In 2000, a group of people got together to create a walking trail of women’s history sites in Salem, Massachusetts. While Salem is known the world over for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, we knew there were more stories to tell about women in Salem.

Led by women’s historian Bonnie Hurd Smith, a small group of scholars, librarians, educators, and museum staffers — with input from the public through meetings and newspaper stories — developed a fascinating trail through downtown Salem.

At the same time, women business owners and the Salem Chamber of Commerce stepped up to raise funds for the project through their women's committee, the Caroline Emmerton Committee, which was the brainchild of former executive director Ellen DiGeronimo. The result was a self-guided book that is available for sale locally and online.

Today, women business owners and women’s history enthusiasts alike still share a deep interest in each other’s work and success.

This site provides a way for all of us to learn more about Salem women’s history, to celebrate the female legacy of this great city, and to support the growing number of women business owners, businesses that cater to women, or sites with a direct connection to historical women.

Join us!