HISTORY
Historic Salem is one of America's oldest civic historic preservation groups, working actively since 1944 to preserve Salem's rich architectural legacy and educate the community on the value of its historic resources.
20152011
- Working group participation in City of Salem’s Downtown Renewal Plan update, successfully adopted by City Council.
- Major committee effort on behalf of St. Joseph’s Church.
- Historic Salem Jail- After 20 years of advocacy the Jail is now home to law-abiding residents and a restaurant.
- Reuse of the former Elks Lodge, 17 North Street - This successful project solidifies this edge of the McIntire Historic District and completes the renovation of this section of North Street. It has a positive impact on the neighboring Nathaniel Bowditch House, a National Registered Landmark and headquarters of Historic Salem, Inc.
- Sundays in September Walking Tours – 2010: South Salem
- Preservation of the Central Houseportion of Old Salem News Building.
- Homeowners workshop– 2009 topic “Greening your Historic Home.”
- Sundays in September Walking Tours– 2009: “Northfields – The Houses and Garden Cemeteries of North Salem.”
- HSI preserved the Bowditch House at 9 North Street
- HSI successfully worked to saved 18 Crombie Street from demolition
- HSI established the Most Endangered Historic Resources Program
- HSI launched the House History and Plaque program. The first plaque granted was to 120-122 Federal Street.
- In June, the HSI board of Directors voted to buy and restore the Pickman House
- HSI members, led by board member Libby Reardon, began lobbying effort to save the Narbonne House which abuts the Salem Maritime National Historic Site
- On March 6th, the HSI Board votes to acquire the Cook (Bowditch) House for $11,500
- Historic Salem Inc was founded