Watch: Sen. Markey, Rep. Moulton celebrate Salem Maritime

Boston (August 7, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) today celebrated the recent passage of their Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act into law with a tour of the historic Salem Maritime National Historical Park.

“The redesignation of Salem Maritime as a National Historical Park comes just in time as we continue celebrations of America’s 250th and approach Salem’s 400th anniversary, so visitors can hear Salem’s full story—the story of Black Americans, Dominican immigrants, Polish immigrants, working women, and more—as our past leads us to build a better future for us all,” said Senator Markey. “It has been an honor to work with Congressman Moulton to shepherd the Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act from its start to its enactment into law. I know that Essex Heritage and our National Park Service partners will continue to safeguard these spectacular parts of our history for generations to come. And I will continue to fight in Congress to support all of our National Parks in Massachusetts and across the country from cuts, censorship, or closure.”

“After years of work, I’m thrilled that we finally passed the Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act into law. This means Salem Maritime will finally get the recognition and resources it deserves. I’m proud to call Salem home, and even prouder that more people will have the opportunity to take in our incredibly rich history. It’s a hard-won achievement, and I’m grateful to Senator Markey, Annie Harris, and the Essex Heritage team for their partnership in making this happen,” said Rep. Moulton.

“Redesignating the Salem Maritime National Historical Site to a National Park will help ensure that Salem's historic spaces are preserved for the years to come and it serves as an opportunity to share all of Salem's history with those who come visit the city,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As the former Mayor of Salem, I'm grateful to Senator Markey and Representative Moulton for their efforts championing this legislation through Congress. Now we can uplift the diverse stories that built this city right here at the Salem Maritime National Historical Park.”

"As a former National Park Ranger who once had the honor of serving at Salem Maritime, and now as a State Representative for the city of Salem, I am filled with immense pride at this historic redesignation. The elevation of Salem Maritime to a National Historical Park rightfully honors the layered and complex history of our city—one that includes the unheralded contributions of Black Americans, Dominican and Polish immigrants, working-class families, and many others. This monumental milestone could not come at a better time, as we look toward Salem’s 400th anniversary and our nation’s 250th. I am deeply grateful to Senator Markey, Senator Warren, Congressman Moulton, and our entire federal delegation for getting this across the finish line," said State Representative Manny Cruz.

“The Salem Maritime National Historic Park is central to telling the story of community as a place that is rooted in our past, but with our eyes fixed on the future,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “The re-designation of Salem Maritime from a Historic Site to a Historic Park elevates the stature of this important location in our community and symbolizes our commitment to likewise elevating the important stories of exploration, trade, architecture, literature, labor, and immigration that are, at their heart, the stories of Salem and the stories of America. Next year, 2026, is not only America’s 250th birthday; it’s also Salem’s 400th birthday, so the timing of this re-designation could not be more apt. On behalf of the City we are enormously grateful to our federal delegation who made this possible, and to our local stewards and partners at the National Park Service and Essex Heritage.”

“This re-designation recognizes Salem Maritime’s significance in preserving and telling our nation’s maritime history. Historical parks are perceived by the public as more interesting and significant than historic sites. We anticipate that there will be a significant increase in the visitors which will be good for the park, and also, for Salem’s tourist economy,” said Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage, the regional non-profit that partners with the National Park Service on programs and visitor services. “National Park Service records show that national historical parks experienced 20-25% more visitation than national historic sites. This is good news for the park, and also, for Salem's tourism economy, especially since the maritime history encourage more year-round visitors.”

“Salem is one of America’s most storied cities, with a rich heritage and history, including Salem's key role in the growth of America’s maritime industry. With the redesignation of this site as Salem Maritime National Historical Park, we affirm that history by promoting and preserving the significant role Salem has played in the maritime history of the United States,” said State Senator Joan Lovely. “Thank you to Senator Markey, Representative Moulton, and the federal delegation for championing this effort to further explore and preserve the history of our historic city.”

“Salem Maritime National Historical Park protects pivotal chapters of our history, from the American Revolution and the fight for independence to stories of proud immigrant communities. It’s fitting to celebrate the redesignation and renaming of this national park site on the eve of our nation's 250th birthday.” said Todd Martin, Northeast Senior Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association". "We are grateful for Senator Markey and Representative Moulton for their leadership in redesignating and renaming Salem Maritime, as we chart a course to protect and expand this one-of-a-kind historic place for future generations,” said Todd Martin, Northeast Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association.

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 redesignates the site as a National Historic Park and requires that the Secretary of the Interior conduct a boundary 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. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent and the House 381-31.

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