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History Alive! Rentals and Contracts

Exterior of the Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Sq. Salem, MA

THE OLD TOWN HALL
The Old Town Hall is the oldest existing civic structure in Salem. Opened in 1816 on land donated by the Derby family, the building is an outstanding example of Federalist/Adam style. The structure is graced with Palladian windows, Greek columns, and carved decoration and contains features attributed to Charles Bulfinch, the famous architect and Samuel McIntire, Salem's master wood carver. The second floor of the building, the Great Hall, housed town offices until 1837. It now serves as a public assembly, ceremony and performance venue. The first floor is a gathering and exhibit space.

Located at 32 Derby Square, the Old Town Hall sits on the outdoor Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. The pedestrian mall is a walker-friendly collection of galleries, cafes, shops, museums and fountains. Essex Street and Derby Square are frequently the settings of street fairs and outdoor civic events. 

The Gordon College Institute for Public History has a lease agreement with the City of Salem, which encourages the rental of the building to other parties (both private and non-profit) for special occasions and recurring events.

Function rental information

CONTACT
For more information or to schedule a site visit, please contact the Operations Manager at or call 978.606.7426.


A View of Pioneer Village

SALEM 1630: PIONEER VILLAGE
Built in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts, Pioneer Village is America's first living history museum. The village sits on three acres of land and contains various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor's Faire House. Culinary and medicinal gardens, a saw pit and a blacksmith shop further interpret early 17th-century colonial life. Pioneer Village is nestled between the woods and the ocean, a ten minute drive from downtown, in Salem's Forest River Park. Pioneer Village is able to be rented for film and television shoots. Rental includes the use of furniture and set dressing. Specific props and costumed actors may be available for an additional fee.