Washington (June 27, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congressman Seth Moulton’s (MA-06) legislation to redesignate the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the Salem Maritime National Historical Park has now passed both chambers of Congress. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives in May and cleared the Senate last week, will next head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

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.

“Our Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act is one step closer to becoming law. Once signed by the president, Salem Maritime’s redesignation 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 Massachusetts’—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 New England—and American—history, is needed now more than ever.”

“Salem Maritime contains more than a single historical feature. In fact, the stories at Salem Maritime span more than four centuries of American history,” 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.”

“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.”

Salem Maritime was established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site to be included in the National Park System. Salem Maritime currently 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 Resource 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. 

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.

Following passage in the House, the bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

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