Explore This Park

• Plan Your Visit
  • Things To Do

Things To Do

The maritime history of Salem, Massachusetts stretches back nearly four hundred years. Today, you can explore that history at Salem Maritime National Historic Site through guided tours, exhibits, wayside signs, junior ranger programs, special events, and films.

Note: Friendship of Salem is currently undergoing repairs and routine maintenance at dry dock in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
The Derby House is currently undergoing refurbishment and will be closed Summer 2017.

 

Young visitors become Junior Rangers

At the Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street

• Become a Junior Ranger! Stop by the Visitor Center when you arrive to learn more or get ahead of the game by downloading Junior Ranger activities online.
• Watch a film
  • Where Past is Present, 27 minutes, Daily screenings at 10:15am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, FREE
  • Salem Witch Hunt, 38 minutes, Daily screenings at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, ADULT: $5.00, SENIORS/KIDS: $3.00

 

Pass by Pedricks store house as you walk along Derby Wharf

On the Waterfront, 193 Derby Street

• Visit the Custom House, open daily May to October from 10am to 4pm. _{**Please note that the Custom House will only be open from 1pm - 4pm on 9/12 and 9/13.}
• Visit the Narbonne House, open daily July through September from 11am to 12pm and 2:30pm to 3:30pm. _{**Please note that the Narbonne House will be closed on 9/12 and 9/13.}
• Explore Salem's Historic Wharves using wayside signs.
• Walk the 1/2 mile length of Derby Wharf to visit the Derby Wharf Light Station
• Visit Waite and Peirce, our park store, open daily 10am to 5pm.
• Download our self-guided audio tour to learn more about the site.
• Check out one of our self-guided walking tours
• Bring a lunch and dine at our picnic tables, surrounded by centuries old trees and historic structures. Remember to carry out your trash!

 

Education Rangers help preschoolers learn about the site

Special Events & Exhibits

In addition to our regularly scheduled programs, Salem Maritime hosts and participates in a variety of events in the community of Salem and beyond.

Remember to check for any upcoming special events on our Calendar.

Some highlights for Summer 2017 include:

Preschoolers in the Park
From June to August, Preschool aged children and their favorite adults can join park rangers at Salem Maritime once a month at 10am for free Storytime, crafts, and activity sessions. No registration required. The dates are as follows:

Monday, June 5, 2017
Monday, July 3, 2017
Monday, July 31, 2017
Monday, August 28, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017

Family Adventure Paddle
The National Park Service at Salem Maritime National Historic Site is teaming up with Coast to Coast Paddle to offer low cost kayak and paddleboard experiences for families. Adults enjoy a maritime history kayak tour in Salem Harbor with a National Park Service Ranger and a Coast to Coast Paddle Guide while kids have a stand up paddle board lesson and engage in fun water themed activities.

These programs will be offered at 10:30am on the following dates:
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Saturday, July 8, 2017

and at 2:00pm on
Saturday, August 26, 2017

$12.00 per person
Registration and information available by phone at 978-969-0151 or email [e-mail]
Departs from the Coast to Coast Paddle Rental Kiosk located at Salem Willows, 167 Fort Ave.

The Augmented Landscape
Five Artists from Boston Cyberarts have created ten augmented reality sculptures for this outdoor exhibition taking place on the water front at Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The exhibits can be viewed through any smart phone or tablet after downloading a free augmented reality viewing application.

 

The industrial buildings at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Beyond Salem Maritime National Historic Site

• Learn about other local events and attractions from Destination Salem, the non-profit cooperation that manages tourism in Salem.
• Visit more National Park sites in Massachusetts or our nearest National Heritage Area, Essex National Heritage Area.
• Learn about America's first iron works at our sister site, Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, a 30-45-minute drive from Salem.