About Salem Pioneer Village

Recreated Puritan VillageBuilt in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts, Pioneer Village is America's first living history museum. The village sits on three acres of land and contains various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor's Faire House. Culinary and medicinal gardens and a blacksmith shop further interpret early 17th-century colonial life.

Pioneer Village is nestled between the woods and the ocean, a ten minute drive from downtown, in Salem's Forest River Park.

The museum underwent a renovation under the supervision of Salem Preservation, Inc. from 2003 until Spring 2008 when Gordon College (Massachusetts) took over its management along with Old Town Hall. Their theater group History Alive! stages performances there now as well as manage the museum's use as a set for hire.

*If you are interested in renting Pioneer Village, please click here for contract information. Also, if you would like to use Pioneer Village for a period event or re-enactment during the summer, please contact us for more information regarding "17th Century Saturdays".

 
Directions
Directions from Old Town Hall
 
From downtown Salem, follow Route 1A/114/Lafayette Street toward Marblehead. Take a left onto West Avenue and follow the road straight into Forest River Park. Pioneer Village is on the left-hand side as you are facing the ocean. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Salem.
 
For GPS and online directions, use Forest River Park.
 
Public Transportation:
 
MBTA access -- bus routes 455 and 459 from Salem Depot (downtown Salem) to Clifton Ave (see MBTA map). Cross  Lafayette St, then follow Clifton Ave towards Forest River Park. Pioneer Village is on the left-hand side as you are facing the ocean.
 
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