Press Release: 4/1/2025
Moulton and Markey Reintroduce Legislation to Redesignate the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the Salem Maritime National Historical Park
March 31, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Seth Moulton and Senator Edward J. Markey have reintroduced legislation that would redesignate the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the Salem Maritime National Historical Park.
Salem Maritime was established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site to be included in the National Park System. As Salem approaches the 400th anniversary of its founding, redesignating the site as a National Historical Park will help to attract more visitors to Salem and increase the preservation capacity of this storied city.
“Salem Maritime contains more than a single historical feature. In fact, the stories at Salem Maritime span more than four centuries of American History, with recent scholarship uncovering connections related to slavery, emancipation, Black activism, and entrepreneurship,” said Congressman Moulton. “Increasing visitation to Salem Maritime is important for supporting Salem's tourism economy, especially since the historical themes of Salem Maritime encourage people to visit beyond just the month of October.”
“Redesignating Salem Maritime from a National Historic Site to a National Historical Park will reflect the growth of the nearly 9-acre district and its proper place in the Commonwealth’s—and our nation’s— history,” said Senator Markey. “The additional support garnered as a park will help Salem Maritime continue to preserve nearly 400 years of American history, including maritime history, American slavery, and the fight for freedom and justice. This redesignation will also help bring more visitors to Salem to learn from the city’s diverse past year-round, bolstering the local and regional economy and further enriching our cultural and historical understanding. This vital work of continuing to tell Salem’s full story, including uplifting Black history as a part of New England’s—and America’s—history, is needed now more than ever.”
“This legislation is important because it will highlight the historic significance of Salem beyond the 1692 Witch Trials,” said Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage, the regional nonprofit that partners with the National Park Service on programs and visitor services in Salem and Saugus. “And, it will help attract more visitors to the city during its 400th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.”
"As a former Mayor and proud daughter of a Navy veteran, I strongly support Senator Markey and Congressman Moulton's efforts to redesignate Salem Maritime as a National Historical Park. This would be a testament to the sacrifice made by those who served our country and the legacy of leadership that has shaped our shores," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "I hope that we can reaffirm Salem's legacy by preserving this land for future generations, and ensuring that the stories of courage, resilience and service remain etched in Massachusetts history."
Salem Maritime encompasses nine acres of land and twelve historic structures. Its downtown visitor center introduces thousands of visitors to Salem and to the Essex National Heritage Area.
The legislation would also require that the Secretary of the Interior conduct a Special Resourc Study of sites associated with maritime history, military history, and coastal defense in Salem and its vicinity. This would allow the National Park Service to assess worthy possible additions to the Historical Park.
“Salem’s role in the military history of our nation is fascinating,” added Congressman Moulton. “From the first muster in 1636 to the significant role Salem and adjacent communities played in the American Revolution, there is a great deal of history that is not as well known.”
Last year, the bill received unanimous support from the House Natural Resources Committee, and it passed the Senate in December 2024. Unfortunately, the House didn’t have time to vote on it before the session of Congress ended.