Pioneer Village
Where is the Pioneer Village?
Pioneer Village is located at 310 West Avenue in Salem Massachusetts. The village takes up 3 acres of land in Forest River Park, and is open to Visitors from April to September on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Origins of the Pioneer Village? The Pioneer Village was established by the city of Salem in 1930, in honor of the tercentennial of Massachusetts. The construction of the village was lead by George Francis Dow, whose goal was to use authentic 17th century building techniques to recreate the structures. According to the official website of Salem, Massachusetts; "Pioneer Village remained a popular tourist destination well into the 1950's... Then, for a variety of reasons, the site gradually deteriorated over the next few decades" (McAllister 1). It was not until 1985 that a vote would take place to restore the village. However, it was not until 1986 that the restorations began. Overseeing the restorations of the village were two associates from the House of Seven Gables and Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The two men, David Goss and Peter LaChapelle, worked with multiple volunteers to bring the village back to life. Pioneer Village was reopened to the public in 1988. This time, the site also included live animals that were representative of the animals common in 1630. The village remained popular to the public until 2003 when Salem Preservation Inc. began renovations. This lasted for 5 years, until Gordon College took over the construction and management. Pioneer Village is currently managed by Gordon College and Old town hall, who use their theatre groups to keep the 1630 Salem alive. |
What is the Pioneer Village?
Salem's Pioneer Village is a living representation of Salem in 1630. The village is meant to show people the different structures that were used in 17th century Salem, along with the culture of the Puritans during that time period. When visiting the Pioneer Village, you will be transported back in time. Tour guides dress in traditional 17th century clothing and bring the village back to life. What can be seen at the Pioneer Village? When you visit the Pioneer Village you are able to see and explore the development of different architecture from the 17th century, including; wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and dugouts. You are also able to see the development of Puritan culture through architecture, such as; a working blacksmiths shop, a sawmill and the Governors house. There are also other culturally significant items being displayed throughout the village, such as; stocks, common greenery and traditional gardens. |
McAllister, Jim. "Salem Tales." Salem Massachusetts. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015.
"Pioneer Village: America's First Living-history Museum." Salem Massachusetts. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015.
"About Salem Pioneer Village." About Salem Pioneer Village. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015.
"The Comprehensive Salem Guide." Salem Massachusetts -. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015.
"Pioneer Village: America's First Living-history Museum." Salem Massachusetts. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015.
"About Salem Pioneer Village." About Salem Pioneer Village. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015.
"The Comprehensive Salem Guide." Salem Massachusetts -. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015.
As an education major, I knew that Salem State would present me with the opportunities that I would need to accomplish my goal of becoming a teacher.
Now that I have almost completed my first semester of classes, I know that I made the right decision.
I have had nothing but amazing and memorable experiences here at Salem State, and I am excited to spend the next four years here.
Now that I have almost completed my first semester of classes, I know that I made the right decision.
I have had nothing but amazing and memorable experiences here at Salem State, and I am excited to spend the next four years here.
The most memorable experience that I have had so far at Salem State occurred during my second week of classes.
My day had started out like any other; waiting for the shuttle to take me to my 8 am class. When the shuttle finally arrived at the bus station, I got on the bus and sat down in the same seat as usual. As the shuttle arrived on campus, the passengers all began to stand up and exit the bus; however, to everyone's surprise, the doors of the shuttle would not open. We all sat back down and watched as the driver tried everything he could to let us off.
After the "emergency open" switch failed, the driver told us that the only other way out was through the window. Everyone on the shuttle looked at each other for a minute, then looked out the window at the 5 1/2 foot drop to the ground. The window was not everyone's first exit choice, but we knew that there was no other option. We began to line up to exit the bus when people around campus began to realize what was happening. Multiple students gathered around the outside of the window to help the passengers exit safely. Coincidentally the two other passengers on the shuttle were afraid of heights and I had to be the first to go. I remember sitting on the edge of the window with some hesitation, when a boy grabbed my hand to help me down. After making it safely out of the window I thanked everyone who had helped me and then I made my way to my class. When I reached my 8 am, the first thing I had to do was share my story with my classmates and have a good laugh.
Months later, I still find myself laughing about the events that took place that day.
I would encourage everyone to go and explore the different things that Salem State has to offer.
Something as simple as riding a shuttle bus might have a big impact on your college experience.
Personally, I know that I will always look back at this experience with a smile on my face.
Not many people can say that they had to jump out of the shuttle’s window their freshman year of college.
My day had started out like any other; waiting for the shuttle to take me to my 8 am class. When the shuttle finally arrived at the bus station, I got on the bus and sat down in the same seat as usual. As the shuttle arrived on campus, the passengers all began to stand up and exit the bus; however, to everyone's surprise, the doors of the shuttle would not open. We all sat back down and watched as the driver tried everything he could to let us off.
After the "emergency open" switch failed, the driver told us that the only other way out was through the window. Everyone on the shuttle looked at each other for a minute, then looked out the window at the 5 1/2 foot drop to the ground. The window was not everyone's first exit choice, but we knew that there was no other option. We began to line up to exit the bus when people around campus began to realize what was happening. Multiple students gathered around the outside of the window to help the passengers exit safely. Coincidentally the two other passengers on the shuttle were afraid of heights and I had to be the first to go. I remember sitting on the edge of the window with some hesitation, when a boy grabbed my hand to help me down. After making it safely out of the window I thanked everyone who had helped me and then I made my way to my class. When I reached my 8 am, the first thing I had to do was share my story with my classmates and have a good laugh.
Months later, I still find myself laughing about the events that took place that day.
I would encourage everyone to go and explore the different things that Salem State has to offer.
Something as simple as riding a shuttle bus might have a big impact on your college experience.
Personally, I know that I will always look back at this experience with a smile on my face.
Not many people can say that they had to jump out of the shuttle’s window their freshman year of college.
Salem in OctoberGrowing up in Gloucester, I have been to Salem
many times. However, until recently, I have not had the opportunity to explore all of the sites that the town has to offer. |
When I was walking around Salem,
the thing that I enjoyed the most about
the shops was that they were all small and
locally owned businesses.
All of the owners were very welcoming and
made a point to talk to everyone who came into
their stores.
Something that I found very interesting was the
history that some of the shops had. Many of
the owners and employees that I spoke with
have, been in the same location for decades and
had a lot of stories to tell.
Personally, I learned
a lot about the town just by conversations that
I had with the business owners.
the thing that I enjoyed the most about
the shops was that they were all small and
locally owned businesses.
All of the owners were very welcoming and
made a point to talk to everyone who came into
their stores.
Something that I found very interesting was the
history that some of the shops had. Many of
the owners and employees that I spoke with
have, been in the same location for decades and
had a lot of stories to tell.
Personally, I learned
a lot about the town just by conversations that
I had with the business owners.
Some of local businesses that you will find in Salem are not like anything you would find in other town. For me, the most interesting shops that I visited were the various “witch shops.”
These shops were filled with different objects that were available to buy, relating to the Wiccan religion. The shops were fascinating, and I enjoyed having the opportunity to learn first hand about the Wiccan religion by being able to ask questions. |
There are so many interesting things that you are able to do in Salem.
However, my absolute favorite thing about my experience of Salem in October, was the atmosphere of the town. Everywhere I went I would meet new people who traveled to Salem just to have a good time. Walking through town, I saw families smiling and laughing around every corner. It was a good feeling to walk around and see people dressed up in costumes and enjoying their day with their loved ones. Seeing all the families laughing and having a good time reminded me of Halloween as a child. The whole experience was a lot of fun and I would definitely recommend visiting Salem in October. The town offers so many activities to take part in and it is overall a great experience. |