The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is 70 years old today. The first National Historic Site, Salem Maritime was designated on March 17, 1938. (The picture is from a school field trip to the Custom House, ca. 1955.)
Here's a bit about the history of Salem Maritime:
Salem's waterfront has been greatly altered since the days of its prominence, when more than 30 wharves and dozens of ships lined its shoreline, but the historic site preserves intact an important section of that old waterfront. Its buildings and wharves, most of which date to the port's most prosperous years, formed the heart of historic Salem's commercial district. After the decline of Salem shipping in the late 19th century, the structures were left unprotected and unrestored until 1938, when the area was designated a National Historic Site. The site is located on Derby Street, Salem... [From "Salem: Maritime Salem in the Age of Sail, National Park Service Division of Publications, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., 1987. Page 140]
And the future is bright! Since NPS published the guide mentioned above, Salem Maritime has become home to the tall ship Friendship, an addition that brings Salem's maritime heritage to life for visitors and residents of Salem and thousands more who get to see and board her when she visits other ports. Salem Maritime is also home to the NPS Regional Visitor Center, which tells the stories early settlement, maritime, and industrial stories of Salem and the Essex National Heritage Commission. Salem Maritime is currently building the Pedrick Storehouse, a building that was scheduled for demolition in Marblehead before NPS saved it, deconstructed it, and is now reconstructing it on Derby Wharf. The site also includes the Custom House (1819), Derby House (1762), The Scale House (1829), Narbonne House (1670), Derby Wharf (1762), Derby Light (1871), Central Wharf (1791), Hawkes House (1780), and West India Goods Store (good shopping!). The regional visitor center is housed in the Salem Armory (ca. 1880's).
The www.nps.gov/sama web site is wonderful, informative, and comprehensive. You will find history, information for planning your visit, printable walking tours, and downloadable audio tours of the site.
Salem is fortunate to have the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as its centerpiece. It brings a magic all its own to the heritage and future of Salem, Massachusetts.
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