Support Us

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUN​ITIES

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.   Our work requires the talents of many volunteers.  If you have the time, we have a volunteer role for you!  Below you will find a list of our Committees, their roles and talents  they need.  If you are interested in lending a hand, or two, please send us a note at [email protected].  Please include your name, phone number and Committee of interest.

OUR COMMITTEES

PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
What we do: 
  • Advocate on behalf of historic buildings and neighborhoods
  • Act as stakeholder in regulatory project reviews
  • Draft clear positions on preservation issues
  • Ensure that new construction complements historic neighbors
  • Partner and develop relationships with the City, neighborhoods, developers and other preservationists in the region.
  • Work to expand protections of Historic Resources, for example, the recent strengthening of the Demolition Delay Ordinance.
  • Address current issues in the built environment as they relate to preservation (for example, zoning changes, affordability and climate impacts).
Talents we need:
  • Anyone passionate about preserving historic resources. 
  • Ask about joining our monthly meetings with in-depth discussions of advocacy activities and/or participating in a sub-committee with focus on individual areas of interest
  • Writing, social media or other content creation to publicize our work
  • Neighborhood voices that can alert us to preservation concerns
  • Individual letter writing that supports our stated positions

BRICK COMMITTEE
What We Do:
  • Encourage the preservation of Salem's historic brick sidewalks and discourage asphalt patchwork as long-term sidewalk repairs
  • Strive to maintain the character of Salem’s historic streetscape
  • Advocate for safe sidewalks essential for pedestrian safety and mobility
  • Advocate for improved policy that addresses solutions and strategies geared towards timely maintenance of hazardous sidewalks​
Talents We Need:
  • Volunteers who are concerned with the loss of heritage and character in historic district streetscapes
  • Individuals troubled by the aesthetics of paving materials and the asphalt patches that piece together Salem’s sidewalks
  • People who agree that sidewalks are an important part of public safety and will work with us to promote sidewalk accessibility and walkability, for both able-bodied persons as well as those with impairments and mobility challenges
  • Enthusiastic residents with a willingness to encourage the City of Salem to provide well-maintained and preserved sidewalks and streetscapes


HOUSE HISTORY/PLAQUE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
What we do:
  • Provide research on the history of homes and previous owners /residents at one of 2 levels:
  • Tier 1: A Deed Chart:  we trace ownership with supporting research and provide a house plaque and a one -year membership to Historic Salem, Inc.
  • Tier 2:  A House History:  we create a 5 to 10 page document providing a social narrative of previous occupants and a contextual history with supporting research.  A house plaque and one-year membership to Historic Salem, Inc. is also given to the home owner.
Talents we need:  
  • Individuals with experience doing historical research or the willingness to be mentored and trained to do the research

EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
What we do:
  • Produce and host events, talks, and tours related to Salem history, preservation, and the strengths of the HSI community.
  • Explain and make accessible preservation, design and historical topics to the general public.
Talents we need: 
  • People with everything from a passion to a curiosity in design, preservation, history, or architecture
  • Help to plan and host tours, talks and educational events.
  • People who can communicate complex topics in an accessible and understandable way; or want to try.

DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
What we do: 
  • Attract new members 
  • Engage with existing members
  • Support grant applications & identify other philanthropic sources of income
  • Produce the Annual Meeting and Preservation Awards events
  • Manage Annual Fund solicitation
  • Ensure the organization’s print, web and social communications are timely and effective
Talents we need:
  • Help soliciting corporate memberships and corporate sponsorships
  • Grant writing experience
  • Public relations experience
  • Marketing and communications experience with print, web and social media
  • PARTY PEOPLE – assistance with planning & producing events

CHRISTMAS IN SALEM COMMITTEE
What we do:
  • People have enjoyed seeing Salem homes decorated for the holidays for more than 40 years!  Our Christmas in Salem Committee makes holiday magic happen by planning and executing the whole event!
Talents we need:
  • Planners to help us select a location in Salem for the tour and envision the flow and many components of the tour
  • People to solicit advertisers for our tour book that is given to visitors to provide a map and some basic information on each of the homes on the tour
  • House Guides to provide commentary to visitors as they tour a home
  • House Captains to recruit and support House Guides during the tour
If you are interested in lending a hand, or two, please send us a note at [email protected].  Please include your name, phone number and Committee of interest.