Friendship of Salem

The Friendship of Salem is a full-scale replica tall ship operated by the National Park Service at Salem Maritime National Historical Park. Built to commemorate Salem’s role as one of the nation’s leading ports in the years following the American Revolution, the ship represents the merchant vessels that helped make Salem a center of global trade in post-Colonial America.

Visitors can view the ship at Derby Wharf and learn about Salem’s maritime history through seasonal tours, ranger programs, and interpretive activities. While the Friendship is currently undergoing restoration work, the ship remains open to visitors Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Check the National Park Service website for current access updates, programming, and seasonal schedules.

Explore Salem Maritime National Historical Park

A visit to the Friendship of Salem is part of a larger experience at Salem Maritime National Historical Park, the first National Historic Site established in the United States. Located along Salem Harbor, the site offers a walk through Salem’s seafaring past and includes several historic buildings, exhibits, and scenic waterfront areas.

Visitors can explore Derby Wharf, a historic pier stretching into Salem Harbor, visit the Custom House featured in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter,  and historic structures such as the Derby House, Narbonne House, and the West India Goods Store. Seasonal ranger-led programs and self-guided opportunities make Salem Maritime a great stop for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Salem’s global trade history.