SALEM — The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is reducing its hours this winter in order to spend time developing new programming for the spring, summer and fall.
The revised schedule, from December through February, will not affect the current range of tours offered on weekends.
Curriculum-based programs and group tours are still be available by appointment, according to acting chief of interpretation and education Sheila Cooke-Kayser.
The 9-acre Historic Site includes the homes of merchants and mariners, the Salem Custom House, in which author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked, and the Friendship replica vessel.
"I am delighted ... we are developing new public and curriculum-based programming," Superintendent Patricia Trap said, "... but in order to do so, we are reducing the number of tours and hours of operation in the winter."
New winter hours
Salem Visitor Center, New Liberty Street, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week
West India Goods Store, Derby Street, open noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday
Bathrooms and exhibits behind the Custom House open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
In December
Orientation Center, 193 Derby St., open 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of the site will be offered Tuesday through Friday in the afternoon, and in the morning and afternoon on weekends.
In January and February
Orientation Center, closed Monday through Friday, and no tours will be offered on the weekdays. The Orientation Center will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, and tours will be offered in the mornings and afternoons.
Audio Tours
In order to supplement the reduced schedule of ranger-guided tours, Salem Maritime has free audio devices for self-guided tours available at the Visitor Center and the West India Goods Store.
The audio tour can also be downloaded onto a personal listening device at www.nps.gov/sama/photosmultimedia/audiotour.htm.
"The audio tour is a wonderful way to experience Salem Maritime," said Park Historian and Web site manager Emily Murphy. "With narration, sound effects and a soundtrack from local early music group Poor Richard's Penny, the audio tour allows visitors to move at their own pace through the site."
To make a reservation for a group tour or educational program, call 978-740-1662. For more information about tours, visit Salem Maritime's web site at www.nps.gov/sama.
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