The four partners will work together over a three-year period to operate their “Salem in History” project. Through intensive professional development, teachers will earn graduate credit from Salem State and enhance their content knowledge through the investigation and use of archival and materials resources of the Peabody Essex Museum and the National Park Service.

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige stated “these grants are a powerful tool for teachers. They link together our nation's history teachers with professional historians and other experts. We do this because teachers who have a deep and vast knowledge of their subject are better able to inspire their students, to fully engage their minds and to imbue them with a lifelong taste for learning.” The collaborative group agrees that “Salem in History” will provide teachers with increased opportunities to access primary documents and artifacts which will enable them to deliver an enriched American history curriculum to all of their students.

“Working with our partner organizations, the Peabody Essex Museum can offer Salem educators a unique opportunity to enrich their understanding of American culture and enhance their skills in the classroom,” said Dan Monroe, executive director and CEO of the Peabody Essex Museum. Dr. Emerson Baker, chair of the Salem State College History Department, shares Monroe's view and noted,” As Salem State celebrates its own history during our sesquicentennial year, we are thrilled to work with these local partners in this important project.”