The Visitor Center serves as an information and orientation gateway for visitors to Salem Maritime NHS, Saugus Iron Works NHS, the Essex National Heritage Area and the City of Salem. The Visitor Center is staffed and maintained by Salem Maritime NHS employees and volunteers. This large facility occupies the site of the former Salem Armory and features a sizeable bookstore, three-story atrium, exhibit space, 200 seat theater with daily showings of history films and documentaries, comprehensive brochure library for local/regional attractions, and a heavily-trafficked information desk with maps, guides, and visitor resources.