Mapping a Century of Salem, 1926-2026

Connect with someplace familiar, learn about someone new, and share your Salem stories.

Salem State University presents Mapping a Century of Salem, 1926-2026, from Thursday, June 18 to Monday, September 14 at Old Town Hall in downtown Salem.

Developed as part of Salem’s quadricentennial celebration, this free, public history exhibit examines the transformation of Salem over the past 100 years, combining oral histories, maps, historical photographs and more to explore how Salem evolved socially, economically and physically between the city’s 1926 tercentenary celebration and today.

Curated by Salem State University’s College of Arts and Sciences and Frederick E. Berry Library and Archives, the exhibit seeks to interpret the city’s history while sharing personal stories of those who live in, work in, or have had an impact on Salem over the past century.

Exhibit Hours
Thursdays from 12-7 pm
Fridays through Mondays from 10 am-4 pm

Weekly English, Spanish and Portuguese tours available during July and August 2026
Come for a guided tour about the migration and immigrant experiences in Salem led by trained Salem State University students (from SSU's Discovery Scholars initiative), faculty and members of the Salem community. 

TOUR SCHEDULE
30-minute tours in English:

Thursdays -  3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm

Fridays and Saturdays - 10am, 11am, Noon, `1pm, 2pm

30-minute tours in Spanish:

Thursdays-  6pm

Fridays -  10am, 11am

Saturdays-  10am, 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm

30-minute tours in Portuguese:

Fridays - 10am, 11am , Noon, 1pm, 2pm