Essex National Heritage Area
Salen mapSalem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem, Massachusetts
  • Address:160 Derby Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970
    978-740-1650
  • Website: www.nps.gov/sama
  • Hours: Daily - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Closed - Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
  • Admission: FREE; Tours $5 Adults; $3 Seniors and Students
  • Map:Map
  • Trail: The Maritime Trail


Salem Maritime, the first National Historic Site in the National Park System, was established to preserve and interpret the maritime history of New England and the United States. The National Historic Site encompasses about 9.5 acres at the center of what was once the main waterfront section of the city.

The principal resources include three original historic wharves-- Derby, Hatch's, and Central--extending into Salem Harbor and a row of historic government, residential, and commercial structures, including the U.S. Custom House, elegant homes of sea captains and merchants, and the more ordinary homes of craftsmen. The wharves are among the rarest remaining intact from America's age of sails almost 200 years ago. The site also includes a replica of the tall ship Friendship, as well as a Visitor Center in downtown Salem. Tours of the tall ship Friendship are available.

The Site documents the development of the Atlantic triangular trade during the colonial period, the role of privateering during the Revolutionary War, and the international maritime trade, especially with the Far East, which established American economic independence after the Revolution. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/sama.

Nearby Area Sites

  • Derby Street Historic Districtmaritime trail  Map
    An area of Salem prominent in foreign commerce during the late 1700's and early 1800's.
  • House of the Seven Gablessettlement trail  Map
    The house, built in 1668, was made famous by Salem author Nathaniel Hawthorne.
  • McIntire Historic Districtsettlement trail
    Features a walking tour that takes visitors past several of architect Samuel McIntire's significant houses.
  • Misery Islandsmaritime trail
    Misery Islands offer coastal views, rolling rocky terrain, diverse wildlife habitats, and interesting ruins that recall the Islands' past as an exclusive resort and summer colony.
  • National Park Service Regional Visitor Centermaritime trail
    Located in the old Salem Armory building, the ENHC Visitor Center offers information on Salem and the surrounding area and also features maps, exhibits, dioramas, movies and a gift shop.
  • Peabody Essex Museumindustrial trailmaritime trail
    A museum of international art and culture, the PEM is America's oldest continually operated museum.
  • Phillips Housemaritime trail
    A historic house museum with a unique collection from five generations of the Phillips family.
  • Witch Housesettlement trail
    The only house still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witch Trails of 1692.
  • Salem 1630: Pioneer Villagesettlement trail
    This living history museum is a re-creation of the English colony established by Samuel Conant.
  • Salem Maritime National Historic Sitemaritime trail  Map
    This was the first National Historic Site in the National Park System and it preserves and interprets the maritime history of New England and the U.S.
    Heritage Business
  • Salem Witch Museum

  • Washington Square Salem, Massachusetts 01970 (978)744-1692
    The Salem Witch Museum brings visitors back to Salem in 1692. Visitors are given a dramatic history lesson using stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration - an overview of the Witch Trials of 1692. Their new exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, examines the stereotypical witch, aspects of witchcraft in the 17th century, modern witchcraft and the phenomenon of witch hunts.
  • Schooner Fame of Salem
  • Pickering Wharf Marina, Salem, MA 01970 978-729-7600
    The full-scale replica of the 1812 privateer Fame sails three times daily from Pickering Wharf in Salem. Fame is also available for private charter and hosts summer camps for children.
  • Heritage Business


Places to Stay in Salem

    Heritage Business
  • Hawthorne Hotel
    18 Washington Square West Salem MA 01970 978-744-4080
  • Elegantly restored full service hotel located in the heart of historic Salem. The Hawthorne Hotel offers 89 individually appointed rooms and 7,000 square feet of meeting function space. Walking distance to all museums, cultural sites and waterfront makes it an ideal location. Proud member of the Historic Hotels of America, a designation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.


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