Salem 400+

Salem 400+ is the city’s commemoration of its quadricentennial, marking 400 years since Salem’s founding in 1626. The program deliberately begins earlier than that date, acknowledging Naumkeag, the Indigenous “fishing place” where people of the Massachusett Tribe lived, farmed, fished and traded for centuries. Throughout 2026 it runs signature events, from an Indigenous Peoples’ Day flag raising to a Halloween boat parade and film screenings, alongside lasting projects meant to shape the city’s next generation.

Its goals include amplifying the history and present cultures of Salem’s many communities, especially stories that have been underrepresented, and investing in infrastructure and shared spaces. The Signature Parks Initiative is improving six of the city’s busiest parks and open spaces, and Salem has committed to planting 400 trees as part of its climate strategy. A portrait of Squaw Sachem and Nanepashemet by Indigenous artist Chris Pappan was created with the Massachusett Tribal Council.

What to Know

• The program publishes a reading list of novels and stories set in or inspired by Salem.
• Community partners, local businesses and organizations help support the commemoration.
• Resiliency and sustainability are among the program’s stated goals.
• The Naumkeag River is today known as the North River, and Nanepashemet’s fort site as Castle Hill.