'Pieces Of Salem' To Chronicle Witch City's Diverse 400-Year History

SALEM, MA — Salem residents are invited to share short stories about their lives and experiences in the Witch City as part of the upcoming 400-year anniversary celebration in 2026.

"This inclusive collection of prose and poetry will help document life in Salem for future generations," said Poet Laureate J.D Scrimgeour, who will coordinate the project. "I encourage everyone to make their story part of the fabric of this Salem tapestry."

Contributors are encouraged to submit original works totaling no more than 400 words. This may take the form of a single piece or multiple shorter works.

Submissions should capture what Salem means to them, offering a diverse and heartfelt portrait of the city through its people's words, organizers said.

"As Salem prepares to celebrate our quadricentennial next year, we're excited to showcase the stories and reflections of residents," Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. "This publication will offer a chance for community members, through their own stories and their own words, to share what Salem means to them, in a publication that will live on for generations."

Those whose work is selected will receive one complimentary copy of the published anthology. Additional copies will be made available for purchase at a discounted author rate.

Submissions are open to anyone who has lived or worked in Salem for at least one year. Contributors will be asked to briefly describe their connection to the city at the time of submission.

The deadline to submit work is Dec. 1. All contributors will be notified of the status of their submission by Dec. 31. For more information, and to submit your writing, click here.

Questions about the project can be directed to J.D. Scrimgeour at poet@salem.com.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)