Seeing Birds Through Artists' Eyes

Join Jennifer S. Tafe, Director of Mass Audubon’s Museum of American Bird Art (MABA) for an evening of art, birds, conservation and legacy. Mass Audubon has been inextricably linked with art since its founding in 1896, commissioning the best wildlife artists of the day to create works of art meant to educate and inspire. Tafe will share some of the incredible art from MABA’s collection, highlighting the important role art plays in inspiring people to connect and advocate for nature, and preview designs for an exciting new museum building planned for Mass Audubon’s Brewster’s Woods wildlife sanctuary. This event also offers a rare opportunity to view several select works from MABA’s collection of more than 3,000 artworks. A temporary installation of these works will be on view outside Morse Auditorium from 7-7:30 pm and following the presentation.

Peabody Essex Museum 161 Essex St Salem, MA 01970, 161 Essex St

The Crucible

Join us for a film screening of a classic work inspired by Salem’s history. In this 1996 blockbuster starring Winona Ryder and Daniel Day-Lewis and set in 1692, a Salem resident attempts to frame her ex-lover's wife as a witch during the Salem Witch Trials. The movie is adapted from Arthur Miller’s play by the same name. This film is rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for children.

Peabody Essex Museum

Creative Foundations: Edmonia Lewis: Handbuilding with Clay

Celebrate Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone with an introduction to handbuilding with natural, air-dry clay! First, take a guided tour with Jeffrey Richmond-Moll, PEM’s George Putnam Curator of American Art, who will offer an exclusive look at the iconic clay and marble sculptures and other works in the exhibition. Afterward, engage in a creative workshop led by artist Gustavo Tavares Barceloni. Reflect on Edmonia Lewis’ works and learn how to make clay sculptures of your choice. Tavares Barceloni will share his own background, inspirations and approach to art, identity and social change. Then, bring your idea to life by using your hands and sculpting tools to shape your work using various hand-building techniques such as coils, pinch pots, molds and templates. This workshop will also provide resources, ideas and methods to further explore in ceramics or air-dry clay. This class is perfect for beginners with no experience working with clay, or those returning to art after a break. All supplies are provided, and participants will take home essential materials so they can continue practicing at home. Recommended for ages 18+ This program includes touching of cool, damp, resistant materials (clay). All are welcome. No previous sculpting or clay experience is necessary. All supplies are provided, and participants will take home essential materials so they can continue the creative practice at home. There will be a break from noon–1 pm to purchase lunch at the Atrium Café or nearby in Salem. Happens on the following Dates: Mar 14, 2026, Apr 18, 2026

Salem Film Fest

Since 2007, Salem Film Fest (SFF) has brought the world's best independent documentaries and their makers to the North Shore. Going into its 19th year, this celebration of documentary filmmaking presents a diverse collection of the year’s best work from all over the world. The Fest will take place March 26–29 at three local venues: Cinema Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum and the National Park Service Visitor Center. Enjoy three days of in-person screenings at PEM, plus filmmaker Q&amp;As, parties and other special events around town. The official film lineup and schedule will be shared soon on the Salem Film Fest website. Check out PEM’s exhibition Beyond the Broom: Salem Short Films, featuring documentaries from past years of the Fest, opening March 28. This festival is made possible by volunteers from the Salem Community Arts Center, Inc. PEM is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Salem Film Fest 2026.

Salem as Muse: Collecting the Globe with George Schwartz

In 2026, as part of the Salem 400+ initiative, PEM will present "Salem as Muse," a series of talks that highlight works represented in PEM’s collection. These programs will explore a diverse range of subjects that connect to the unique history and character of Salem, Massachusetts. Join us for the launch of "Salem as Muse” with George Schwartz, Curator-at-Large, who will discuss his book Collecting the Globe. As the oldest continually operating and collecting museum in the country, PEM has seen more than two centuries of evolution and innovation since its founding in 1799. Collecting the Globe offers a window into the early days of the museum: “To escape the ‘prosaic streets’ of Salem, Massachusetts, in the first half of the 19th century, local residents and travelers from across the United States and the globe came to the East India Marine Society Museum (1799–1876). Located on the town’s main thoroughfare, Essex Street, the museum transported individuals to another world...” “It is unheard of to still have the original archival material, and the collection, and the permanent home for an early American institution,” says Schwartz. “You have to use the term ‘unique,’ because we are the only one.” A comprehensive history offering fresh perspectives on museums and how they helped shape our national identity, Collecting the Globe explores collecting, exhibiting and interpreting a diversity of international objects and art in early America. Schwartz, co-curator of the new installation in the East India Marine Society's first permanent home, East India Marine Hall, aims to capture the dynamic history of one of the most important American museums during a pivotal time when Salem was a leading port and launching point for global trade. Explore the hundreds of fascinating objects on view in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/east-india-marine-hall">East India Marine Hall</a>&nbsp;before or after the talk.

Film Screening: Last Stand at Dodge

Last Stand at Dodge follows jazz/funk band Fats Hammond, which has played at the same Salem club every Tuesday night for 13 years. But when the band suddenly loses its residency, how can the musicians and their loved ones move on? This documentary is a loving portrait of four musicians and their community. Producer/Director/Writer/Editor: Beth Cloutier Co-Producer: Claudia Ghetu Camera: Jessica Egmont, Mark Killian, Daniel Villaneuva Music: Ken Clark, Marty Rowan, Scott Kesner Starring: Ken Clark, Hammond B3 organ Martin Anthony Rowen, Hammond B3 organ Mike Mele, guitar Benny Benson, drums

Creative Kids: Knowing Nature

Creative Kids: Knowing Nature will engage students ages 11–13 with PEM’s current exhibition Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest and the interactive Art &amp; Nature Center. Students will spend the week exploring themes of the natural world, trekking through the gardens and green spaces on PEM’s campus and making art, writing and creating multimedia works in response to their experiences. PEM teaching artists, staff and visiting artists will also engage students in the creation of an original group multimedia artwork titled Field Studies: Regeneration. The week culminates with a family showcase and reception on April 24. Why Join Creative Kids? Immerse yourself in art, nature and creativity Hands-on projects in visual arts, writing and multimedia Explore PEM’s exhibitions, collections and campus Collaborate with teaching artists and peers Celebrate your creations at the Friday family showcase Creative Kids is made possible by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation. Additional support is provided by Jeffrey P. Beale and Gevelyn R. McCaskill. Drop-off begins at 8:30 am at PEM’s Main Entrance, with pick-up at 4 pm and late pick-up by 5 pm for an additional fee. After purchase, a registration form will be sent to your email address. This form needs to be completed by April 19, 2026. Not completing this form will result in your child not being enrolled in the program, without a refund. We recommend comfortable clothing suitable for movement and art making. $550 for the week. Enrollment is limited to 16 students. Happens on the following Dates: Apr 20, 2026, 9:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada) Apr 21, 2026, 9:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada) Apr 22, 2026, 9:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada) Apr 23, 2026, 9:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada) Apr 24, 2026, 9:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US &amp; Canada)

Sons of Town Hall

Join us for a rollicking adventure at sea with the Sons of Town Hall, the transatlantic folk duo of songwriters David Berkeley and Ben Parker. Performing as their 19th-century alter egos Josiah Chester Jones and George Ulysses Brown, these two multitalented musicians conjure a captivating world of song and theater. Their album Of Ghosts and Gods debuts on March 6. PEM Presents is made possible by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation and the Lowell Institute.

I Puritani

Pre-opera talk with Andrew Shryock, 12 PM Libretto by Carlo Pepoli For gorgeous melody, spellbinding coloratura, and virtuoso vocal fireworks, I Puritani has few equals. This is the first new Met production of Bellini’s final masterpiece in nearly 50 years—a striking staging by Charles Edwards, who makes his company directorial debut after many successes as a set designer. The Met has assembled a world-beating quartet of stars, conducted by Marco Armiliato, for the demanding principal roles. Soprano Lisette Oropesa and tenor Lawrence Brownlee are Elvira and Arturo, brought together by love and torn apart by the political rifts of the English Civil War, with baritone Artur Ruciński as Riccardo, betrothed to Elvira against her will, and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as Elvira’s sympathetic uncle, Giorgio. Runtime: 3:45 New Production Conductor: Marco Armiliato Elvira Walton: Lisette Oropesa | Lord Arturo Talbot: Lawrence Brownlee | Riccardo Forth: Artur Ruciński | Giorgio Walton: Christian Van Horn Production: Charles Edwards | Set Designer: Charles Edwards | Costume Designer: Gabrielle Dalton* | Lighting Designer: Tim Mitchell* Movement Director: Tim Claydon*

Shalin Liu Performance Center

Salem’s Centuries with Donna Seger and Brad Austin

In celebration of Salem 400+, join us for a series of four virtual readings of&nbsp;<a href="https://sillybunnysalem.com/products/salems-centuries-new-perspectives-on-the-history-of-an-old-american-city-history-and-the-public">Salem’s Centuries: New Perspectives on the History of an Old American City</a>, written and edited by Donna Seger and Brad Austin of Salem State University. Each session will focus on one century of Salem’s history. Salem is best known today for its infamous witch trials, but there is much more to the city’s history. An important trading center since its European colonization in 1626, Salem was also the scene of dynamic social and material changes in the 20th century. Salem’s Centuries highlights the depth and diversity of Salem’s history, including stories of Indigenous peoples, early settlers, Black community members and immigrants. Chapters covering events such as the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution and World War II examine how Salem’s history has been lost or distorted in its public presentations over time. The remaining reading sessions will take place on February 25, April 29, June 17 and October 14, 2026. All sessions will be on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm on Zoom. This program is part of Salem 400+ celebrations. Explore all of PEM's Salem 400+ activities here.

Digital Event

Lunar New Year 2026: Year of the Horse

Welcome the Year of the Horse with a vibrant festival heralding new beginnings and the coming of spring! Enjoy a scavenger hunt, art making and tours of Yin Yu Tang. Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. While some traditions are shared across countries, others are unique to one region, community or national cultural identity. Our programming this year focuses on Chinese cultural traditions. Please note that museum galleries will not open until after the morning performance concludes. Dance Performance | Gund Kwok: Asian Women’s Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe 10:30–11:30 am | Main Atrium (Ground Level) | Limited tickets available Zodiac Quest and art making will be available to morning ticketholders beginning at 11:30 am. 1–5 pm | Museum open for general admission Drop-In Art Making: Decorating Red Envelopes 1–4 pm | Vanessa Platacis: Taking Place (Ground Level) Decorate your own red envelope, a symbol of luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. Suitable for all ages. Zodiac Quest 1–5 pm | Ground Level, Level 2 and Level 3 Explore all three levels of the museum on the hunt for the 12 animals of the zodiac! Claim your prize in the Garden Atrium. Suitable for all ages. Meet &amp; Greet | Gund Kwok: Asian Women’s Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe 2–3 pm | Main Atrium, Garden Atrium (Ground Level) Get an up-close look at the stunning lion and dragon dance costumes and meet members of Gund Kwok, the first all-Asian women’s Lion and Dragon Dance troupe in the U.S. Please note that this is a meet and greet, not a performance. Find the lion and dragon dancers in the Garden Atrium (Ground Level) and the Main Atrium (Ground Level). Visit the Information desk to pick up a map or for help finding these locations. Self-Guided Tours | Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home 12:15–4:15 pm; Every 30 minutes (Ground Level) Reservations required. Very limited, same-day tickets are available at the Information desk on a first-come, first served basis beginning at noon. Yin Yu Tang — translated as “Hall of Plentiful Shelter” — was home to the Huang family for nearly two hundred years. For over 20 years, Yin Yu Tang has been a gateway into understanding the art and culture of generations of families living and working in rural Southeastern China. Yin Yu Tang is currently undergoing work to preserve its roof tiles and masonry walls. During your visit, scaffolding may be present and work may be actively underway. Thank you in advance for your understanding. This program is part of Salem 400+ celebrations. Explore all of PEM's <a href="https://www.pem.org/celebrate-salem-400">Salem 400+ activities here</a>.

February School Vacation Week: Ocean Voyages

Join us to sail the open seas during February School Vacation Week! Step inside a giant inflatable whale, visit the ships and figureheads in our Maritime art gallery and enjoy themed art making. The Whalemobile 11 am–3 pm | Main Atrium Timed 30-minute sessions at 11 am, 11:30 am, noon, 12:30 pm, 1 pm, 1:30 pm, 2 pm and 2:30 pm Same-day tickets required; tickets available at the Information desk Meet Nile, the life-size inflatable humpback whale! Journey into the belly of this gentle giant to learn more about whales and their important roles in ocean ecosystems. After going inside the Whalemobile, explore interactive scientific activities and play games. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Drop-in Art Making: Sea-Monster Zines 1–3 pm | Create Space Studios Moby Dick is one of the most recognizable sea-creatures out there in the literary world. What makes him so memorable, his size or his story? Craft your own sea monster tale by making a zine of your own. Happens on the following Dates: Feb 16, 2026, Feb 19, 2026, Feb 20, 2026

Reframing Heritage: PEM’s Korean Art Collection

Join PEM curators and visiting experts for Reframing Heritage: Conservation and Multidimensional Interpretation of PEM’s Korean Art Collection, an international symposium that will convene scholars, curators, artists, educators and conservation professionals to explore innovative approaches to presenting and conserving Korean art. The program will also examine creative strategies for engaging with the collection in ways that resonate with broad audiences and address a range of cultural, educational and scholarly interests. Participants: • Jiyeon Kim, Curator of Korean Art and Culture, PEM • Stephanie Tung, Byrne Family Curator of Photography, PEM • Mimi Leveque, Conservator, PEM • Sunjoo Kim, Harvard-Yenching Professor of Korean History, Harvard University • Burglind Jungmann, Professor Emeritus, UCLA • Jeong-hye Park, Professor, Academy of Korean Studies • Yumi Nam, Senior Conservator, Leeum Museum of Art • Sunglim Kim, Associate Professor, Dartmouth College • Jeongmin Chae, Senior Conservator, Seok Juseon Memorial Museum, Dankook University • Minjee Kim, Adjunct Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology; Korean dress historian • Jinyoung Anna Jin, Director of Asian Art and Culture, Charles B. Wang Center, Stony Brook University • Suzie Kim, Associate Professor, Mary Washington University • Kristen L. Brennan, Adjunct Professor, Portland State University; Independent researcher and content creator • Yang Sookyun, Artist • Christina Yu Yu, Matsutaro Shoriki Chair, Art of Asia, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Schedule: 9:30–10:30 am | Introduction and Keynote Addresses | Morse Auditorium (Ground Level) Symposium Introduction | Jiyeon Kim Keynote Address 1 | Sunjoo Kim Keynote Address 2 | Burglind Jungmann Session 1: Conservation and Historical Inquiry | Morse Auditorium (Ground Level) 10:30–11:35 am | 1-1. Collaborative Approaches: Integrating Art Historical Research and Conservation Presentation 1: Jeong-hye Park Presentation 2: Yumi Nam Discussion: Sunglim Kim 11:35–11:50 am | Coffee break 11:50 am–1:15 pm | 1-2. Revealing Histories through Conservation: Case Studies of the Hwarot (bridal robe) and Other Objects in PEM’s Collection Presentation 3: Jeongmin Chae Presentation 4: Mimi Leveque Discussion: Minjee Kim, Session 1 Q&amp;A: Jiyeon Kim (moderator) 1:15–2:30 pm | Lunch (Visitors may buy lunch at PEM's Atrium Café or nearby in Salem.) Session 2: Interpretation, Education, and Creative Engagement | Vanessa Platacis: Taking Place exhibition gallery (Ground Level) 2:30–3:35 pm | 2-1. Digital Resources and Media in Korean Art Education Presentation 5: Jinyoung Anna Jin Presentation 6: Suzie Kim Discussion: Kristen L. Brennan 3:35–5 pm | 2-2. Creative Engagement with Historic Collections: Case Studies from PEM’s Korean Art Gallery Presentation 7: Jiyeon Kim Presentation 8: Yang Sookyun Discussion: Christina Yu Yu Session 2 Q&amp;A: Stephanie Tung (moderator) Please note that this is a preliminary schedule. Details may be adjusted, and we kindly ask for your understanding. Learn more about PEM’s history of stewardship and research of Korean art in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/yu-kil-chun-gallery-of-korean-art-and-culture">Yu Kil-Chun Gallery of Korean Art and Culture</a>. This project has been supported by the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, Korea.

Whose Memory Do You Carry?

To celebrate the opening day of Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone, join exhibition curators and contemporary artists for a reflective conversation on Edmonia Lewis herself. As the first woman artist of Black and Indigenous descent to achieve widespread international acclaim, Lewis was famous during her lifetime in the late 1800s. However, her remarkable career and marble sculpture have largely remained underrecognized — until now. Join us for this special occasion to hear artists Gisela Torres and Alberta Whittle discuss how Lewis’ legacy inspires their own art making, and hear scholar Melissa Ragain talk about her research into Lewis’ transatlantic impact. Themes of memory, absence, endurance and transcendence will guide the discussion to celebrate Lewis’ vision and the worlds she carved into being.

Galentines Movie Night: Crazy Rich Asians

Bring a friend or a date for a glamorous movie night celebrating gals, pals and valentines! Crazy Rich Asians is a 2018 romantic comedy based on a novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan. The story takes place in Singapore. Stay after the movie for a private reception and explore our current exhibition <a href="https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/andrew-gn-fashioning-the-world">Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World</a>. If you would like to join as a GenPEM member to attend this event for free and receive invitations to future exhibition openings, tours and special events and programs, as well as complimentary museum admission, please visit <a href="https://www.pem.org/membership/genpem">pem.org/genpem</a>.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

vestasalem

Experiences