Salem Custom House
Step into Salem's maritime past at the 1819 Custom House, where Nathaniel Hawthorne worked and trade flourished. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more ranger time
Salem Custom House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more ranger time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Salem's maritime past at the 1819 Custom House, where Nathaniel Hawthorne worked and trade flourished. Free entry!
"Rangers are incredibly knowledgeable, making this free visit a deep dive into Salem's maritime history."
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to the Custom House is free! It's part of the Salem Maritime National Historical Site.
Chat with the Rangers :speech_balloon:
Rangers are super knowledgeable about Salem's maritime history and trade. Ask them anything!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nathaniel Hawthorne's Office
Second Floor
Step into the shoes of the famed author and see where he worked as a customs official. A must for literary fans!
The Federal Eagle
Exterior Cupola
This gilded eagle has watched over Salem Harbor since 1826, a symbol of the city's prosperous maritime past.
Maritime Exhibits
Interior
Explore original scales, measurement tools, and detailed accounts of Salem's 200-year-old commerce and imports.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Ranger Insights
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to the Custom House is free! It's part of the Salem Maritime National Historical Site.
Chat with the Rangers :speech_balloon:
Rangers are super knowledgeable about Salem's maritime history and trade. Ask them anything!
Look for the Eagle :eagle:
The gilded Federal Eagle on top has been a landmark since 1826. 
Hawthorne's Workplace :books:
See where Nathaniel Hawthorne worked and wrote. A key spot for literary history buffs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to the Custom House is free! It's part of the Salem Maritime National Historical Site.
Chat with the Rangers :speech_balloon:
Rangers are super knowledgeable about Salem's maritime history and trade. Ask them anything!
Look for the Eagle :eagle:
The gilded Federal Eagle on top has been a landmark since 1826.
Hawthorne's Workplace :books:
See where Nathaniel Hawthorne worked and wrote. A key spot for literary history buffs.
Check for Open Signs :door:
Not all exhibits may be open. Look for the 'open' sign to ensure you can tour inside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Salem Custom House for its free admission and the exceptional knowledge of the on-site park rangers. The building's historical significance, particularly its connection to Nathaniel Hawthorne and Salem's maritime past, is a major draw. While parking can be a challenge, the engaging exhibits and the opportunity to step back in time make it a highly recommended stop.
"Stopped here at the end of May and was excited to see they had the doors open and you could tour the building absolutely free! It's part of the Salem Maritime National Historical Site and I recommend checking it out if you're in the area or passing through. The National Parks guide on location, I believe his name was Mason, was incredibly knowledgeable about the history pertaining to the building and Salem's ship and trade records, as well as world maritime and noticeable figures throughout the early American shipping industry timeline. There are original scales, other diverse measurement tools, documents, and detailed accounts of the commerce and imports taking place on the wharf in Salem over 200 years ago. The Custom House holds so many stories and is a significant piece of our country's own maritime history. If you see the "open" sign out, make sure you step in!"
Kelly
"We visited on a Friday around noon in mid-June 2025.
We found parking by the Salem Armory Visitor Center near Witch City Mall. We could not use the parking garages because our minivan with cargo carrier was too tall. We circled the lots maybe 5 times before we saw someone leaving.
We walked over to the visitor center first where we got maps and NPS Passport Cancellation Stamps. We also bought some merch and checked out the few exhibits and took some pictures. Then we headed down to where the majority of the points of interest were near the water. Our first stop was going to be the Waite & Peirce Park Store. They have additional NPS Passport Cancellation stamps and also has a many items not available at the store in the visitor center. So make sure you visit both.
Then across the street was the Custom House. This was the only other thing that was open to us on a Friday in Mid-June 2025. We went in and explored the 2 floors worth of rooms. There were a number of rangers here to answer questions as well. There was were many rangers in fact I was curious why some of the other locations weren't open for us to explore.
Overall it was a nice experience. All the rangers we spoke too at each of the sites were great and since many of the places were closed, we would visit again to try and hit more of the sites. Same goes for Salem in general. We only had enough time in our road trip for half a day here and that was just not enough to see everything we wanted to."
David L.
"This is across from the Salem maritime national historic Park, and a must visit. It is a beautiful building, and you get to learn the history of this custom house."
Jeff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Salem Custom House is located on Derby Street, near the waterfront. It's easily accessible by foot if you're already exploring downtown Salem. If driving, parking can be challenging; consider the Salem Armory Visitor Center parking, but be mindful of height restrictions for larger vehicles.
Parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak season. The Salem Armory Visitor Center is a good option, but be aware of height limits for vehicles with cargo carriers.
Yes, the Custom House is centrally located and within walking distance of many other Salem attractions, including the Salem Maritime National Historical Site and Witch City Mall.
Walking is highly recommended to soak in the historic atmosphere. The area around Derby Street offers a mix of historic buildings, shops, and waterfront views.
Salem is accessible via the MBTA Commuter Rail from Boston, making it a popular day trip destination. The station is a short walk from the Custom House.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Salem Custom House is completely free! It's part of the Salem Maritime National Historical Site.
Opening hours can vary, and some exhibits might be closed on certain days. It's best to check the official Salem Maritime National Historical Site website or look for 'open' signs upon arrival.
The Custom House is generally open during the main tourist seasons. However, hours can be reduced outside of peak times, so it's advisable to confirm before your visit.
Yes, you can get NPS Passport Cancellation Stamps at the Custom House, as well as at the Salem Armory Visitor Center.
Guided tours are often led by knowledgeable park rangers and are typically included with your free admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find exhibits detailing Salem's rich maritime history, original trade tools like scales, and importantly, Nathaniel Hawthorne's former office.
A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in maritime history and how much you engage with the rangers.
Restroom facilities are typically available within the Salem Maritime National Historical Site, which includes the Custom House.
Yes, children can enjoy learning about maritime history and seeing the historic artifacts. The rangers are great at engaging visitors of all ages.
It was a vital hub for Salem's bustling shipping industry in the 19th century and served as the workplace for author Nathaniel Hawthorne.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the striking Federal-style architecture, the gilded eagle on the cupola, and the interior exhibits. The waterfront views nearby are also picturesque.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the Custom House for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while midday light is good for interior exhibits. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer lovely waterfront views.
The view of the Custom House with the Federal Eagle is iconic. Nearby, the Derby Wharf and the waterfront offer classic New England maritime scenes.
Use hashtags like #SalemCustomHouse, #SalemMA, #MaritimeHistory, #NathanielHawthorne, #VisitMassachusetts, and #NewEnglandTravel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the building itself is historic, the nearby waterfront provides space for children to move around. Visiting the Custom House can be combined with exploring other parts of the Salem Maritime National Historical Site, making for a well-rounded historical outing. Remember to check for 'open' signs to ensure full access to exhibits.
📚 Literary Enthusiasts
+1Beyond Hawthorne's office, the building's historical context as a center of Salem's maritime trade provides a rich backdrop to his literary career. Understanding the bustling port and the author's role within it adds another layer to appreciating his work. The park rangers can often share anecdotes about Hawthorne's time there, further enriching the experience.
⚓ History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
Visitors can learn about the types of goods imported and exported, the ships that plied the waters, and the economic impact of this industry on Salem. The park rangers are exceptionally well-informed and can provide context on everything from local trade figures to broader maritime trends. The building's architecture and its preserved interior elements further enhance the immersive historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Salem's Maritime Heritage
Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that bring this history to life. You'll find original scales, measurement tools, and detailed accounts of commerce and imports that flowed through Salem's port over 200 years ago. These artifacts offer a tangible connection to the merchants, sailors, and laborers who shaped the city's economic and cultural landscape. The National Park Service rangers stationed here are invaluable resources, sharing stories and historical context that enrich the visitor experience.
Beyond its economic significance, the Custom House also holds literary importance. It was here that Nathaniel Hawthorne worked as a customs official, and he famously set the introduction to his novel The Scarlet Letter in this very building. His office has been preserved, allowing visitors to imagine the author observing the harbor and drawing inspiration for his classic works.
+1 The Custom House is a key component of the Salem Maritime National Historical Site, preserving this vital chapter of American history for future generations.Experiencing the Salem Custom House
Inside, the exhibits are well-presented, featuring original tools and documents that vividly illustrate the scale of Salem's historical commerce. The preserved office of Nathaniel Hawthorne is a particular draw for literary enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the author's life and work. The architecture of the building itself is also noteworthy, showcasing the Federal style with its distinctive red brick and granite details.
+1While the Custom House itself is a compact site, it's often visited in conjunction with other attractions within the Salem Maritime National Historical Site. Many visitors find that a half-day is not enough to explore all that Salem has to offer, making the Custom House a perfect, easily accessible stop on a broader itinerary.
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