RECOMMENDED READING
Looking to go deeper into historic preservation or Salem’s architectural history? This curated reading list brings together essential books recommended by HSI—foundational texts on preservation, along with Salem-specific scholarship that helps place our city’s buildings in broader historical context.
UNDERSTANDING HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND CITIES
These books explore why historic buildings and neighborhoods matter and how preservation shapes communities.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Jane Jacobs
A landmark work of urban thought that challenges mid-twentieth-century urban renewal and advocates for vibrant, human-scaled neighborhoods. Jacobs’ ideas continue to shape conversations about preservation, planning, and community development.
The Past and Future City
Stephanie Meeks
Stephanie Meeks, former president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, explores how historic preservation can support economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and community identity in American cities.
Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice (3rd Edition)
Norman Tyler, Ilene R. Tyler, Ted J. Ligibel
A foundational overview of the historic preservation movement in the United States. The book explains how preservation policy developed, why historic places matter, and the principles that guide preservation practice today.
Palaces for the People
Eric Klinenberg
An exploration of “social infrastructure”—the public places that allow communities to flourish, including libraries, parks, and civic spaces. Klinenberg argues that well-designed public places strengthen social connections and community resilience.
How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built
Stewart Brand
A thoughtful and engaging look at how buildings evolve over time. Brand shows how adaptation and incremental change allow buildings to remain useful and resilient for generations.
ARCHITECTURE, HOUSES, AND BUILDING HISTORY
These books explore architectural styles, historic houses, and the built environment of Salem and New England.
A Field Guide to American Houses
Virginia Savage McAlester
One of the most widely used guides to American residential architecture. Clear illustrations and descriptions help readers identify architectural styles and understand how houses evolved across the United States.
Restoring Your Historic House
Scott T. Hanson
A practical guide for homeowners undertaking restoration projects. The book explains how historic houses were constructed and offers thoughtful guidance on repair, renovation, and maintaining historic character.
Architecture in Salem: An Illustrated Guide (2nd Edition)
Bryant F. Tolles Jr.
This richly illustrated guide introduces readers to the architectural history of Salem through many of the city’s most notable buildings. Available locally at the Peabody Essex Museum shop.
Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style
Dean T. Lahikainen
This study of Salem architect and woodcarver Samuel McIntire explores the artistry and craftsmanship behind some of Salem’s most celebrated Federal-era buildings. It provides insight into the city’s architectural golden age. Available locally at the Peabody Essex Museum shop.
The Framed Houses of Massachusetts Bay, 1625–1725
Abbott Lowell Cummings
A classic study of early New England timber-frame houses. Drawing on decades of research, Cummings examines the construction techniques and architectural traditions that shaped the region’s earliest buildings.
A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial
Lee McColgan
Trading the corporate ladder for a stepladder, Lee McColgan restores a 1702 ramshackle Colonial using period methods. This lyrical meditation explores our connection to history while battling rot, mold, and holiday deadlines.
LET’S TALK ABOUT DESIGN
Historic Salem periodically hosts talks, panels, and lectures exploring preservation, design in historic contexts, and Salem’s architectural past. The recordings below capture conversations with architects, historians, and preservation advocates engaged in real-world work.
Mightier Than A Wrecking Ball: How Ada Louise Huxtable Saved Salem
A September symposium, conceived by Historic Salem, Inc. (HSI) and jointly sponsored by the PEM, HSI, and Historic New England, assembled prominent architecture critics, historians, and experts to consider what almost happened in Salem and how the issues at play in 1965 continue to be critical today. Christopher Hawthorne of the Los Angeles Times gave the keynote address. A scholars panel, moderated by Carl Nold of Historic New England, included Eric Gibson of the Wall Street Journal; Elizabeth Padjen, FAIA and former editor of Architecture Boston; and Donovan Rypkema, authority on the economics of preservation.
A partnership with the BSA Historic Resources Committee allowed us to offer AIA continuing education credits for this event.
A special thank you to our symposium partners – PEM and Historic New England – and to all those who donated generously to HSI allowing us to present a full weekend of Ada Louise Huxtable commemorative events.
Designing in Historic Context: Part 1
There are timeless characteristics that can be found in well-designed buildings today, and in the past. As we launched our Citizen’s Guide to the Downtown Renewal Plan we asked Rick Jones, principle of Jones Architecture and Anne Brockleman of Perry Dean Rogers to discuss these principles with HSI President Caroline Watson-Felt and Board Member and designer Vijay Joyce. Jones and Brockelman haven’t dealt specifically with Salem’s Renewal Plan guidelines, yet the methods they’ve been trained in correlate easily with the guidelines.
Jones and Brockelman present case studies of projects that use traditional design concepts to create contemporary new construction designs.
