It’s almost time for Salem Heritage Days 2019! It’s a celebration of Salem’s past, present, and future spanning 13 days with over 40 events! Here’s some of what you can expect to see and do during one of the best festivals of the year.
Shelter to Showpiece House Tour, 11 AM, August 1-4, 6-11: Come tour the historic houses at the Peabody Essex Museum and experience three centuries of Salem. Tour free with museum admission to out-of-town patrons and free to Salem residents. Space is limited. First come, first serve. All patrons must check in at admission desk prior to tour. For more information, contact the PEM at 978-745-9500. Museum is closed on Monday, August 5.
Free Self-Guided Tours at the Ropes Mansion at 318 Essex Street every Saturday and Sunday through the fall from 12 PM-4 PM. This Georgian Colonial was built around 1727 and was home to four generations of the Ropes Family. It is recognized as one of New England’s most significant and thoroughly documented historic houses and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Filled with original furnishings, the Ropes Mansion contains superb examples of the 18th and 19th-century furniture, ceramics and glass, silver, kitchenware, textiles, and personal objects.
The Salem Witch Museum is always free to Salem residents.
The Salem Museum at Old Town Hall is always free to Salem residents.
The House of the Seven Gables is always free to Salem residents. From August 1-11, the Family Navigation Game is offered daily from 10 Am-6 PM. Living History Labs: Navigation Skills, a hands-on history experience, will take place 11 AM-3 PM on August 2-4, 9-11.
Cry Innocent/History Afoot Walking Tour/The Spirit of Salem Film:
Free to Salem residents with proof of address during the summer and through the month of September. Packages available at the box office cart at Old Town Hall. www.historyalivesalem.com
History Alive, Inc. presents Two Points Off the Weather Bow. Two Points is a new audience-immersive musical about life in New England’s whaling ships. Free for Salem residents. Noontime at Old Town Hall, August 5-9. Sign up at the box office cart, open at 10:30 AM. Space is limited. First come, first reserved. www.historyalivesalem.com
The Salem Trolley is free to Salem Residents through September 30, 2019. The Salem Trolley offers free rides for Salem residents starting June 1 through September 30, 2019. Residents can retrieve a Resident Ticket for the day of by providing proof of residency at the Salem Trolley Office at 8 Central Street. Resident Tickets are only available at the Salem Trolley Office. Resident Tickets are on a space-available basis. The Trolley runs daily, 10 AM-5 PM.
The Salem Ferry always offers discounted rates for Salem residents in their ferry ticket, some restrictions do apply. For more information, go to www.bostonharborcruises.com/salem-ferry/
The Witch House will be free to Salem residents during Heritage Days. Pioneer Village will be free to Salem Residents on Saturday, August 3.
Salem Residents at Bakers Light! On Saturday, August 2 and August 10. Salem residents receive 20% off when purchasing tickets to tour Bakers Island Light Station in person at the Salem Visitors Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem. Visit www.essexheritage.org/boat for more information. Proof of residency required. Not valid with any other discount(s).
All of the above require proof of residency.
Thursday, August 1:
Senior Event, Summer Health Fair, 10 Am-12 PM, 401 Bridge Street: Learn about local health and wellness providers in the area and what programs and service they offer.
Friday, August 2:
Senior Event, Charlie Card Day, 10 AM-12 PM, 401 Bridge Street: If you are in need of a Charlie Card for the MBTA, bring a valid state-issued photo ID that includes the date of birth. Must be aged 65 or older to qualify. Sponsored by the Offices of Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Paul Tucker.
Salem Senior Event, Ice Cream Social, 11:45 AM, 401 Bridge Street: Guests will be served ice cream and an assortment of toppings. This event is sponsored by Representative Paul Tucker and Councillor Elaine Milo, and is FREE and open to Salem seniors aged 60 or older. Advanced registration is required.
Saturday, August 3:
31st Annual Salem Maritime Festival, 10 AM-4 PM, Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf, 160 Derby Street: The two-day festival features live music and dance, harbor cruises, interactive programs, arts, crafts, and more! Music will continue until 8:30 PM. Admission is free. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.nps.gov/sama/planyourvisit/maritimefestival.htm
Firemen’s Muster, 12 PM, Salem Willows, Dead Horse Beach area: Which crew can throw the longest stream of water with an antique hand-pumped fire engine? Come and see a 19th-century sport that is being kept alive in the 21st century by a bunch of historic preservationists who like to get wet!
Anton the Magician, 3 PM, Salem Willows Shell: Join Anton the Magician, the Official Magician of Salem, for a performance at the Salem Willows Shell! He’ll be performing a range of magic tricks, with interaction from the audience. His performance will start at 3 PM, so don’t miss it!
Sunday, August 4:
The 7th Annual Bridge & Back 10K Road race, 8 AM, Flatbread, 311 Derby Street: The race starts at 8 AM and crosses over the Salem?Beverly bridge and back! The first 400 runners to register will receive a short sleeve t-shirt. Pre-entry fee is $27, race day is $30. All proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. For further information, email dougbollen12@yahoo.com or go to www.salemroadraces.com
Tour-A-Truck, 10 AM-12 PM, Salem Willows: Youngsters get a chance to climb and explore the insides of all kinds of big trucks and emergency vehicles. There will be give-a-ways and activities on-site for little tykes.
31st Annual Salem Maritime Festival, 11 Am-4 PM, Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf, 160 Derby Street: The two-day festival features live music and dance, harbor cruises, interactive programs, arts, crafts, and more! Music will continue until 8:30 PM. Admission is free. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.nps.gov/sama/planyourvisit/maritimefestival.htm
Monday, August 5:
The 9th Annual Bridge Street Neck Celebration & Beautification Awards Presentation, 6 PM-7:30 PM, 99 Restaurant & Pub, 15 Bridge Street: Celebrating the Bridge Street Neck 9th Annual Neighborhood Pride Landscaping Contest, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce Bridge Street Neck Merchant Task Force. Enjoy free appetizers provided by Bridge Street Neck restaurants and bakeries. Free for all to attend. Cash bar.
Salem Community Concert Band & Community Jazz Band, 7 PM-8:30 PM, Salem Willows Shell: Come and listen to some great music by two bands made up of Salem residents and others from Grade 7 through adult, under the direction of Cynthia Napierkowski, director of the Salem High School Band. Rain location in the Salem High School Auditorium.
The Paul Madore Chorale Summersing, 7:45 PM, Old Town Hall, Derby Square: Carmina Burana by Carl Orff will be conducted by Lianne Goodwin, music director at Salem High School. It’s an all-volunteer orchestra, conductor, and soloists event. We have scores to borrow. Admission is $10 to sing or to simply listen!
Tuesday, August 6:
Salem Senior Event, BBQ at Winter Island, 10:30 AM: This annual event is always one of our favorites! An opportunity to mingle with friends and enjoy great food. Entertainment is provided by Tony Mailionek. This event is $5 per person and open to Salem seniors aged 60 and older. Co-sponsored by Mayor Kim Driscoll and friends of the Salem Council on Aging. We are happy that Root North Shore will be our chefs! This event is a ticket only event. Please see Rosanna to reserve a spot. Unfortunately, there will be no walk-ins for this event.
Story Time at the Witch House, 5 PM-5:30 PM, 310 1/2 Essex Street: Curious tales for the young read aloud int he Witch House’s 17th-century kitchen. Free. For more information, contact 978-744-8815 or email info@witchhouse.info
National Night Out, 5 PM-8 PM, Salem Common: Join the Salem Police Department, local organizations, and businesses to celebrate community. The night will be filled with free activities, crafts, games, food, K-9 demonstrations, and lots of public safety vehicles to explore.
North Shore Concert Band, 7 PM-9 PM, Salem Willows Shell: Come listen to band favorites as they close out the summer concert series. Rain date is Thursday, August 8.
Wednesday, August 7:
Ice Scream Bowl, 6 PM-7:30 PM, Salem Common: We all scream for ice cream! Indulge your sweet tooth! sample flavors from many of the North Shore’s finest creameries, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Bring the whole family. It costs $6 for adults and $4 for kids. Proceeds benefit Salem Main Streets. For more information, visit www.salemmainstreets.org
Movie on the Common, 8 PM, Salem Common: Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy a family-friendly movie, Disney’s Moana, The Salem Common Neighborhood association will have refreshments available for purchase.
Pastels in the Garden, PEM Ropes Garden Summer Program, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM, 318 Essex Street, Ropes Mansion: Join artist Loren Douchette as she shares her expertise and blurs the lines between painting and drawing. Create your own original work using provided pastels, charcoal, paper, and drawing boards. Lemonade and cookies will be served. This program is free. to reserve your place, go to www.pem.org/pastels. Rain date is Wednesday, August 14.
Thursday, August 8:
Farmers’ Market, 3 PM-7 PM, Derby Square: Come celebrate National Farmers’ market Week at the Salem Farmers’ Market! Situated on historic Derby Square on front Street in downtown Salem. The Market is held every Thursday through October 17, 2019.
Salem Senior Event, “Fiesta” Party, 4:30 PM-7 PM, 401 Bridge Street: Salem’s seniors are invited to celebrate Heritage Week with dancing, food, and a 50/50 raffle. Entertainment by Pete Saran and band. Co-sponsored by Councillor Domingo Dominguez and Councillor Tim Flynn. This event is $5 per person and open to Salem seniors aged 60 and older. Advanced registration required. To register for the event, please call Rosanna Donahue at 978-744-0924 x43006. Please call COA two days in advance to schedule transportation.
Friday, August 9:
Tall Ship Eagle, 12 PM-7 PM, Salem Ferry Dock, 10 Blaney Street: The United States Coast Guard Barque Eagle is sailing towards Salem this summer! EAGLE, also known as “America’s Tall Ship,” is the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes, and the only square-rigger in the U.S. government service. The 295-foot Barque Eagle is the flagship of the U.S. Coast Guard. She serves as a training vessel for cadets at the Coast Guard Academy and candidates from the Officer Candidate School. The Eagle is the only active-duty sailing vessel in America’s military, and one of only two commissioned sailing vessel, along with the USS Constitution.
Musical Movie Night, 8 PM, Salem Willows Shell: Bring a blanket and your chairs, and watch this old-time musical classic movie, My Fair Lady.
Saturday, August 10:
Salem YMCA Fitness Classes, 9 AM-11 AM, Salem Willows Shell: The YMCA would like to offer a free sampling of their fitness classes. There will be three 40-minute classes, including Zumba, bodyweight training, and stretching.
Tall Ship Eagle, 10 AM-2 PM, Salem Ferry Dock, 10 Blaney Street: The United States Coast Guard Barque Eagle is sailing towards Salem this summer! EAGLE, also known as “America’s Tall Ship,” is the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes, and the only square-rigger in the U.S. government service. The 295-foot Barque Eagle is the flagship of the U.S. Coast Guard. She serves as a training vessel for cadets at the Coast Guard Academy and candidates from the Officer Candidate School. The Eagle is the only active-duty sailing vessel in America’s military, and one of only two commissioned sailing vessel, along with the USS Constitution.
Essex Street Fair, 10 AM-6 PM, Essex Street Pedestrian Mall: Fun for all ages, this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.
PEM Pals Summer Garden Party & Story Walk, 10:30 AM-1 PM, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square: Join us on a Story Walk around the garden with the Salem Public Library! Enjoy art-making, hands-on garden activities, and healthy snacks during this special extended PEM Pals program. Designed for caregivers with children aged 5 and under, but all ages are welcome. Rain date is Sunday, August 11.
Glacier Plaque Dedication, 11 AM, Mack Park: Did you know that Mack Park is the site of a glacial groove created during the Ice Age? Please join Mayor Driscoll and the Mack Park Neighborhood Association as they dedicate a plaque recognizing this important historical discovery.
SATV’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, 2 PM-7 PM, 289 Derby Street: Come celebrate 25 years with Salem Access Television during Heritage Days at the park at 289 Derby Street. Enjoy some food and music. This event is free and open to the public.
Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, Berklee Summer Series Concert, 5 PM-7 PM, Derby Square, 24 Front Street: Free concert. Safiya is an artist who transcends the norm. Flavoring her sounds with musical dialects hailing from jazz and her Afro-Caribbean roots. Safiya and her powerful band combine jazz chops, urban attitude, and Caribbean beauty. Learn more at www.salemjazzsol.org
Sunday, August 11:
Tall Ship Eagle, 10 AM-7 PM, Salem Ferry Dock, 10 Blaney Street: The United States Coast Guard Barque Eagle is sailing towards Salem this summer! EAGLE, also known as “America’s Tall Ship,” is the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes, and the only square-rigger in the U.S. government service. The 295-foot Barque Eagle is the flagship of the U.S. Coast Guard. She serves as a training vessel for cadets at the Coast Guard Academy and candidates from the Officer Candidate School. The Eagle is the only active-duty sailing vessel in America’s military, and one of only two commissioned sailing vessel, along with the USS Constitution.
Essex Street Fair, 10 AM-6 PM, Essex Street Pedestrian Mall: Fun for all ages, this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.
Phillips House 18th Annual Antique Car Meet, 12 PM-3 Pm, 34 Chestnut Street: Join Historic New England and the North Shore Old Car Club for their Annual Car meet, where vintage and antique vehicles are displayed on historic Chestnut Street, including the Phillips family’s collection of carriages, two Pierce-Arrows, and a Model A Ford. free admission. For more information, call 978-744-0440, or visit www.historicnewengland.org
S.C.E.N.E.’s 10th Annual Sunset Hang, 3 PM-8 PM, Salem Willows Shell: An event combining the skills of local VJ’s, DJ’s, and live electronic musicians. The extravaganza’s purpose is to showcase talent right here in Salem, the North Shore, and Boston. To give a stage for new music that might otherwise be overlooked by the mainstream. For more information, log onto www.facebook.com/events/2271849029796544/
Salem residents, don’t miss September Salem Days! Visit the New England Aquarium for FREE. Throughout September, Salem residents and their families are invited to visit the New England Aquarium in Bostons for FREE. It’s easy, at the Aquarium’s box office, Salem residents just need to show either their license, state identification card, passport, or current mortgage, insurance, utility, or banking statement. This program in generously funded by the Norman H. Read Trust.
