The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a fascinating destination located in Salem, Massachusetts, a town famous for its rich history and connection to the sea. Salem was once one of the most important ports in the United States, known for its trade connections around the world. This historic site was the very first National Historic Site in the U.S., designated in 1938 to preserve the history of American maritime life.
This guide will take you through the highlights of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, covering its background, main attractions, and reasons why it’s a great spot for young travelers and families to explore.
Introduction to Salem Maritime National Historic Site
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site stretches across 9 acres along the waterfront of Salem, Massachusetts. This area preserves the buildings, wharfs, and artifacts that tell the story of how Salem grew from a small colonial settlement into a bustling international port. Back in the late 1700s and early 1800s, merchants in Salem traded goods like tea, spices, and textiles with far-off places such as China, India, and the Caribbean. Today, this historic site is a unique destination for visitors to learn about life in early America, explore historic ships, and enjoy the scenic views of the harbor.
Why Salem is Important in American History
Salem is famous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but it was also a very important port for trade. By the late 1700s, Salem was one of the wealthiest ports in the United States. Salem’s merchants used trade routes across the Atlantic Ocean and traveled to places like China, India, and the East Indies, bringing back valuable goods like porcelain, textiles, and spices. This trade helped make Salem one of the richest towns in early America. However, while Salem was a big trading center, it didn’t build many ships; it mainly used ships built nearby
Top Attractions at Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Derby Wharf
- Derby Wharf is the longest of Salem’s historic wharfs, stretching 1,200 feet into Salem Harbor. In the 18th century, it served as a busy dock for merchant ships coming and going. Today, you can walk down Derby Wharf and imagine the activity that once took place here with merchants, sailors, and workers moving goods to and from ships. The Derby Wharf Light Station is a small lighthouse at the end of the wharf, built in 1871. It’s still standing today and is a great place to take photos and enjoy the harbor views.
The Friendship of Salem
- A major attraction at the site is the Friendship of Salem, a replica of a 1797 merchant ship originally built in Salem. The original Friendship sailed to China, Java (now Indonesia), and other distant ports. Today, the replica lets visitors step onto a real ship from the 18th century. Guided tours of the Friendship provide a chance to see how sailors and merchants lived and worked onboard during their long voyages.
Narbonne House
- The Narbonne House, built in 1675, is one of the oldest buildings at the site. Unlike many of the other structures, which were related to the shipping industry, the Narbonne House was a simple home owned by various middle-class families, including a butcher named Thomas Ives. It gives visitors a glimpse into everyday life during colonial times. Inside, you’ll see artifacts from centuries past, like furniture and kitchen tools.
Custom House
- The Salem Custom House is where government officials worked to collect taxes on imported goods. Built in 1819, the Custom House was an essential part of Salem’s trading activities. The famous American author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked here in the 1840s, and his experiences inspired parts of his book The Scarlet Letter. Inside, visitors can see historic rooms and artifacts, including Hawthorne’s desk.
West India Goods Store
- The West India Goods Store is a recreated shop, built by the National Park Service, where you can learn about the types of goods sold in Salem in the 1800s. Here, merchants would sell imported items like spices, tea, and textiles from distant lands. The store offers a look at how international trade affected daily life in Salem, as people could buy exotic items from around the world.
Fun Facts About Salem Maritime National Historic Site
- Salem Maritime was the first National Historic Site in the United States, designated in 1938 to preserve Salem’s important role in American maritime history.
- Nathaniel Hawthorne, the famous author, worked at the Salem Custom House as a surveyor from 1846 to 1849, and his experiences there influenced his novel The Scarlet Letter.
- The site includes nearly nine acres of land (about 8.93 acres) and 12 historic buildings.
- The original Friendship of Salem made around 15 international voyages to Asia and Europe before it was captured by the British during the War of 1812.
- The Derby Wharf Light Station, built in 1871, is a historic lighthouse in Salem Harbor and a symbol of Salem’s maritime history. However, it is not the oldest lighthouse in the area; that title belongs to the nearby Bakers Island Light, established in 1798.
Tips for Visiting
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: There’s a lot to see and explore, including walking along Derby Wharf, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
- Bring a Camera: There are many great photo opportunities, especially near the Friendship and the Derby Wharf Light Station.
- Plan for the Weather: Being on the waterfront can be chilly, so consider bringing a jacket if it’s cool outside.
- Check for Tours: Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the site, and the National Park Service often offers them.
- Pack a Picnic: The area has scenic spots perfect for a family picnic while taking in views of Salem Harbor.
Learning and Activities for Students and Families
For young visitors, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers a variety of interactive learning opportunities. The National Park Service provides hands-on programs and junior ranger activities designed to engage kids with the history of Salem. Students can try out interactive exhibits, visit the Friendship, and learn what it was like to work as a sailor or merchant in the 18th century.
Teachers or families visiting with children may want to download educational materials from the National Park Service website beforehand. These resources help children learn more about history through activities like scavenger hunts, puzzles, and guided questions.
Practical Information and Visitor Tips
Location: The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is located at 160 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970.
Hours: The site is generally open year-round, but individual buildings, such as the Friendship of Salem, may have different hours depending on the season. Check the official website for the latest information.
Admission: Entrance to the site is free, though some special tours or activities may have a fee. Be sure to check in with the visitor center for current schedules and ticket information.
Getting There: Salem is accessible by car, train, or ferry. There is parking nearby, but it can be limited, especially during peak tourist season.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a great way to step back in time and see what life was like when Salem was a busy port connecting America to the rest of the world. With historic buildings, beautiful views of the harbor, and hands-on activities, this site helps you understand how important Salem was in American history.
Whether you’re exploring the Friendship of Salem, walking down Derby Wharf, or checking out cool exhibits, there’s plenty to see and do for all ages. For students, families, and anyone curious about history, Salem Maritime is a fun and interesting place to learn about America’s past by the sea. Make sure to check for any tours and activities, and enjoy exploring one of the country’s most fascinating historical sites!
Reviews of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site
“We came to Salem to see the site of the Witch Trials; however, I was very impressed by its historic waterfront that is a National Historic Site. Like so much of coastal Massachusetts, Salem’s economy was based on shipping and commerce. Here you will find extensive wharfs with historic displays as well of beautiful 19th century homes and an incredible Customs House. I really had not paid enough attention to attractions outside witches before coming here, but we enjoyed walking through this district on our walk to the House of the Seven Gables.”
“Located near a beautiful waterfront park. A unique historical site that history lovers will enjoy. Plan a stop at the Jaho Cafe near by.”
“We came for witches but this stole our hearts. We loved the history behind the ships, the wharf, the homes, the open historical sites with guides. Be prepared as there are minimal public restrooms, and you walk everywhere, with main parking at the visitor center.”
“We stopped by to visit while in Salem for the day. Beautiful area along the water, but unfortunately the replica tall ship Friendship is currently being renovated. We enjoyed some time by the water, but did not have to chance to see the tall ship.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go inside all the historic buildings at the site?
- Not all buildings are open to the public year-round, and some may only be accessible through guided tours or special events. The visitor center can provide information on which buildings are open and any restrictions on access.
Is there a Junior Ranger program at Salem Maritime?
- Yes! Salem Maritime offers a Junior Ranger program where kids can complete activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge. The program materials are available at the visitor center, and it’s a fun way for younger visitors to learn about the site.
Are there picnic areas or places to eat at the site?
- While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors are welcome to enjoy a packed lunch on benches around the site with views of the harbor. There are also many restaurants and cafes within walking distance in Salem.
Can you book private or group tours?
- Yes, group and private tours can sometimes be arranged through the National Park Service, though it’s best to contact them in advance for availability and details.
Is Salem Maritime National Historic Site dog-friendly?
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the outdoor grounds, such as Derby Wharf, but they are not permitted inside buildings or on the Friendship of Salem. Be sure to clean up after pets and keep them on a leash at all times.
What are the 12 historic building included in the Salem Maritime National Historic Site?
- Custom House – Built in 1819, where customs officials collected taxes on imported goods; Nathaniel Hawthorne worked here in the 1840s.
- Derby House – The oldest brick house in Salem, built in 1762 for wealthy merchant Elias Hasket Derby.
- Derby Wharf – The longest wharf in Salem, dating back to 1762; served as a hub for merchant ships.
- Hawkes House – A large, unfinished mansion begun in 1780 by architect Samuel McIntire for Elias Hasket Derby’s son-in-law.
- Narbonne House – Built in 1675, one of the oldest homes on the site, reflecting middle-class life during colonial times.
- St. Joseph Hall – Constructed in 1909 as a social hall for the St. Joseph Society, it now houses site offices.
- West India Goods Store – Originally a commercial space in the 1800s; now recreated to showcase goods traded in Salem.
- Pedrick Store House – A historic warehouse moved from Marblehead to Salem, representing 18th-century trade storage.
- Central Wharf – Built around 1791; served as a bustling spot for loading and unloading goods.
- Bonded Warehouse – A storage facility used for imported goods before customs duties were paid.
- Scale House – Where imported goods were weighed to determine tax fees.
- Public Stores – Used as storage for goods held by customs officials.
Photos of Salem’s Maritime National Historic Site
References
- “Salem Maritime National Historic Site,” National Park Service, NPS.gov.
- “The Friendship of Salem,” Salem Maritime, National Park Service.
- “Historic Salem,” Salem Maritime National Historic Site, National Park Service.
- “Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Custom House,” National Park Service.
- “Exploring Derby Wharf and Salem Harbor,” National Park Service.