It was an exciting day on August 8 when many local and national leaders came to our neighborhood to celebrate the recent passage of the Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act into law with a tour of the historic Salem Maritime National Historical Park. The National Park is now located directly across the street from 180 Derby Street where Brookhouse Home is located.
“Redesignating the Salem Maritime National Historical Site to a National Park will help ensure that Salem’s historic spaces are preserved for the years to come and it serves as an opportunity to share all of Salem’s history with those who come visit the city,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As the former Mayor of Salem, I’m grateful to Senator Markey and Representative Moulton for their efforts championing this legislation through Congress. We can uplift the diverse stories that built this city right here at the Salem Maritime National Historical Park.”
The redesignation of Salem Maritime from a Historic Site to a Historic Park is a significant development as next year, 2026, marks not only America’s 250th birthday; it’s also Salem’s 400th birthday, so the timing of this redesignation could not be more apt. Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) attended along with State Senator Joan Lovely, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo and many others to mark an historic occasion.
“Salem is one of America’s most storied cities, with a rich heritage and history, including Salem’s key role in the growth of America’s maritime industry. With the redesignation of this site as Salem Maritime National Historical Park, we affirm that history by promoting and preserving the significant role Salem has played in the maritime history of the United States,” said State Senator Lovely.
Salem Maritime was established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site to be included in the National Park System. Salem Maritime currently encompasses nine acres of land and twelve historic structures. Its downtown visitor center introduces thousands of visitors to Salem and to the Essex National Heritage Area.
The legislation redesignates the site as a National Historic Park and requires that the Secretary of the Interior conduct a boundary study of sites associated with maritime history, military history, and coastal defense in Salem and its vicinity. This would allow the National Park Service to assess worthy possible additions to the Historical Park.
“This redesignation recognizes Salem Maritime’s significance in preserving and telling our nation’s maritime history. Historical parks are perceived by the public as more interesting and significant than historic sites. We anticipate that there will be a significant increase in the visitors which will be good for the park, and, for Salem’s tourist economy,” said Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage, the regional non-profit that partners with the National Park Service on programs and visitor services.
One of the important themes of the approaching 400th anniversary of Salem is it offers an opportunity to tell the full story of Salem —the story of Black Americans, Dominican immigrants, Polish immigrants, working women, and more.
“The redesignation of Salem Maritime as a National Historical Park comes just in time as we continue celebrations of America’s 250th and approach Salem’s 400th anniversary, so visitors can hear Salem’s full story—the story of Black Americans, Dominican immigrants, Polish immigrants, working women, and more—as our past leads us to build a better future for us all,” said Senator Markey.
As Salem approaches the 400th anniversary of its founding, redesignating the site as a National Historical Park will help to attract more visitors to Salem and increase the preservation capacity of this storied city. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent and the House 381-31.
“After years of work, I’m thrilled that we finally passed the Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act into law. This means Salem Maritime will finally get the recognition and resources it deserves. I’m proud to call Salem home, and even prouder that more people will have the opportunity to take in our incredibly rich history. It’s a hard-won achievement, and I’m grateful to Senator Markey, Annie Harris, and the Essex Heritage team for their partnership in making this happen,” said Rep. Seth Moulton.
