Mar 202018
 

The whole world is watching what we do in Salem this month!  Entering its 11th year, we are home to the Salem Film Fest (March 22-29), one of New England’s largest documentary film festivals, which presents a rich and diverse collection of the year’s best work from all over the world.

Just look at the offerings this year.

  • Between Land & Sea: Ireland’s stunning west coast is the setting for this intimate yet epic look at a Big Wave surf community. This is an engaging look at life at land’s end, placing viewers inside colossal waves while emotionally connecting them with the athletes who ride them and the bucolic Irish town whose fortunes are at the mercy of the mighty Atlantic.
  • Becoming Who I Was: In India’s mountainous Ladakh region, a young boy considered the reincarnation of a Tibetan monk and his elderly godfather embark on a grueling trek to return the monk-to-be to his rightful monastery in Tibet. With powerful imagery capturing the natural landscape, this is a stirring exploration of dedication, culture, tradition and identity that conveys the universal truths of unconditional love, family bonds and sacrifice. (photo from Salem Film Fest website)
  • Skid Row Marathon: Craig Mitchell, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge makes difficult decisions on a daily basis within the criminal justice system. He feels compelled to help change the lives of recovering addicts and convicts he has encountered in his courtroom. Through the long-distance runner’s club of the Midnight Mission on Skid Row, Judge Mitchell befriends and inspires, restoring self-worth and dignity as club members train to compete in international marathons.

When we first started blogging about “a” local city-wide film fest back in 2007, frankly it was an easy write. Some films. Some events. Now it is the world-renowned Salem Film Fest. A lot of films. Diverse. From all over the world. Expressing opinions you may agree with. Or you may not. And a lot of events. So many activities that it is easier to give the you the link to their multi-page website. Just spending time there, you can catch the breadth of this project that began as an idea to do something to highlight the Salem cultural scene.

Dinah Cardin wrote a very informative behind the scenes look at the Salem Film Fest for Northshore magazine last year, explaining that award-winning filmmaker and Salem native Joe Cultrera had just moved back from New York. He was approached with the idea of doing a film festival. In short time, along with CinemaSalem owner Paul Van Ness and Rinus Oosthoek, executive director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce., the beginning of the Salem Film Fest originated.

Cardin wrote that Cultrera crafted a philosophy that centered on creative and unique storytelling without compromise. “The first couple years it felt like we were teaching the local community about how vast, varied, entertaining, and provoking documentaries could be—how they didn’t have to be the boring and preachy stuff you might think they were,” says Cultrera. “I built the programming aesthetic with that in mind—looking for great stories, interesting characters, and strong filmmaking technique.”

Cultrera also devised a model that pays filmmakers to participate and motivates local businesses to become involved as sponsors, underwriting the film of their choice. You can read the article here to see how and why the “process works” to make the Salem Film Fest a success for the filmmakers, the business community and the film attendees.

Events in Addition to Films

The highlight “event” for many attendees is the opportunity to meet visiting filmmakers in intimate settings. Other events include discussions, parties, galas, meet-and-greets, family-friendly screenings, high school and college student film showcases. Although many of these may be free of charge, space may well be limited, so word to the wise— arrive early!

Actually, that is good advice for any of the showings or events. Individual admission tickets for all Salem Film Fest film presentations are priced at $13 for adults, and then $11 for seniors, students, active military and veterans. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Salem Film Fest box office, located adjacent to CinemaSalem in the Museum Place Mall hallway. For more info on individual tickets or Salem Film Fest VIP All Access Film Pass, please go to the Salem Film Fest website.

Come to Salem, see the world — as you may never have seen it before.

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Feb 182018
 

While there are a lot of Do-It-Yourself books, videos and TV shows today to help you build your house, back in 1668 when sea captain John Turner was having the Turner Mansion constructed in Salem Ma, there was a lot of trial and error. With limited material resources at hand and no power tools, building a house in Colonial Massachusetts required skill, ingenuity and a lot more. Luckily, Turner’s team would even make the hosts of PBS’ “This Old House” happy, as the structure still stands. Today it is known as The House of Seven Gables. And you are invited to tour it during February School Vacation Week, Feb. 17-25.

Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, The House of the Seven Gables is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel.

But, before that, it was to be a home and the question is what tools and designs worked best in 1668?  What failed? How did they learn from their mistakes?

Children and their families will find out. Tools, as you can well imagine, are part of the intrigue — some will look familiar 350 years later. Some won’t. Those attending will learn about the tools of the trade and which materials were used most often in Colonial Salem.

It gets even better. This is an interactive event. All in attendance will also get the chance to experiment with different construction techniques at each of The Gables’ workshop stations.

Plus, as an extra special treat for the kids (and perhaps adults) you’ll be able to fold and decorate your own paper house to take home!

Special interactive presentations— Why Do We Have Gables? — are scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. when Museum staff explore the construction of historic buildings and which parts of these structures are strongest.

School vacation programming is included with admission from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Check 7gables.org for hours, and rates. The program is free for Salem residents with valid identification and Museum members.

The House of Seven Gables is located at 115 Derby St., Salem. For more information, call 978-744-0991 or check out the Museum website.

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Dec 302017
 

The family-friendly count down to the New Year, known as LAUNCH! is gearing up for a great party in Salem, this Sunday, Dec. 31 from 4 pm to 6 pm at Old Town Hall on Derby Square.

Programming will include hat making, face painting, a photo booth, and more!  There will be an early countdown just before 6 pm. Ring in the New Year with family members that can’t or don’t want to stay up ‘til midnight

“When we organized LAUNCH! for the first time a few years ago, it was immediately clear that there was a strong community desire to come together on New Year’s Eve,” states Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets’ Executive Director. “Plus, there’s still plenty of time after our early countdown to get to your own party, or catch one of the many other great events happening all over town on New Year’s Eve!”

New Year’s Eve Stats

History.com and Column Five put together a very interesting “New Year’s by the numbers” Infographic from which we pulled these figures.

  • Each New Year’s Eve, one million people gather in NYC Times Square to watch the famous ball drop.
  • Closed to one billion people around the word watch the festivities on TV.
  • And 22% of adults admit they fall asleep before midnight!

No falling asleep at our New Year’s alternative event, which is in its 5th year and produced again by Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem.

This event is free to all and family-friendly, with a $5 suggested donation to help support Salem Main Streets’ “Holiday Happenings” initiatives, including Santa’s Arrival at the Hawthorne, the Tree Lighting, and the wreaths and ribbons around the downtown district. LAUNCH! is also made possible thanks to our Salem Main Streets volunteers and the continued involvement of our partners at Creative Salem and the Phoenix School.

So, bring friends, co-workers and bring the kids to say goodbye to 2017 and hello 2018, this Sunday at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Sq. in Salem.

 

 

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Nov 262017
 

Everybody has an opinion although sometimes people don’t want to hear yours. But we do when it comes to reactions, comments, criticism, and suggestions about Haunted Happenings in Salem Ma.

Gone but not forgotten, our month-long celebration of Halloween (and all things spooky) doesn’t just happen by itself. It takes a lot of planning by a lot of people, groups, merchants and attractions.

To that end, the city of Salem has scheduled an “after action” review of Halloween 2017 for this Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5-6pm at the Salem Five Community Room, 210 Essex Street.

Everyone is welcome: tourists, business owners and most especially residents! We want you to share feedback with Mayor Kim Driscoll, and city officials in the public safety, traffic & parking, and public works departments.

What did you like, what worked well, and what did not work well for you this past October? Parking? Traffic patterns? Noise?

If you are unable to attend, the Mayor’s team still wants to hear from you. Submit feedback to mayor@salem.com or write to Office of Mayor Kimberly Driscoll, Salem City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem Ma 01970.

Thousands of people flood our community every weekend during October. They generate a significant amount of revenue for merchants and attractions. But unintentionally visitors also impact the lives of residents. This is your chance to help Haunted Happenings continue to be an event that serves the needs of all of Salem.

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Oct 052017
 

Trick or treating is a time-honored event in every community in America. But in Salem Ma, home of the month-long Halloween celebration known as Haunted Happenings, we give it a twist: trick or treating with the Mayor!

That’s correct. Kids get to visit local businesses with Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Friday, Oct. 6th.

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. participating museums and attractions will also be open free of charge to Salem residents. Residents must provide a photo identification showing proof of Salem residency to gain free admission. Students may use a school identification card, bus pass, or a Salem Public Library card.

Mayor’s Night Out Trick or Treat is always great fun for Salem kids and participating merchants look forward to welcoming costumed trick or treaters on Friday evening. Trick-or-treating will begin at the big fountain by the Museum Place Mall at 5:30 p.m. and continue down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and around the shops in the Museum Place Mall.

Then families venture on their own to visit other participating businesses across the downtown district. This year several businesses are also joining in on the fun on Derby Street and at Pickering Wharf. Check www.salem.com for the complete listing of participating businesses. Costumes are encouraged! Trick or Treat bags will be provided by MAGIC 106.7. Once again, the Salem law firm of Mazow | McCullough, PC will be distributing safety flasher lights to help keep little trick or treaters safe and seen, especially during neighborhood trick or treating on October 31st.

Mayor’s Night Out and Trick or Treating has become a great tradition for Salem residents,” said Mayor Driscoll. “October is a busy time for our businesses and this is their way to say thank you to our residents, offering a day that lets our locals enjoy this festive season in their own community. Salem’s many small businesses have really embraced this program and are offering several new specials and events this Friday. I hope everyone will come downtown on Friday and take part!”

New this year, Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours is offering a free tour to residents at 7:30 p.m on Friday. The tour will be approximately one hour and will touch upon seaport, Revolutionary, and witch trials history, with a ghost story thrown in as well. Call 978-745-0666 or email thesalemhistoricaltours@gmail.com to reserve in advance. Open to the first 50 Salem residents (proof of residency required).

Other merchant specials include: Victoria Station/Vic’s Boat House at Pickering Wharf is offering a free chocolate mousse desert with your meal if you mention ‘Mayor’s Night Out’; The Jolie Tea Company at 105 Essex St. will hold a tea tasting from 2:00pm-5:00pm, serving tea and sweets for free; Notch Brewery on Derby St. is offering free skeeball game for kids, with the purchase of an adult beverage from 3pm to 7:30pm and the Salem Arts Association is hosting a free exhibit “Cheers to our Volunteers” and “Faint of Art” at 211 Bridge St. They will be serving refreshments and a buffet of snacks from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Participating  Museums and Attractions

House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St.
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 7pm
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New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Peabody Essex Museum
East India Square
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 5pm
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NEW THIS YEAR!!!
Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost
8 Central St.
7:30 PM – Free Tour for Salem Residents
The tour will be approximately one hour and will touch upon seaport, revolutionary & witchcraft history with a ghost story thrown in also. Pre-Registration required. Call 978.745.0666 or email thesalemhistoricaltours@gmail.com to reserve in advance. Open to the first 50 Salem residents (proof of residency required).
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The Salem Museum
Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 5:30pm
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Salem Wax Museum
Frankenstein’s Laboratory
288 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-8pm
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Salem Witch Museum
19 ½ Washington Sq. North
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 10pm
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Witch Dungeon Museum
16 Lynde Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Witch History Museum
197 Essex Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Witch House
310 Essex Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm

Participating Trick or Treat Businesses (at posting time)

• A Sacred Place Wellness Center
• Angelicas Angels Landing
• Army Barracks
• Aurora Restaurant Bar & Lounge
• Beverly Bank
• Captain Dusty’s
• Coven Cottage
• Coon’s Card & Gift Shop
• Eastern Bank
• Emporium 32
• Essex New York Pizza & Deli
• For Kids Only Afterschool
• Freaky Elegant
• Gallows Hill Theatre (with special guest: The Grinch!)
• Gulu Gulu Café
• Haunted Happenings Magazine
• Ledger
• Longboards Restaurant & Bar
• Lotus Gifts
• Mack Park Neighborhood Association
• Mazow ∣ McCullough Attorneys At Law
• Maria’s Sweet Somethings
• New England Dog Biscuit Company
• Pamplemousse
• Peabody Essex Museum
• Popped Gourmet Popcorn
• RJ Coins & Jewelry
• Salem Beer Works
• Salem Flatbread
• Salem Common Neighborhood Association
• Salem Moose Lodge
• Salem Witch Museum
• Sea Level
• Thai Place
• Trolley Depot
• Turtle Alley Chocolates
• Witch Pix at Salem’s Vintage Photography
• Witch Tee’s

As part of Mayor’s Night Out the Museum Place Mall Garage and the South Harbor Garage will offer free parking to Salem residents after 4:00 p.m. (proof of residency will be required when you exit the garages).

Please check www.salem.com under City News for an updated list of participants.

 

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