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Overview

Pioneer Village and Camp Naumkeag, Salem, MA: A proposed project

Camp Naumkeag Camp Naumkeag

Pioneer Village  Pioneer Village

The City of Salem is proposing to relocate the Pioneer Village from its current location in Forest River to a site in the Willows, adjacent to Camp Naumkeag.  As part of this project, the City is proposing to demolish the existing structures at Camp Naumkeag in order to create an entry point for the Pioneer Village, which will be expanded to include representation by the Massachusett tribe.  The history of both Camp Naumkeag and the Pioneer Village represent important aspects of Salem’s history which will be represented and interpreted in the proposed project.

One of the main reasons for the proposed relocation is that the current site of the Pioneer Village is very close to sea level and subject to flooding.  Climate change is accelerating this threat.  In addition, a new location provides the opportunity to expand the area and topics of historical interpretation while also providing an opportunity to upgrade the site for accessibility and other modern codes.  Pioneer Village can become a historic resource for future generations.

The goals for this project are:

  • The protection of the Pioneer Village from climate change
  • Recognition and preservation of the Camp Naumkeag’s important place in the history of the City of Salem and public health
  • The introduction of the voice of the Massachusett tribe in dialogue with the Pioneer Village and an expansion of other offerings, such as gardens
  • Interpretation of and an introduction to Fort Lee, a critical adjacent historic resource
  • Increased access and visibility to the breadth of Salem’s history as represented by the breadth of the site’s history, including Salem Sound’s natural history, the original inhabitants, Fort Lee and the Revolutionary War, the Willows, Camp Naumkeag, and the Pioneer Village

The Pioneer Village/Camp Naumkeag Advisory Group:

  • Emerson Baker, Salem State University
  • Virginia Cherol, Salem 400 Coordinator
  • Jeff Cohen, Ward 5 Councilor
  • Ryan Conary, Essex National Heritage Commission
  • Stacia Cooper, Destination Salem
  • David Goss, Salem Museum
  • Tammy Harrington, Salem Trolley
  • Annie Harris, Essex National Heritage Commission
  • Kathryn Horrigan, Destination Salem
  • Patti Kelleher, City of Salem
  • Karen Kramer, Peabody Essex Museum
  • Peter LaChapelle, National Park Service (retired)
  • Dean Lahikainen, Peabody Essex Museum (retired)
  • Dan Marshall, Pioneer Village Tour Guide
  • Jim McCallister, Derby Square Tours
  • Bob McCarthy, Former Ward 1 Councilor
  • David Moffatt, Salem Historical Society
  • Emily Murphy, National Park Service
  • Tim Maguire, Salem Tour Association
  • Jen Ratliff, Local Historian
  • Kristina Stevick, History Alive
  • Elizabeth Solomon, Massachusett Tribal Council
  • Josh Turiel, Former Ward 5 Councilor
  • James Tegeder, Historic Salem Inc.
  • Caroline Watson-Felt, Ward 2 Councilor
  • Robin Woodman, Salem Historical Society

This website is provided as a resource for the community and includes a timeline for the project to date, a record of public presentations and other useful information.  Please provide feedback!