Salem Maritime National Historical Park

A three mast tall ship on the water under a blue sky with red brick buildings on the shore.
Park Waterfront & Vessel Friendship of Salem
Three story red brick building with white columns has a wide staircase and golden eagle on top.
This Custom House was built in 1819 and housed offices for the officers of the U.S. Customs Service, as well as an attached warehouse, the Public Stores, used for the storage of bonded and impounded cargo.
A white rectangular lighthouse approximately 20 feet tall is near the water on a gravel road.
The Derby Wharf Light Station has aided navigation in Salem Harbor since it was first lit in 1871.
Three story red brick building with white windows and a brick pathway through grasses and trees.
Built in 1762 as a wedding present, the Derby House was the home of Elias Hasket Derby (1739-1799) and Elizabeth Crowninshield Derby (1727-1799) for the first twenty years of their marriage.
Photos: National Park Service

About Salem Maritime National Historical Park

Originally established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the United States, Salem Maritime National Historical Park consists of nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. Located in the urban setting of Salem, the park preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England's maritime history and global stories.

Quick Facts

State Massachusetts
Designation National Historical Park
State Code MA
Weather New England weather is unpredictable year-round. Monthly averages, in degrees Fahrenheit, are: January: 37 high, 20 low February: 40 high, 23 low March: 47 high, 30 low April: 57 high,…

Location & Map

Salem Maritime National Historical Park is located in Massachusetts.

Operating Hours

All outdoor spaces including the grounds, gardens, waterfront, and wharves are accessible 7 days a week. Please check the Visitor Center hours to learn more about which facilities are open.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Getting There

Salem Maritime National Historical Park is located in downtown Salem, Massachusetts and is accessible by vehicle, commuter rail, bus, ferry, and recreational boat.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address Salem Armory Visitor Center, Salem, MA, 01970
Phone 978-740-1650

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building African American Heritage American Revolution Arts Poetry and Literature Commerce Trade Enslavement Immigration Maritime Maritime - Military Lighthouses Piracy and Privateering Ships and Shipwrecks Military Armories Social Movements Conservation Movement Transportation Ancient Seas Animals Climate Change Oceans

Things To Do

Become a Salem Maritime B.A.R.K. Ranger

Become a Salem Maritime B.A.R.K. Ranger

Hello four-legged friends! Do you want to explore Salem Maritime with your leash-holding companions? Interested in getting your very own…

Once you learn the principles of B.A.R.K., find a park ranger to receive your very own B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag!

Create a Dominican Faceless Doll

Create a Dominican Faceless Doll

Have you ever heard of Faceless Dolls (or Muñecas Sin Rostro)? Faceless Dolls were first created in the 1980’s by…

The activity involves crafting a doll using some basic supplies.

Become a Salem Maritime Junior Ranger

Become a Salem Maritime Junior Ranger

The Salem Maritime National Historic Site Junior Ranger program is an activity based program offering visitors the opportunity to join…

Interested individuals complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive…

Shop Waite & Peirce Souvenirs

Shop Waite & Peirce Souvenirs

Waite & Peirce: Authentic and Exotic Goods features gifts inspired by the bold spirit of Salem’s privateers and offers visitors…

Explore the exclusive line of Waite & Peirce apparel, jewelry, home goods, historical reproductions, collectibles, toys and gifts.

Watch the Sunrise from Derby Wharf

Watch the Sunrise from Derby Wharf

Enjoy an East Coast sunrise from Derby Wharf! The horizon is broad and flat, providing an expansive view of Salem…

Enjoy an East Coast sunrise from Derby Wharf! The horizon is broad and flat, providing an expansive view of Salem…

Drive the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

Drive the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

Discover 90 miles of New England coastal life passing through Essex National Heritage Area and Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

The 90-mile Essex Coastal Scenic Byway links 14 coastal communities from Lynn to Salisbury. Travel the byway to experience the region's rich history and…

Visitor Centers

Salem Armory

In the Salem Armory Visitor Center, National Park Service staff and volunteers provide information on historic sites and other places of interest throughout the Essex…

Hours: The Salem Armory Visitor Center is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Waite & Peirce

Waite & Peirce offers a curated selection of quality products that will help extend your park experience with maritime themed goods that hearken back to…

Hours: The Waite & Peirce Park Store is open daily, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

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