Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Celebration plans are in the works for the 400th anniversary of Salem, Mass.
Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said it is an honor to serve as the city’s mayor when it turns 400 years old in 2026. Each year since 2017, they have set aside some money to make sure to celebrate the quadricentennial properly.
“They say you only 400 once, so really make the most of it and we’re planning to do that,” said Pangallo.
The city has created a website for residents to learn more about the history of Salem and get updates on volunteer opportunities and events, like the Heritage Day Parade and Salem Park Days. When the celebration begins in January, the city will kick off a “volunteer marketplace” to connect people with organizations to support.
Pangallo said they will also be hosting free programming at Old Town Hall, which is in the midst of major renovations. He believes Salem’s first residents would be proud of what the city is today.
“I think they would be pretty impressed with how far we’ve come. We’ve maintained a strong commitment to values that are around being a city that’s welcoming and striving to work for everybody. It’s a place that’s directly informed by our own unique history for sure, and I think that’s something we’re continuing to build on the foundation of into the future,” said Pangallo.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.