HSI recognizes that preservation involves not only houses and other structures, but also all of the resources that together form the broader fabric of Salem’s history, including landscapes, streetscapes, waterfronts, collections, and cultural traditions. These resources document our heritage. HSI will preserve them by being alert to threats, by building linkages to the city, by being a focal point for action, and by creating vehicles to promote preservation.
Education of the public is critical to making preservation an integral part of the cultural life of the city, and authentic resources are powerful teachers. HSI will undertake broad-based educational efforts, encompassing all of Salem’s neighborhoods, its schoolchildren, its homeowners, business people, and other keepers of its heritage, and its visitors.
Clear and firm positions are the key to preserving Salem’s historic resources against threats to their integrity. HSI will develop intelligible and explicit criteria by which to judge emerging issues, and we will adhere to our judgments with vigor, honesty, and consistency.
Cooperation and collaboration are the key to a successful program of community preservation. HSI will strive to bring together all people interested in the preservation of Salem’s historic resources and to instill a sense of common pride in Salem’s unique place in history. We will rely on affiliation with the national preservation community, cooperation with the government of the city, collaboration with other civic, neighborhood, and cultural organizations, and the strength of volunteers.