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Salem Maritime National Historic SiteBarrels were the container of choice for shipping and storage in 18th and 19th century America
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"To the Farthest Ports of the Rich East"

Salem Massachusetts was once one of the most important ports in the nation. The historic buildings, wharves, and reconstructed tall ship at Salem Maritime tell the stories of the sailors, Revolutionary War privateers, and merchants who brought the riches of the Far East to America.

 
The annual Salem Maritime Festival draws thousands of visitors to the site in August.

Things to Do at Salem Maritime

From regular tours of Salem Maritime's historic buildings and replica tall ship to special events like the annual Salem Maritime Festival and walking tours of the city of Salem, there is always lots to do at Salem Maritime!
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Detail of the cover for The McIntire Historic District Architectural Walking Tour

New Self Guided Walking Tours and Guides Available

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Salem architect and carver Samuel McIntire, the National Park Service, Historic New England, and the Peabody Essex Museum have released a newly revised edition of the McIntire Historic District Architectural Walking Trail. The new guide to historic architecture in Salem, Architecture in Salem: A Guide to Four Centuries of Design has also been released. Copies of these guides are available from the NPS Visitor Center in Salem, or can be downloaded here.
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Downloadable Audio Tour of Salem Maritime Now Available

An audio tour of Salem Maritime National Historic Site is now available for downloading to your computer or personal media player!
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an ebony, ivory, and brass quadrant, used for navigation in the 18th century

Collection Spotlight

Like all National Parks and museums, Salem Maritime has some extraordinary objects in its collection.  Take some time to look at a few of these objects in detail!
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Write to

Salem Maritime National Historic Site
160 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information: Regional Visitor Center
(978) 740-1650

Visitor Information: Salem Maritime National Historic Site
(978) 740-1660

Fax

(978) 740-1685

Climate

New England weather can range from hot and sticky on humid summer days to frigid and snowy in winter. Dressing in layers is advisable, as the temperature can drop significantly from day to night, even in the summer, and ocean breezes can be chilly.
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On a sunny day, a small boat motors past the 1871 lighthouse at the tip of Derby Wharf.  

Did You Know?
Salem native Captain John Derby was the first to bring news of the Battle of Lexington and Concord to England when he sailed from Derby Wharf in April 1775. In 1783, Captain John Derby was also the first person to bring news of the signing of the Treaty of Paris to America.

Last Updated: April 28, 2009 at 13:17 EST