From Witch City

Salem Athenaeum

337 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

Non-Profit OrganizationLibraryHistoricLectures

Upcoming events

  • Tue, Oct 13, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Thu, Oct 15, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Thu, Oct 15, 6 PM Members Preview Sale

    Mark your calendars for the best book sale of the Fall! Members, plus one guest, have the opportunity to attend the Members Preview Book Sale on Thursday night, before it opens to the public on Friday morning. Tickets: Free to Members and one guest. Sign up Volunteer at the Book Sale here!

  • Fri, Oct 16, 9 AM Book Sale

    The best book sale of the year has moved to October! Friday–Saturday, October 16–17 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Support the Athenaeum! Please note: We are still accepting donations for the book sale. If you are dropping off less that 2 boxes of books, you may bring them anytime during open hours. If your donation is more than 2 boxes of books, an appointment is required (email: [email protected] or call 978-744-2540). Thank you! Sign up to volunteer at the Book Sale here!

  • Sat, Oct 17, 9 AM Book Sale

    The best book sale of the year has moved to October! Friday–Saturday, October 16–17 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Support the Athenaeum! Please note: We are still accepting donations for the book sale. If you are dropping off less that 2 boxes of books, you may bring them anytime during open hours. If your donation is more than 2 boxes of books, an appointment is required (email: [email protected] or call 978-744-2540). Thank you! Sign up to volunteer at the Book Sale here!

  • Sat, Oct 17, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Tue, Oct 20, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Tue, Oct 20, 7 PM Salem Writers Group

    All are welcome to bring work-in-progress to share with the group for feedback. The group is facilitated by J.D. Scrimgeour, Professor of English, Salem State University.

  • Thu, Oct 22, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Oct 24, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Tue, Oct 27, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Tue, Oct 27, 6 PM La Tertulia—In Person

    La Tertulia is a group of members interested in keeping their Spanish speaking skills in practice. Meets twice a month: 2nd Tuesdays are online via Zoom 4th Tuesdays are in person at the Salem Athenaeum Contact [email protected] for details.

  • Thu, Oct 29, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Tue, Nov 3, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Tue, Nov 3, 7 PM Salem Writers Group

    All are welcome to bring work-in-progress to share with the group for feedback. The group is facilitated by J.D. Scrimgeour, Professor of English, Salem State University.

  • Thu, Nov 5, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Nov 7, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Tue, Nov 10, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Thu, Nov 12, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Nov 14, 11 AM Book Group

    Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m. Sessions are hybrid. Register in advance if attending via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uZModOCvrj0v_MkPJIjN5jmwNm_XvSb0IA View this year’s reading list here.

  • Sat, Nov 14, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Nov 14, 1 PM Salem's Modern Philosophers

    Salem’s Modern Philosophers Meets the 2nd Saturday from 1:00—3:00 PM—in person This group of thinkers congregates to discuss relevant topics framed by texts, media, and experiences we agree on as a group. The first hour is dedicated to and framed by the media of our choosing while the second hour is reserved for open dialogues. We hope to see you there. Please email queries to: [email protected] See the current reading list on the Groups page.

  • Tue, Nov 17, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Tue, Nov 17, 7 PM Salem Writers Group

    All are welcome to bring work-in-progress to share with the group for feedback. The group is facilitated by J.D. Scrimgeour, Professor of English, Salem State University.

  • Wed, Nov 18, 7 PM Reappraisal Reading Circle

    Open meeting to discuss a prolific, popular author of the past whose works are held in quantity by the Athenaeum. Meetings are bi-monthly on Third Wednesdays—hybrid sessions. Sign up here for Zoom link 2026–27 Discussions: Sept 16, 2026 Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) American writer and humanitarian. Nobel prize winner for literature. Also an advocate for women’s rights and racial equality. Nov 18 J. B. Priestly (1894-1984) English novelist, dramatist, literary critic, and essayist. Jan 20, 2027 Bruce Lancaster (1896-1963) Massachusetts author (Worcester and Beverly) who left the foreign service to write historical novels and nonfiction. Mar 17 Paul Gallico (1897-1976) American who wrote mostly short stories and novels, many of which inspired films. May 19 Nevil Shute (1899-1960) English Aeronautical engineer, war correspondent, and novelist.

  • Thu, Nov 19, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Nov 21, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Tue, Nov 24, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Tue, Nov 24, 6 PM La Tertulia—In Person

    La Tertulia is a group of members interested in keeping their Spanish speaking skills in practice. Meets twice a month: 2nd Tuesdays are online via Zoom 4th Tuesdays are in person at the Salem Athenaeum Contact [email protected] for details.

  • Thu, Nov 26, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Nov 28, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Tue, Dec 1, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Tue, Dec 1, 7 PM Salem Writers Group

    All are welcome to bring work-in-progress to share with the group for feedback. The group is facilitated by J.D. Scrimgeour, Professor of English, Salem State University.

  • Thu, Dec 3, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Thu, Dec 3, 7 PM These Truths Discussion Series: Part 4— "The Machine"

    Commemorate our 250th anniversary by exploring the founding principles of the United States…and how we live up to them This four-part discussion series will revolve around the book These Truths: A History of the U.S. Constitution by Jill Lepore. Each session will be on a different theme (The Idea, The People, The State, The Machine) linked to readings from sections of the book. Sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Andrew Darien, Associate Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences at Salem State University. The Athenaeum also has compiled a list of additional recommended readings on American history and ideals to supplement the discussion. These books are tagged in the Athenaeum’s Library Thing catalog under the heading “Citizen Bookshelf,” which can be accessed here. Some of these are displayed in the reading room in the area marked with a Citizen Bookshelf sign. Send us your suggestions for the list. Has America lived up to its founding “truths”? Let’s read and find out together! Part 4 — The Machine (1946–2016) December 3 at 7:00 p.m. Chapters 13–16: 13. A World of Knowledge (pp. 521–588) 14. Rights and Wrongs pp. 589–645) 15. Battle Lines (pp. 646–718) 16. America, Disrupted (pp. 719–784) This section connects postwar politics, civil rights, media, and technology. It shows how television, polling, and later digital media transformed public discourse and civic engagement, helping readers understand how information environments shape democratic participation and public trust. ________ Epilogue: The Question Addressed (pp. 785–790) Lepore returns to the book’s central question: Has America lived up to its founding “truths”? By revisiting how ideas, people, and institutions have struggled with that promise, the epilogue gives readers a framework for thinking about their own roles as citizens. Download These Truths_Reading List Andrew Darien is Associate Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences at Salem State University, where he has taught as a history professor since 2004. He specializes in modern United States history and oral history. He is the author of Becoming New York’s Finest: Race, Gender and the Integration of the NYPD, 1935-1980, and Building the Sacred and the Progressive: A History of Temple Sinai in Brookline. He has been the project director for Student, Citizen, and Soldier, which has recorded and shared dozens of interviews with college veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He most recently completed an oral history project to document the queer history of Lynn through a series of gay and lesbian bars going back to the early 20th century. The American Association of State and Local History awarded Darien and United Lynn Pride the Corey Award for the best grassroots public history project in 2025. Free to all. Registration recommended. Sign up Ticket Policies Tickets are refundable if canceled up to 24 hours before the event. By attending an event at the Salem Athenaeum, you may be photographed or recorded. Your presence indicates consent to the use of your image, voice, and name in any media related to the Salem Athenaeum’s work, including on websites, social media, news, and promotional materials. If you have questions regarding accessibility, please email [email protected]

  • Sat, Dec 5, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Tue, Dec 8, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Thu, Dec 10, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Dec 12, 11 AM Book Group

    Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m. Sessions are hybrid. Register in advance if attending via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uZModOCvrj0v_MkPJIjN5jmwNm_XvSb0IA View this year’s reading list here.

  • Sat, Dec 12, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Dec 12, 1 PM Salem's Modern Philosophers

    Salem’s Modern Philosophers Meets the 2nd Saturday from 1:00—3:00 PM—in person This group of thinkers congregates to discuss relevant topics framed by texts, media, and experiences we agree on as a group. The first hour is dedicated to and framed by the media of our choosing while the second hour is reserved for open dialogues. We hope to see you there. Please email queries to: [email protected] See the current reading list on the Groups page.

  • Tue, Dec 15, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

  • Tue, Dec 15, 7 PM Salem Writers Group

    All are welcome to bring work-in-progress to share with the group for feedback. The group is facilitated by J.D. Scrimgeour, Professor of English, Salem State University.

  • Thu, Dec 17, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Sat, Dec 19, 1 PM Convivial Craft

    Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00-3:00 p.m. Use this time to move a creative project forward (knit, scrapbook, sketch, journal, write) or complete a task (write those thank you notes, sign the kids up for camp, organize your photos) in community.

  • Tue, Dec 22, 9 AM Writers' Open Studio

    Weekly Writing Studios at the Salem Athenaeum. The building will be open from 9:00-11:00 today especially for quiet work. Feel free to come by and write in a peaceful setting.

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Phone (978) 744-2540

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