Derby House: A Glimpse into Salem's Maritime Past
Step back in time at Salem's Derby House, the preserved 1762 home of a wealthy maritime merchant, offering a glimpse into 18th-century life.
The Derby House, located within the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, offers a captivating journey into the world of 18th-century maritime trade and family life. Built in 1762 by Richard Derby, a prosperous Salem merchant, as a wedding gift for his son Elias Hasket Derby and his wife, Elizabeth Crowninshield Derby, the house reflects the wealth and status of a successful merchant family. Elias Hasket Derby, who resided here with his family for twenty years, would amass a considerable fortune, becoming one of the wealthiest Americans of his time. The house reflects the Derby family's involvement in the American Revolution, during which Elias converted his cargo vessels into privateers. The wealth derived from these privateering activities laid the foundation for the family's success in the East India trade after the war. After the Derbys moved to a larger home, the house was sold to Captain Henry Prince in 1796 and later served as a tenement house for immigrants. In the early 20th century, the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (now Historic New England) acquired the Derby House and restored it to its original splendor. Since 1937, it has been part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Visitors can take a tour of the house and learn about the Derby family, as well as the enslaved people who lived and worked there. The house is furnished to reflect the Derby's 20-year residency and offers a glimpse into their connections to growing conversations of freedom and liberty leading up to the American Revolution. The garden contains over 150 varieties of heirloom annuals, perennials, and bulbs documented to 1798 or earlier.
Local tips
- Check the National Park Service website for tour schedules and availability, as reservations may be required.
- Explore the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, where the Derby House is located, to discover more about Salem's maritime history.
- Visit the Derby House garden to see a variety of heirloom plants documented to 1798 or earlier.
A brief summary to The Derby House
- Derby House, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 65 Derby St, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, US
Getting There
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Walking
The Derby House is located at 65 Derby St, within the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. From the Salem Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street, walk east on Essex Street, then turn right onto Derby Street. The Derby House will be on your left, a short walk down Derby Street. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
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Public Transport
Salem is accessible via the MBTA Commuter Rail (Newburyport/Rockport Line). From Salem Station, walk south on Washington Street, turn left onto Essex Street, then right onto Derby Street. The Derby House will be on your left. Several MBTA bus routes also serve Salem. Check the MBTA website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A one-way train ticket from Boston is approximately $8. Bus fares are around $1.70.
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Parking
Several parking garages and lots are available in Salem. The South Harbor Garage (10 Congress Street) and the Museum Place Garage (1 New Liberty Street) are within walking distance. Parking rates vary, with South Harbor Garage costing $0.75-$1.50 per hour. The MBTA Commuter Rail Garage at 252 Bridge Street offers all-day parking for $5 on weekdays and $2 on weekends. Be aware that parking rates may increase during October.
