2012 Restoration of the Salem Witch Trials Museum

Before and After Restoration

The Salem Award Foundation is the steward of the Memorial, and working in collaboration with the City of Salem, The National Park Service and the Peabody Essex Museum. The Foundation restored the Memorial re-dedicated it on September 9, 2012. The cost of this crucial work was $120,000.  The Foundation hopes for generous support from the community to maintain this important landmark for future generations.

A major part of the restoration work involved replacing lost and damaged stonework and securing the stone walls that are the hallmark of the award-winning Memorial. The Salem Award Foundation was fortunate to be able to work with the original stone mason, Hayden Hillsgrove who won an award for his work on the memorial in 1992.

Landscaping work included re-grading the site and adding some drainage to better accommodate rainwater and to provide safe pedestrian use. Bluestone fines in the path will be dug out and replaced. Irrigation was added and the lawn replaced. The lighting was restored and the trees pruned.

New signage was installed at the Memorial and the small landscaped area near the Memorial was improved.  Education materials are provided through the Salem Visitors Center and through special tours throughout the year, as well as continued collaboration with Cry Innocent and the Witch House, which provide on-site presence and guides during the high tourist season.

Thanks to all who made the rededication possible!

The restoration of the Salem Witch Trials Memorial would not have been possible without the support and teamwork of the following:
The City of Salem  • The Peabody Essex Museum  •  Eastern Bank  •  Beverly Cooperative Bank  •  The Salem Witch Museum  •  The Heritage Salem Five Charitable Foundation  •  And many businesses and residents of Salem and surrounding communities!