts to historic resources through the Preservation in a Changing Climate initiative, an exhibit of which is on display on the first floor of City Hall Annex . For more information on these projects and a list of partner events, please visit www.preservingsalem.com.
