As Salem prepares to commemorate its quadricentennial in 2026, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) has announced an impressive slate of exhibitions and programming that will enrich the Salem 400+ celebration. These initiatives perfectly embody the core mission of Salem 400+ to honor our past, celebrate our present, and envision our future by weaving together the diverse stories of our community across four centuries.
Embracing Salem’s Complete History
The Salem 400+ project recognizes Salem’s story begins long before 1626, with the Naumkeag people who first inhabited this land. PEM’s programming reflects this inclusive approach to history, with ongoing exhibitions like “Salem Stories” and “On This Ground: Being and Belonging in America” exploring the multifaceted nature of Salem’s heritage.
“As the nation’s oldest continuously operating museum, we’re thrilled to lend our efforts to help celebrate the city of Salem,” said Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, PEM’s Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Executive Director and CEO. “PEM’s collections provide rich storytelling opportunities for Salem 400+, and our curators, librarians, and educators are all working together to create an unforgettable series of special programming for 2026.”
Highlighting Diversity Through Art and History
One of the key themes of Salem 400+ is diversity, and PEM’s programming showcases this through exhibitions that highlight various cultural connections. Visitors can explore the historic partnership between museum director Edward Sylvester Morse and Korean diplomat Yu Kil-Chun, which helped establish the first Korean art collection in the United States. The museum’s Asian Export Art galleries also tell stories of Salem’s international connections during its maritime golden age.
Innovation and Creativity in Storytelling
The Salem 400+ celebration emphasizes innovation and creativity, values that shine through in PEM’s planned “Salem Sketches” exhibition. This immersive experience will feature over 50 mini-documentaries produced by local filmmakers, covering topics from monarch butterfly breeding to the Black Picnic at Salem Willows. These documentaries represent a creative approach to uncovering lesser-known stories about what makes Salem unique.
Environmental Consciousness and Sustainability
Aligning with Salem 400+’s focus on environmental consciousness, PEM will activate its downtown Salem campus, which is recognized as a Level II Arboretum. Visitors can explore more than a dozen historic properties through guided and self-guided walking tours while appreciating the natural landscape. This initiative complements the broader Century Trees Program, which aims to combat climate change and highlight the community benefits of old-growth and large trees throughout Salem.
Connecting to Signature Parks
The Signature Parks Initiative is a key component of Salem 400+, and PEM’s programming creates connections to these important community spaces. The “Salem Sketches” documentaries will include stories about Salem Willows, one of the six signature parks being enhanced through the project. These connections help residents understand the historical significance of these green spaces while looking forward to their enhanced future.
Community Engagement and Participation
The community-powered approach of Salem 400+ is reflected in PEM’s plans for engagement. The museum will offer:
- Free admission to Salem residents and workers
- In-school programs and afterschool workshops tailored to Salem’s past, present, and future
- PEM Reads book club highlighting Salem-focused literature
- A series of curator talks offering deep dives into each century of Salem’s history
Creating Lasting Legacies
Perhaps most exciting is the summer 2026 Footwear Artist in Residency project, where bootmaker and artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin will turn PEM’s “ten-footer” Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop and the John Ward house into active spaces for storytelling. This project connects to the nationwide Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 initiative and links PEM’s historic properties to their footwear collection, the largest of its kind in the nation.
Join the Celebration
Salem 400+ isn’t just about marking time—it’s about making meaning by weaving our past, present, and future into a celebration that reflects the true character of our community. PEM‘s contributions represent just one thread in this tapestry, with organizations throughout Salem finding ways to connect to the themes and spirit of this historic milestone.
As we approach 2026, we invite all community members to consider how they might participate in Salem 400+. Whether by attending events at PEM and other venues, volunteering for park improvement initiatives, participating in the Century Trees Program, or simply sharing your Salem stories, everyone has a role in this once-in-a-lifetime commemoration.
PEM’s Confirmed Programming for Salem 400+
Ongoing Exhibitions
- Salem Stories – An exhibition exploring the diverse narratives that make up Salem’s history
- The Salem Witch Trials 1692 – A dedicated exhibition about this significant historical event
- Re-installation of East India Marine Hall – PEM’s original exhibition building featuring historical artifacts
- On This Ground: Being and Belonging in America – Exhibition featuring stories of Salem’s past
- Maritime Art and History Gallery – Showcasing Salem’s maritime heritage
- Asian Export Art Gallery – Highlighting international connections during Salem’s maritime golden age
- Fashion and Design Gallery – Special rotation featuring works with direct ties to Salem’s history and residents
Special 2026 Exhibitions
- Salem Sketches – An immersive exhibition of over 50 mini-documentaries produced by local filmmakers Perry Hallinan, Joe Cultrera, and others, covering diverse topics from monarch butterfly breeding to the Black Picnic at Salem Willows
- Phillips Library Exhibition on Ezekiel Russell – Exploring the Salem printer and publisher’s role in circulating the Declaration of Independence, featuring rare broadsides and contemporary interpretations
Artist Residency
- Footwear Artist in Residency (Summer 2026) – Bootmaker and artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin will transform PEM’s “ten-footer” Lye-Tapley Shoe Shop and John Ward house into active spaces for demonstrating traditional shoemaking techniques and sharing Massachusetts’ footwear-making legacies
Tours & Experiences
- Campus Walking Tours – Guided and self-guided tours of PEM’s downtown Salem campus (Level II Arboretum) featuring historic properties
- Haunted Histories (October 2026) – Evening access to several of the museum’s historic houses
Educational Programming
- Curator Talks – A series offering deep dives into each century of Salem’s history with new insights into personal stories connected to works of art
- PEM Reads Book Club – Highlighting books focused on Salem throughout 2026
- In-School Programs – Tailored educational experiences about Salem’s past, present, and future
- Afterschool Workshops – Crafted around Salem 400+ themes
- Learning and Community Engagement Programs – All recurring programs adapted to commemorate Salem 400+
Museum Shop Specials
- Reproductions of Daniel Low & Co. Items – Recreating souvenir items from Salem’s famed heritage jeweler
- Vintage Salem Merchandise – Reviving vintage logos, images, and ephemera from Salem’s history
Community Access
- Free Admission – Continued free access for Salem residents and people who work in Salem
Note: All programming is focused on supporting Salem 400+’s mission to honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future by weaving together the diverse stories of the community across four centuries.
Salem 400+ commemorates Salem’s quadricentennial while acknowledging the preexisting Indigenous community. The celebration explores the opportunities and connections of Salem’s multifaceted history while crafting a vision for current and future generations. Learn more at salem400.org.
