Preserving Salem’s House Histories & Plaques

House Histories & Plaques

Celebrate the stories of Salem’s historic homes. Our House History & Plaque Program has documented over 850 Salem properties, preserving their architecture and past for future generations and giving homeowners a chance to share their history with the community.

Historic Salem, Inc.’s House History & Plaque Program is one of the oldest and most visible preservation efforts in the city. For decades, we’ve researched, recorded, and celebrated Salem’s remarkable architecture — from 17th-century First Period dwellings to Victorian landmarks and early 20th-century homes.

Each house history traces ownership, construction date, and original architectural details, often uncovering connections to notable residents and events. Completed histories are paired with our signature hand-painted wooden plaques, proudly displayed on homes across the city. Together, they offer a visible and lasting link between Salem’s present-day neighborhoods and the generations that came before.

Browse Salem’s House Histories Database

For decades, HSI has documented the city’s rich built environment. Search over 850 completed Salem house histories.

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Browse Salem’s House Relocation Database

Explore our unique House Relocation Database documenting historic properties moved to new sites to save them from demolition.

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Request a House History & Plaque

Learn how to commission a new house history or request a replacement plaque, including research options, pricing, and order forms.

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History of the Program

The House History and Plaque program was developed jointly with Ben Campbell, a teacher at the Vocational School in Salem. The original research guidelines were developed by Bill Tinti and Joyce Potter, while Joyce Mazur and Hester Tinti provided assistance to the research team.

The first plaque granted was at 120-122 Federal Street on the Elijah and Jacob Sanderson House in 1966. Since then, Historic Salem, Inc. has conducted over 850 house histories and put up nearly as many plaques.

In 2017, the House History program became much more visible and accessible thanks to a partnership with the Salem Historical Society. They helped scan, upload, and record 50 years worth of house histories in our new database. This database is searchable by address as well as key terms and names, such as architects, builders, and family names. The house histories are also mapped to show where in Salem histories have been conducted

Browse the House Histories Database

ARE YOU A HISTORIAN?

Historic Salem, Inc. is always looking for skilled researchers and writers to help uncover the stories behind Salem’s historic homes. If you have experience with historical research we’d love to hear from you. Interested in becoming a house historian?

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