INQUIRE
COMMITTEES
Historic Salem is one of America’s oldest civic historic preservation groups, working actively since 1944 to preserve Salem’s rich architectural legacy and educate the community on the value of its historic resources.
Whether you have a background in design, history, or event planning, you’re sure to find a fit in one of our six committees! We’re always looking for talented and passionate individuals to join our volunteer team. If you have the time, we have a volunteer role for you!
Preservation Committee
Advocates for Salem’s historic buildings and neighborhoods through project review, public engagement, and policy initiatives that ensure thoughtful, preservation-minded growth.
What we do:
- Act as stakeholder in regulatory project reviews
- Draft clear positions on preservation issues
- Advocate that new construction complements historic structures
- Partner and develop relationships with city officials, neighborhoods, developers and other preservationists in the region
- Work to expand protections of historic resources
- Address current issues in the built environment as they relate to preservation (for example, zoning changes, affordability and climate impacts)
- Hold monthly meetings with in-depth discussions of advocacy activities
Talents we need:
- Passion for preserving historic resources
- An understanding of architectural terms and theory
- Experience in construction and various rules and regulations
- Knowledge of federal, state and local legislation that impacts preservation efforts
- Neighborhood voices that can alert us to preservation concerns
- Writing, social media or other content creation to publicize our work
Community Engagement Committee
Builds community and financial support for HSI through membership outreach, fundraising, grants, events, and strategic communications.
What we do:
- Produce and host events, talks, tours, and the Annual Meeting & Preservation Awards
- Make preservation, design, architecture, and local history accessible and engaging to the public
- Attract and engage HSI members and supporters
- Manage fundraising initiatives, grant applications, and sponsorships
- Ensure timely and effective print, web, social media, and member communications
Talents we need:
- Passion or curiosity about design, preservation, history, or architecture
- Event planning and hosting
- Public speaking and accessible communication
- Marketing, public relations, and communications (print, web, and social media)
- Grant writing, fundraising, or sponsorship experience
- Web design and maintenance
Christmas in Salem™ Committee
Plans and produces HSI’s Christmas in Salem event, our beloved annual holiday tour of historic homes that has brought festive cheer to the community for more than 45 years.
What we do:
- Plans and produces our Christmas in Salem holiday house tour which hosts approximately 2,000 guests annually
- Create the annual theme and coordinate with homeowners and volunteers
Talents we need:
- Event planning skills to help us manage the many details in making the tour a great experience for the homeowners and guests
- Sales skills to solicit advertisers for our tour guidebook
- House Guides with presentation skills to share commentary with visitors as they tour a home
- House Captains with leadership skills to recruit and support House Guides during the tour
Brick Committee
Promotes the preservation and repair of Salem’s historic brick sidewalks, advocating for safe, accessible, and visually cohesive streetscapes that honor the city’s heritage.
What We Do:
- Encourage the preservation of Salem’s historic brick sidewalks and discourage asphalt and concrete patchwork as long-term sidewalk repairs
- Strive to maintain the character of Salem’s historic streetscapes
- Advocate for safe sidewalks essential for pedestrian safety and mobility
Talents We Need:
- Individuals who appreciate and can advocate for the aesthetics of historic paving materials and their maintenance
- Experience with accessible design standards
