The Lady of Salem: Maritime Art

Discover Salem’s Golden Age of Sail as you uncover clues! Celebrate America’s Maritime History! The Ladies of Salem will have you looking up at whimsical and beautifully designed figureheads gracing lampposts downtown. “What is a figurehead ?” you may ask? It’s a large carved wooden decorative three dimensional representation of a person, animal or mythical creature located at the bow (forward part) of a sailing ship. They were thought to bring good luck as the “eyes” of the ship. Each “Lady” has a unique story to tell. Just head to Destination Salem Visitors Center on Derby Street to pick up the scavenger hunt, and use QR codes to find the lady locations!

The Lady of Salem public art exhibition seeks to embody Salem's maritime history and take viewers on a journey of artistic interpretation through ship figureheads. The Salem Beautification Committee seeks to expand it’s charter to include public art in addition to the beautification of traffic islands. This project serves to unite the city volunteers, private businesses, children and local artists to present the community with a broad reaching series of artistic displays and events.

Part of Trails & Sails 2025.