The first annual Salem Ancestry Days weekend will begin with a land blessing by members of the Massachusett tribe and include live chats with genealogists, walking tours, and virtual programming. Salem Ancestry Days will take place April 30-May 3, and programming is being hosted by the City of Salem Witch House, Essex Heritage, New England Genealogy American Ancestors, Salem Athenaeum, The House of the Seven Gables, and other organizations.
Friday, April 30, 2021
10:30 am: Land Blessing by members of the Massachusett tribe
9 am-5 pm: Ask a Genealogist – Live Chat!
6 pm: Ancestral Bingo with The House of the Seven Gables
6 pm: Discovering Your Salem Ancestry: How to Access Genealogical Records
Saturday, May 1, 2021
9 am: Salem with the Daniels Family Walking Tour
9 am-5 pm: Ask a Genealogist – Live Chat!
1 pm: Salem with the Daniels Family Walking Tour
2 pm: The Life and Death of John Proctor
2 pm: Annawon Weeden Virtual Talk
3 pm: Danvers Historical Society Genealogy Panel
Sunday, May 2, 2021
9 am: Salem with the Silsbee Family Walking Tour
12 pm: “Dawnland” Virtual Screening & Discussion
1 pm: Salem with the Silsbee Family Walking Tour
6 pm: The Salem Ancestry Talk Show: The Photo Detective & The Storyteller
Monday, May 3, 2021
9 am-5 pm: Ask a Genealogist – Live Chat!
10 am: Salem Indigenous Genealogy Project
Additional Programming:
- Famous Descendants of the Infamous 1692 Salem Witch Trials (pre-recorded lecture by Danvers Historical Society)
- Salem’s Black Heritage Audio Tour (a self-guided in person tour via mobile app)
Events continue to be added to the calendar on a rolling basis. All in-person programming will comply with current public health guidelines including mask and capacity requirements.
For centuries, Salem has been a destination for emigrants, immigrants and travelers. The community is a landing point and a starting point for families who are beginning their American journey or changing their family’s trajectory. The Salem Ancestry Days celebration intends to be a gathering point for descendants of Salem’s families as well as a research opportunity for people who want to learn more about their family history.
Complete event information can be found on Salem.organd the free Destination Salem app for iPhone and Android.
About Salem: Salem, Massachusetts, is a destination recognized around the world for its rich history, which includes the tragic Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the glorious maritime era that left its indelible mark on Salem through architecture, museums, and artifacts, and for its month-long celebration of Halloween.
About Destination Salem: As the destination marketing organization for the City of Salem, Destination Salem cooperatively markets Salem as one of Massachusetts’ best destinations for families, couples, domestic, and international travelers who are seeking an authentic New England experience, cultural enrichment, American history, fine dining, unique shopping and fun. Destination Salem app is available for iOS and Android. The app can be found on the App Stores by searching for Destination Salem, Mass. For more information, visit Salem.org.
About COVID-19 in Salem, Massachusetts
Salem has a public health order requiring masks or face coverings be worn in all public spaces, indoors and outdoors, in the downtown district and in Salem parks. Visit salem.org/covid19 or download the Destination Salem app to receive updates.
This month, Creative Collective is celebrating Women’s History Month! Follow along as we tell the stories of women small business owners and woman-led organizations.
And make sure to use the hashtags #shareHERstory, #shareTHEIRstory*, or #shareyourstory to highlight the women, the femmes/fems, and the non-binary/genderqueer individuals in your community who have and are continuing to inspire you.
