Salem Maritime National Historical Park (NPS)

Salem Maritime National Historical Park is a National Park Service site on the Salem waterfront that tells the story of the city’s role in early American sea trade. Established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the national park system, it now carries the National Historical Park designation. Its historic buildings include the Custom House, where author Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked.

Beyond its historic buildings, the park offers a substantial set of resources for schools. Teachers can use lesson plans created in collaboration with educators and partners, ready-to-use materials that prompt students to dig deeper into history and short films made for teachers and students. Educators can also learn about bringing classes to visit the park and can collaborate with park staff to develop new resources for students and teachers.

What to Know

• The park’s grounds include Derby Wharf on Salem Harbor.
• The replica tall ship Friendship is docked at the park.
• The park highlights the history of Black people, cultures and communities in Essex County.