Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Address:174 Derby Street
Salem, Massachusetts
Tel: (978) 740-1650

Come explore the maritime history of Salem, which stretches back nearly 400 years! Tour historic buildings and wharves which tell the stories of the sailors, Revolutionary War Privateers, and merchants who brought the riches of the Far East to America in what was once one of the most important ports in the nation. When merchant shipping started to decline in the early 19th century, Salem's wharves deteriorated to the point of disrepair. In 1938, the National Park Service took over a small piece of the waterfront, Derby Wharf, which is now a stretch of parkland which extends into the harbor. Today, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of 12 historic structures and about 9 acres of land along the beautiful waterfront in Salem, Massachusetts.

Visitors to this maritime complex can explore a real ship called The Friendship—a full-size replica of a 1797 East Indiaman merchant vessel that disappeared during the War of 1812. The adjacent Central Wharf warehouse, built around 1800, houses the orientation center. There are various guided tours about Salem's maritime history available, offered by National Park Service Rangers. Topics vary seasonally and include fascinating tours of the Derby House and the Custom House, the legendary spot where Nathaniel Hawthorne was working when he found the embroidered scarlet "A." If you prefer to explore on your own, you can see the free film at the orientation center and wander around Derby Wharf, the West India Goods Store, the Bonded Warehouse, the Scale House, and Central Wharf.

To get to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, take I-95 South to exit 45 (Route 128 North). Exit again at 25A (Route 114 East) heading toward Salem. In Salem, Route 114 will turn into North Street and then Summer Street. Make a left onto Norman Street and then through the traffic light to Derby Street. Derby Street will take you straight to the site! You can also take the Commuter Rail from North Station in Boston—take the Newburyport/Rockport line to Salem Depot and then walk five minutes to the site. Have a great time learning about American maritime history at the beautiful seaside site!