Welcome to the World History Association

This week Salem welcomes the World History Association's 18th Annual Conference.


I would like to extend a warm welcome to the 400+ historians, teachers, academics, conferees and their families who are coming to Salem to explore the theme of "Merchants and Missionaries in World History." I hope you have a great conference, and a wonderful experience exploring Salem!


I wish it were sunny with blue skies so the welcome banner looked a bit more exciting over Essex Street, but I am optimistic the weather will break and all of Salem's guests will have a somewhat dry (or at least dryer) experience during their stay.


So, in honor of the World History Association coming to Salem, I have a few Salem trivia items for you - all along the theme of Merchants and Missionaries in World History.

• In 1798, Salem residents pooled their money, their lumber and their time to build the frigate Essex for the US Navy. This wasn't unusual behavior for Salem residents - in the 1920s residents of Salem pooled their resources and took out subscriptions to finance the building of the Hawthorne Hotel.

• Salem native Nathaniel Bowditch wrote the definitive navigation guide, The New American Practical Navigator, in 1802. The Bowditch, as it is commonly called, can still be found on the bridge of US Navy vessels today.

• The Salem Athenaeum (pictured) holds what was once considered the finest scientific library in the United States. Novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne was a member of the Athenaeum, which still operates in its Essex Street location today.

• The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is the first national historic site in the National Park system.

• Merchant Elias Hasket Derby opened trade between Salem, China, and Russia. He was America's first millionaire. His home is part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and is open for guided tours.

• Finally, The Ye Olde Pepper Companie (pictured) produces the Gibralter, which was the first commercially produced candy in America. Because of the Gibralter, Salem was once known as the candy capital of the world, and ships sailing from Salem would be wont to leave port without a load of the candies on board! You can still purchase Gibralters, and a host of other sweet treats, at Ye Olde Pepper Company on Derby Street across from the House of the Seven Gables.

Salem is a fascinating seaport! Enjoy your visit!