Through an exclusive arrangement between the National Park Service and the Salem Partnership, we are pleased to offer the use of one of Salem’s most unique and imaginative venues, Friendship of Salem, for your corporate or social special event.
The location of Friendship, within the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and the historic wharves of Salem, provides a unique opportunity for a variety of corporate and social functions to be held in an unusual and creative way. Your evening event on board Friendship, combined with several approved catering firms and the addition of musicians playing on deck, easily becomes a unique, one of a kind venue. All events are held dockside on board Friendship and the adjacent wharf. Guests have access to all public areas of the ship.
Capacity: Seated dinner on board the main deck: seating for 35 maximum.
Cocktail party with appetizers/finger food: 100 people maximum.
Hours: No earlier than 5:30 p.m. Not later than 9:30 p.m. Friendship must be rented for a minimum of three hours. This includes ½ hour for set up prior to the event and ½ hour for clean up. Please note, administrative costs are included in the rental cost.
*Special arrangements may be considered for early morning business events – 7-9 a.m.
Fee:
- Saturday and Sunday evening events
- $2200 for five hours; which includes a 4 hour event and ½ hour for set up and ½ hour for clean up at the end of the event;
- $1200 for three hours; which includes a two hour event and ½ hour for set up and ½ hour for clean up at the end of the event;
- $900 for three hours with no food and drink (ceremony only)
- Monday through Friday evening events
- $1800 for five hours; which includes a 4 hour event and ½ hour for set up and ½ hour for clean up at end of event;
- $1,000 for three hours; which includes a two-hour event and ½ hour for set up and ½ hour for clean up at the end of the event.
- $750 for three hours with no food or drink (ceremony only);
Please note: Friendship must be rented for a minimum of three hours. Again, please note that the cost of renting Friendship has administrative costs included. The cost of food and drink is not included in the rental fee.
Food: A list of local caterer’s that meets the Salem Partnership and National Park Service criteria is available upon request. Catering firms other than those listed must be approved in advance. All caterers must have up to date liability insurance, all applicable licensing, and must sign a National Park Service, Special Use permit. Open flame is not permitted on any part of the ship and all prepared food products being served are limited to the main/top deck area of the ship. There are no kitchen/galley facilities available. Service that may include on-site cooking will be restricted to the adjacent wharf with prior approval of the National Park Service. Selling of food on site is not allowed.
Alcohol: Only wine and beer may be served on board Friendship. State and local licensing requirements apply for all staff. Selling of alcohol on site is strictly prohibited. Catered and Barkeep chosen will have to obtain a one day liquor license from The City of Salem's Licensing Board.
Parking: There is no dedicated parking facility to support the ship. There are a number of city managed parking garages within walking distance.
Set Up: There are a limited number of portable banquet tables and chairs available for use. We recommend that the caterer provide these items along with any tents that may be required. Trash removal from the site is required. The recycling of bottles and cans is encouraged. The ship must be left "broom clean."
Restroom: Facilities are available on National Park Service property at Central Wharf. There are no facilities on board Friendship.
Hours for Events: All events will take place after the Park closes at 5 p.m. Under no circumstances are event staff or guests allowed on the ship prior to 5 p.m. as the Park is open to the public.
NPS Staff requirements:
All after hours uses of Friendship require at least two NPS staff to be on site. Depending on numbers of guests and whether alcohol is being served this number may increase and thus may increase the fee. Ship set up and reset of exhibits, etc., also requires staff time. Fees listed include the cost of two staff members.
Mission: The use of Friendship in combination with other local educational, cultural and commercial events is greatly encouraged. Friendship is available for a variety of functions, however, the Salem Partnership and the National Park Service reserve the right to limit special uses of Friendship to those types of events that best represent and enhance the mission of the National Park Service and reflect the educational intent of the ship.
All events require a Special Use Permit along with associated fees issued by the National Park Service.
For further information, other options such as a harbor cruise on Fame and reception on Friendship or to make arrangements for the use of Friendship, please feel free to contact Patricia Zaido, Executive Director of The Salem Partnership, at 978-741-8100 or pzaido@salempartnership.org. or colleen_bruce@nps.gov