SALEM — The city is seeking applicants to help mark Salem’s 400th anniversary next year as part of the Salem 400+ Task Force.
The group will be tasked with expanding knowledge of Salem’s complete historical narrative, and making recommendations to ensure the city’s future reflects the community’s diversity, officials said.
The task force, composed of 13 volunteers from the community, will focus on connecting Salem’s history, including pre-colonial Indigenous presence, to the city’s vision for the future. The task force will concentrate on amplifying diverse voices, documenting untold stories, and developing recommendations for making Salem a more welcoming city.
The deadline for applications is noon on Friday, Dec. 6, according to a news release by the office of Mayor Dominick Pangallo.
Ten of the task force’s 13 members will be appointed by the mayor. This will include members representing Salem’s immigrant communities, youth (ages 16-24), the LGBTQ+ community, the city’s disability community, and the creative community. The remaining members will also include designated representatives from the city, Salem’s Race Equity Commission, and the Massachusett Tribe.
The task force is expected to operate through 2026, with an option of continuing beyond, the release indicates.
Those interested in being considered should submit a resume and cover letter to vcherol@salem.com. The cover letter should detail experience, connection to Salem, and vision for helping share Salem’s story; include any relevant experience.
The city is also simultaneously seeking applicants for the Salem 400+ Communications Task Force, which will develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the ongoing 400th anniversary celebrations and related initiatives. The goals of the group will also include coordinating messages across city departments and community organizations, and recommending digital and traditional communication channels and methods to do so.
The task force will have nine members, with five appointed by the mayor. Those five will include at least three Salem residents with backgrounds in communications, marketing, or community engagement, including at least one member under the age of 30, and at least one member who is bilingual.
The task force will also include designees from the city, the tourism board, and the creative community, the Pangallo’s news release indicates.
Those interested in being considered for appointment to the Salem 400+ Communications Task Force should also submit a resume and cover letter to vcherol@salem.com.
In the cover letter, detail communications experience, connection to Salem, and vision for helping share Salem’s story. Include any relevant experience in digital communications, community engagement, or heritage/cultural programming. This is a volunteer position.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202