| A Most Endangered Historic Resource:
Pioneer Village (Listed 2003) – Status – Upgraded to Signs of Improvement
Constructed by the City in 1930 under the direction of George Francis Dow to celebrate Massachusetts’ tercentenary, Pioneer Village in South Salem is one of the Nation’s oldest living history museums. This re-created 17th century fishing village presents a conjectural depiction of Salem as it might have appeared at the time of John Winthrop’s arrival. The Village, located in Forest River Park, was restored in the late 1980’s, but is currently in need of extensive repairs and a long-term maintenance plan.
Pioneer Village benefited from improvements in 2006 and enjoys strong prospects for further positive changes in 2007. A thatcher was brought
in to mend the roofs of three buildings, and the English Wigwam underwent repairs as well. Salem Preservation, Inc., the group spearheading the restoration effort, held several open houses in the fall, including one for city councilors, joined by Rep. John Keenan. Earlier in the year, the City of Salem gave SPI nearly $10,000 as a Community Development Block Grant, for infrastructure improvements to enhance accessibility.
There is still a lot of weather and rodent damage at the site, and much to do to bring Pioneer Village back to life. SPI has raised some funds through renting the site to film and theatrical productions. In December 2006, they received a one-year extension to their lease with the city, and hope to win a longer lease when the City puts the site out to bid next year, since they feel that a long-term lease will encourage further donations. Finally, they hope for more funds through ratification of the Community Preservation Act. They have an active volunteer organization and plan to open the site to student groups beginning in May 2007.
For further information visit these sites:
http://www.salemweb.com/tales/pioneervillage.shtml
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/17house.html
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