Newest National Historical Park Designee Could Be In Salem

SALEM, MA — The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is one step closer to becoming a national park after U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton's bill to redesignate the site passed the House of Representatives.

The bill must now be passed through the Senate before it can be signed into law. Senator Ed Markey is the sponsor of the Senate version of the bill.

Salem Maritime was established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site to be included in
the National Park System. As Salem approaches the 400th anniversary of its founding, redesignating the site as a National Historical Park will help to attract more visitors to Salem and increase the preservation capacity of this storied city, Moulton's office said.

"Salem Maritime contains more than a single historical feature," Moulton said. "In fact, the stories at Salem Maritime span more than four centuries of American history. Increasing visitation to Salem Maritime is important for supporting Salem's tourism economy, especially since the historical themes of Salem Maritime encourage people to visit beyond just the month of October."

"This legislation is important because it will highlight the historic significance of Salem beyond the 1692 Witch Trials," said Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage, the regional nonprofit that partners with the National Park Service on programs and visitor services in Salem and Saugus. "And, it will help attract more visitors to the city during its 400th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026."

Salem Maritime encompasses nine acres of land and 12 historic structures. Its downtown visitor center introduces thousands of visitors to Salem and to the Essex National Heritage Area.

The legislation will also require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a Special Resource
Study of sites associated with maritime history, military history, and coastal defense in Salem and its vicinity. This would allow the National Park Service to assess worthy possible additions to the Historical Park, Moulton's office said.

"Salem's role in the military history of our nation is fascinating," Moulton said. "From the first muster in 1636 to the significant role Salem and adjacent communities played in the American Revolution, there is a great deal of history that is not as well known."

(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.)