ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
From 17th-century First Period homes to Colonial Revivals of the early twentieth century and beyond, Salem’s streets reflect centuries of evolving design. This section highlights key architectural styles found across the city and the features that help identify them.
SALEM’S NEIGHBORHOODS
Explore Salem’s neighborhoods and the stories that shaped them. From the colonial waterfront and Federal mansions of the McIntire District to the vibrant streets of The Point–rebuilt after the Great Salem Fire of 1914–and the seaside charm of Salem Willows, each neighborhood reflects a different chapter in the city’s architectural and cultural history.
HOMEOWNER TOOLS
Owning a historic home comes with both responsibilities and rewards. This section offers practical guidance for maintaining historic buildings, planning repairs and renovations, and navigating Salem’s preservation resources—from researching your home’s history to understanding historic district regulations and climate considerations.
READING & RECORDED PROGRAMS
Explore books and recorded programs that examine Salem’s architecture, preservation history, and evolving cityscape. These resources highlight influential ideas in preservation and share conversations with historians, architects, and advocates working to understand and protect historic places.
NATHANIEL BOWDITCH
Learn about Nathaniel Bowditch—Salem mathematician, navigator, and author of The New American Practical Navigator. This section explores his life and achievements, the Bowditch House (now home to Historic Salem, Inc.), and the maritime world that shaped his remarkable story.
