Downtown Salem District facts for kids
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Downtown Salem District
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Essex Street
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Salem, Massachusetts |
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| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000149 (original) 83003969 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 4, 1972 |
| Boundary increase | October 18, 1983 |
The Downtown Salem District is a special historic area in Salem, Massachusetts. It includes many old and important buildings. This district is roughly located around Church, Central, New Derby, and Washington Streets.
This area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it's recognized as a very important place in American history. Before that, a smaller part of it, called the Old Town Hall Historic District, was listed in 1972.
When it was first recognized in 1972, the district included buildings near Salem's Old Town Hall. These were on Derby Square, Essex, Washington, and Front Streets. In 1976, Essex Street was made into a pedestrian mall. This means only people walking and delivery vehicles are allowed there. The district became much bigger in 1983. It now covers a large part of Salem's old downtown. It also includes two buildings already famous on their own: the Joshua Ward House and City Hall. Both are on Washington Street.
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Explore the Historic Joshua Ward House
The Joshua Ward House is a very old house at 148 Washington Street. It was built way back in 1784. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places by itself in 1978.
Discover Salem's City Hall
Salem City Hall is a very important building. It is the oldest city hall in America that has been used continuously. It opened in 1837 and is located at 93 Washington Street in Salem.
The building was designed in the Greek Revival style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. A cool fact is that it survived the Great Salem Fire of 1914. This fire destroyed many parts of the city.
Learn About Salem's Old Town Hall
Old Town Hall is the oldest government building still standing in Salem. It was built between 1816 and 1817. It is a great example of Federal architecture.
The second floor of the building is called the Great Hall. It has always been used as a public meeting space. Town offices were located here until 1837. The first floor was originally a public market. Today, it is home to the Salem Museum.
This building and its location on Derby Square have strong ties to the Derby family. This family was very important in Salem in the 1700s and 1800s. Derby Square, Derby Wharf, Derby Street, and two Derby houses are all named after them.
Some parts of the building's design are thought to be by Charles Bulfinch. He was a very famous architect from Boston during the Federal period. Other parts are linked to Samuel McIntire. He was a well-known architect and woodcarver from Salem.
In the 1930s, a preservation architect named Philip Horton Smith saved the building from being torn down. It also had some repairs and updates in the 1970s.
Sometimes, a group called History Alive! performs at Old Town Hall. This group is the professional acting part of the Gordon College Department of Theatre.
Images for kids
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Old Town Hall, 2015
