Salem turns 400 years old this year

Salem is celebrating it’s 400th anniversary in 2026 as many events celebrate the historic occasion. The city will celebrate its quadricentennial while acknowledging the preexisting indigenous community and explores the opportunities and connections of Salem’s multifaceted history while crafting a vision for current and future generations.

Salem started in 1626 making it the fourth oldest city in Massachusetts (it’s older than Boston). It is also one of the oldest cities in the country, likely in the top ten depending on which debate you believe.

Our founder, Roger Conant, came down from Gloucester (3rd oldest city in Massachusetts) and established a fishing community on the North River at the end of present-day March Street. The area was originally called Naumkeag by the indigenous people living here.

Naumkeag was renamed Salem when John Endecott came to be the governor in 1628. They could have named the new town Endecott or Conant but both men decided to name it Salem that was a hybrid word for peace. It’s ironic that a town called peace would erupt in the worst witchcraft trials episode in US history 64 years later.

The 1692 Witchcraft Trials immediately come to mind when everyone thinks of Salem, but the city is so much more than that. Salem is full of many interesting stories and tidbits but the city was:

• Critical to the American Revolution

• Was the largest seaport per capita in the US from 1793 until the war of 1812

• Has a history of inventors (Alexander Graham Bell, Moses Farmer, John Dixon)

• 18 total US presidential visits including George Washington

• Hollywood movies like Hocus Pocus, Hubie Halloween, American Hustle & more

• Celebrities like Salem born Nathaniel Hawthorne & Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story

• Black history including visits from Frederick Douglass and Francis Grimke

There will be several events like lectures, concerts and celebrations throughout the year commemorating the 400th anniversary,

One of the biggest events will be the 400+ Heritage Days Parade on Aug. 1. The parade will organize participants and floats chronologically, creating a living timeline that flows through Salem’s streets. This approach allows viewers to experience the city’s journey from its earliest inhabitants to its modern innovations and future aspirations.

The chronological format ensures that all aspects of Salem’s heritage receive recognition, from the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the land, through the colonial period, maritime trade era, literary renaissance, industrial growth, and into Salem’s role as a modern and diverse community.

Throughout the parade, the organizers also plan to weave in the story of immigration—the many waves of people from different cultures and backgrounds who have made Salem their home across all these centuries, contributing to the rich tapestry that makes the city what it is today.

Marching bands, color guards, and various performing organizations will be interspersed to create a festive atmosphere while maintaining the chronological flow.

There are several other events, exhibits and programs that are listed on the calendar of events: https://www.salem400.org/events/

You can learn about the Salem’s 400 years of history in a walking tour by Salem Historical Tours. The Salem 101: General History Tour provides a combination of as much of Salem’s history in a 90-minute tour from 1626 to current day.  Find out more here: https://www.salemhistoricaltours.com/salem-general-history-tour