Join us for our first Zoom lecture, featuring Jeff Swartz

Even as the wharves were bustling with the global trade and the near dozen shipyards churned out hundreds of ships, only one vessel was ever constructed for the US Navy in Salem — The Frigate Essex. Paid for and built by Salem’s residents, the fundraising and construction period in 1798-99 was the first major trial she would need to clear.

Jeff will be sharing visuals and anecdotes which showcase not only the biggest ship ever built in Salem, but the tireless exertions of many Salemites towards completing this momentous project.