Learn More About Salem Maritime History 

With spring right around the corner, you may be looking for ways to explore the outdoors to escape the dreaded New England cabin fever. If you love history, archeology, ships of all sizes and types, and traversing the coastline of our beautiful region, then we have an ideal day trip or weekend adventure for you. A perfect way to learn more about regions’ connection to the sea, trade and people is to spend a full day (or more) exploring the rich maritime history of Salem, Massachusetts. 

Salem’s Maritime History

While people around the globe associate Salem with our October celebration of Haunted Happenings, Salem is also historically known for its connection and impact on American maritime history. During the nation’s youth, Salem was synonymous with overseas luxury trade. The National Historical Site along Salem’s downtown and wharf region is open to the public and is a great place to learn about the maritime history of New England and the United States. 

Located on 9 acres, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site is part of the U.S. National Park Service and is home to 12 historic structures, 9 archeological sites, a light station, and 4 wharves. You can see and do lots of things at your own pace or with a park ranger as your guide. 

Where To Start Your Adventure 

Salem is such a fun place to visit and explore, but be sure to plan your trip or stop by one of the visitor centers so that you don’t miss out on any special events or aspects of the sites. 

Start your day at either the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street or the Salem MA Visitor Center at 245 Derby Street. At each of these locations, you can access maps and information that will help you along the way in understanding what you are seeing. 

Visit The Custom House

As you walk along the historic wharves and streets of Salem, be sure to step inside The Custom House built in 1819. This historic structure housed the government officials of Salem Harbor. Here is where permits were issued, customs duties paid, and ship measurements recorded. It was once the hub of all that was happening in the busy little port of Salem. 

Take a Stroll Along the Wharf

If Mother Nature cooperates, you may want to take a lazy stroll along one of the wharves. Watch the boats on the water and witness the work being done on the Schooner Friendship being restored along Hatch’s Wharf, Derby Wharf, or Central Wharf. 

Be sure to stop by the Derby Light Station which has aided naval navigation since it was first lit in 1871. 

Take In Historic Homes & Gardens 

Stop by the Derby House, home of Elias Hasket Derby (1739-1799) and Elizabeth Crowninshield Derby (1727-1799), known for being the oldest surviving brick home in Salem. While you are there, wander around the back where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of an 18th-century garden, the Colonial Revival Garden. 

The Hawkes House, once used as a privateer prize warehouse during the American Revolution and owned by Elias Hawkes, should also be a stop on your maritime tour of Salem. A short distance away you will also find the Narbonne House, where you can witness how a middle-class family would have lived during the 17th and 18th centuries. You may also want to round out your visit to St. Joseph’s Hall which was used for social, religious and cultural events from the early 1900s to 1980. 

For more information about exploring Salem’s rich maritime history, please stop in at one of the visitor centers or explore online at the National Park Service National Historical Site pages. Don’t forget to stop by and visit us at Real Pirates Salem, where we can help you understand the history of pirates in our region and how they impacted our maritime history for centuries.