Events

Did you miss the first installment of our special walking tour program, Buried Treasures, with Salem’s official historian Jim McAllister last October? Or would you like a refresher before the second part of the series this summer? Or perhaps it’s simply too cold for a cemetery walking tour right now?

Join local historian Jim McAllister on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM for a fascinating evening journey through Harmony Grove Cemetery, experienced from the comfort of your home.

This 90-minute Zoom lecture retraces the stops from Jim’s original walking tour, exploring the lives and legacies of more than 20 notable Salem residents interred at Harmony Grove, from the Remond family of entrepreneurs and abolitionists to the Parker Brothers game makers.

The program is free, though donations are greatly appreciated as we expand our public programming. Reservations are required.

Why the Title “Buried Treasures”?

Jim McAllister chose the title Buried Treasures because the notable individuals resting at Harmony Grove Cemetery are true treasures of Salem and, in many cases, of the nation. Although they now rest beneath the cemetery grounds, their legacies continue to shape the city and shine as invaluable pieces of our shared history.

More About Jim McAllister

A respected historian, author, photographer, and teacher, Jim McAllister is the founder of Derby Square Tours and has spent over four decades sharing the rich history of Salem and Boston’s North Shore with locals and visitors alike. Known for his expert knowledge, engaging storytelling, and deep community roots, Jim has appeared on numerous regional and national television and radio programs and has served as a historical consultant to the City of Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum, and other cultural institutions. In 2008, he was named Salem’s first“ Heritage Hero” by the Essex National Heritage Commission. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Harmony Grove Cemetery with one of Salem’s most trusted and passionate voices.

More About Harmony Grove Cemetery

Founded in 1840, Harmony Grove Cemetery is a nonprofit, non-denominational cemetery and crematory rooted in the rural cemetery movement. Spanning nearly 57 acres, it is dedicated to honoring and commemorating the dead, welcoming the living, and preserving its grounds in perpetuity. Harmony Grove offers burial, cremation, and end-of-life services, and the historic Blake Chapel is available for funerals, memorials, wedding ceremonies, and community gatherings. Through our growing public programs, we share the rich history of Salem and New England through the stories of those laid to rest here.

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Join Salem’s official historian, Jim McAllister, for an unforgettable walking tour through Harmony Grove Cemetery!

Harmony Grove Cemetery is more than a resting place—it is a living history of Salem. As Jim McAllister notes, the cemetery provides a unique prism through which to view our community from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. It is the final resting place of important Salemites from just about every field of endeavor, including artists, architects, authors, civic leaders, and trailblazers whose stories continue to shape our city. You’ll encounter the legacy of the Remond abolitionist family, game makers the Parker Brothers, retailer Daniel Low, and many more.

This 90-minute tour, the first in a two-part series, will feature carefully chosen stops and stories that bring some of these remarkable lives into focus.

Please note: parts of the route include steep terrain, uneven ground, and stairs. Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate attire are recommended.

Space is limited, and reservations are required.

To purchase tickets: SOLD OUT

*If you'd like to be put on a waiting list or be added to our contact list for upcoming events, send us an email at: harmonygrovesalem@gmail.com

Ticket Price: $ 20​

​As a nonprofit, Harmony Grove Cemetery is dedicated to preserving this historic landscape and sharing the stories of those who shaped our community. By joining us, you help support our efforts to expand programming and sustain this important place for generations to come.

Why the title “Buried Treasures”?

McAllister chose the title "Buried Treasures" because the notable residents of the cemetery are true treasures of Salem—and, in some cases, of the nation. Though they now rest beneath the grounds of Harmony Grove Cemetery, their legacies continue to shape Salem and shine as invaluable pieces of our shared history.

More about Jim McAllister:

Join Salem's official historian, Jim McAllister, for an unforgettable walking tour through Harmony Grove Cemetery. A respected historian, author, photographer, and teacher, Jim is the founder of Derby Square Tours and has spent over four decades sharing the rich history of Salem and the broader Boston's North Shore region with locals and visitors alike. His expert knowledge, engaging storytelling, and deep roots in the community have made his tours a must-do experience. Jim has appeared on many regional and national television and radio shows and served as a historical consultant to the City of Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum, and other local organizations and institutions. In 2008, he was named Salem's first "Heritage Hero" by the Essex National Heritage Commission. Don't miss this chance to explore the Cemetery and some of its notable residents with one of the most trusted and passionate voices of Salem.