Calendar

Revolution 250 Salem Tour

Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) and British military governor General Thomas Gage encountered some of his biggest challenges to his authority in Salem. We always...

Revolution 250 Salem Tour

Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) and British military governor General Thomas Gage encountered some of his biggest challenges to his authority in Salem. We always...

Revolution 250 Salem Tour

Everyone knows Salem for the 1692 Witchcraft Trials, but did you know that Salem made significant contributions to the American Revolution? The shot heard round the world almost happened in Salem, the town was known for its Privateers (legal Pirates) and British military governor General Thomas Gage encountered some of his biggest challenges to his authority in Salem. We always...

A Sailor’s Life: Food & Medicine

Step into the world of 18th-century sailors and discover how crews survived long voyages at sea. In this hands-on program, kids will learn what sailors ate, how they kept food from spoiling, and what they did when someone got sick at sea. Become part of a “crew,” choose supplies for your ship, try salting green beans, and even help mix...

Elephants and Sweet Treats: A Storytime of Salem Firsts!

Did you know that Salem had the first elephant to ever set foot in America? It’s true! Join us and the Salem Public Library at the Salem Armory Visitor Center for a story time of Salem firsts – we’ll be reading books, playing games, making a craft, and enjoying a sweet treat at the end. This event is free and...

Pirate Festival: Pirates! The Battle For Derby Street

This spring, Salem’s Derby Street waterfront transforms into a lively pirate and privateers venue as Pirates! The Battle for Derby Street takes place.  This is a swashbuckling festival packed with adventure, history, music, and mischief for pirates of all ages! At the heart of the festival is an epic and playful rivalry between two legendary figures:  Salem’s Captain John Turner and the...

Pirate Festival: Pirates! The Battle For Derby Street

This spring, Salem’s Derby Street waterfront transforms into a lively pirate and privateers venue as Pirates! The Battle for Derby Street takes place.  This is a swashbuckling festival packed with adventure, history, music, and mischief for pirates of all ages! At the heart of the festival is an epic and playful rivalry between two legendary figures:  Salem’s Captain John Turner and the...

Whydah Day Commemoration

A moment of silence for local seafarers lost at sea, and their families. On Sunday, April 26, the 309th anniversary of the sinking of the Whydah Gally, Real Pirates Salem will host a commemorative ceremony honoring sailors lost at sea. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM outside the museum in Charlotte Forten Park. The museum will be open...

Fate Series at the Pickering House

On the final Sunday of the month, the oldest home in Salem opens her doors to a lucky few. The Fate Series: Stirring the Pot is the inaugural collaboration between Cook & Co and The Pickering House — enjoy complementary craft cocktails from women-owned distilleries (provided by Sirens Spirits Group) with bites crafted by Cook & Co. Gather with your...

Chantey Night / Pub Sing

Haven’t been to a pub sing? Join the fun of easy, repetitive songs that make it easy to learn and join in! Hear some old worker chants, pirate songs, songs that originated in Salem & more!

“General John Glover: Unsung Hero of the Revolution” Lecture

Join us for a memorable evening of music, history, and conversation celebrating the life, military service, and lasting legacy of one of the American Revolution’s most celebrated — and often overlooked — figures. The evening kicks off with a rousing performance by Scurvy Fellows Indeed, a spirited crew of 18th-century privateers who will entertain with rollicking sea chanteys — audience...

Curators’ Insights and Exhibit Previews

Join us for a special Presentation and Exhibition Preview celebrating the opening of our two new Spring and Summer temporary exhibitions: Inside the Faraday Cage: The Science of Things That Aren’t So and a mini-exhibit A Tale of Two Pianos. This exclusive preview offers guests early access to both exhibitions, along with curator-led presentations that provide insight into the ideas,...

Broadsides, Ballads and Fife Tunes of Salem

Salem Massachusetts has a rich and diverse maritime past which played a major role in the early part of the Revolutionary War. The broadsides, ballads and fife tunes discussed during this presentation all have a connection to Salem, Massachusetts. The presentation draws on materials from his two published books, Old Salem at Sea in Ballad and Song and Old Salem...