Join the community celebration for the release of Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 2 to 4 pm at the Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts at Salem State University. Edited by Salem Poet Laureate J.D. Scrimgeour for the city’s 400th anniversary, the book gathers prose and poems from more than 130 people who live or work in Salem. The launch is free and open to all.

What to expect

Presented by the Peabody Essex Museum’s PEM Reads series and co-sponsored by Salem State University, the afternoon features readings from contributors and a conversation with editor J.D. Scrimgeour and David Snider, PEM’s Director of Learning and Community Engagement. Each piece in the anthology is capped at 400 words, one for every year of Salem’s history. A book signing follows the program, and copies will be available for purchase.

Plan your visit

• Cost: Free. No ticket required.
• Location: Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, Salem State University, Lafayette Street, Salem.
• Parking: Street parking on Lafayette Street and Loring Avenue, or the North Campus Parking Garage at 43 College Drive off Loring Avenue.
• Questions: Call PEM at 978-745-9500.

About the organizers

Peabody Essex Museum hosts PEM Reads, a series of public conversations with authors. Salem State University co-sponsors and hosts this Salem 400+ celebration.