The Salem Athenæum, a preeminent cultural institution, marks its 200th year in 2010. With its collection of historic and contemporary books and quality programming comprised of lectures, courses, and concerts, the Athenæum will celebrate its members and collections and their influence on Salem and the world.

The celebration will continue yearlong with programs featuring contemporary historians, writers, musicians, poets, theatrical presentations, and critics. For those wishing to delve more deeply into the 19th century, the Athenæum will offer one multi-week course: William Bentley’s Salem (April 12 to May 10), featuring the historic writings and wisdom of Salem’s own Reverend Bentley.

On March 6, 2010, (exactly 200 years from the date of its incorporation) the Athenæum celebrates its anniversary in style with a Federalist period “assembly” (the name given at that time to a splendid social event featuring music, dance, food and drink). This event, The Salem Athenaeum Bicentennial Assembly: Celebrating 1810, will be held at Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut Street, Salem from 7 to 11 p.m. More events will take place throughout the year and PM will keep you updated. For more information visit SalemAthenaeum.net.

FREE event:  Barns are a treasured part of the rural Massachusetts landscape but are too quickly becoming an endangered species. Hear about the styles of barns in Southeastern Massachusetts, tips on stabilizing barns until full preservation can begin, and how the Community Preservation Act supports historic preservation in other Massachusetts towns. Speakers include master timberframer Ian Ellison and other Massachusetts historic preservation specialists. Submit pictures of local barns with specific questions to Kelley Whitmore, kwhitmore@ttor.org. Please know we may not be able to cover all submissions. Pre-registration via email to Kelley is requested by not required.

To RSVP, go to our Facebook event page!