Salem Common Bandstand Restoration Planned For 2026

SALEM, MA — A complete restoration of the century-old Salem Common bandstand is expected to be completed as part of the city's 400+ celebration in 2026.

The bandstand was built as part of the city's 300th anniversary with Philip Horton Smith designing the bandstand in the Colonial Revival style. In 1976, the bandstand was dedicated to the longtime Salem Band director, Jean Missud of Salem Cadet Band Fame.

In recent years, the bandstand has been used for movie nights, concerts, Haunted Happenings, weddings and other activities.

Phase 1 of the preservation project began in 2018 and was completed in 2020. That included the replacement of the concrete apron, slabs and stone dust path, the replacement of the bulkhead over the basement stairs and the replacement of the steel railings.

The Phase 2 work to be done this year includes comprehensive structural repairs, updated electrical wiring and lighting, and accessibility compliance.

Salem Common is a 9-acre open space that was established in 1803. Salem Common was the site of the First Muster of the East Regiment in 1673, which signaled the start of the National Guard.

The Common is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is protected with a preservation restriction.

(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.)