Friendship of Salem is part of the National Park Service’s larger exhibit area at Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Friendship is a newly constructed ship based upon an East Indiaman built by Enos Briggs in Salem in 1797. The original Friendship was constructed in Briggs’ shipyard across the South River, near the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The three-masted square-rigged 342-ton vessel was registered to merchants Jerathmiel Pierce and Aaron Wite of Salem. Friendship made 15 voyages around the world, trading for pepper, exotic spices, sugar, coffee and other goods. She was captured by the British during the War of 1812 and was condemned and sold. The new Friendship is handicap accessible and meets modern safety requirements but retains the appearance of the late 18th century vessel.
Park Hours of Operation:
For the most complete and up to date information on Salem Maritime hours of operation or changes to tour times go to: www.nps.gov/sama or call; 978-740-1660.
Can you visit Friendship?
Friendship is open to the public from 9 to 5 in July and August; the rest of the year she is available by tour only. It's always a good idea to call the Orientation Center at Salem Maritime, 978-740-1660, to confirm the tour schedule.
Does Friendship sail?
Yes, she is a fully operational sailing vessel. Until recently, only NPS staff and her volunteer crew could sail her, but she has now obtained U.S. Coast Guard full certification is is able to take passengers.
Friendship of Salem Volunteers:
While at sea, the majority of Friendship’s crew are volunteers. Friendship’s volunteer crew is responsible for a variety of maintenance and repair items on the ship throughout the year as well as for ongoing development and fabrication of ship support items. Friendship crew members are also heavily engaged in sail training and providing interpretive programs dockside in Salem and while visiting other ports. A variety of other volunteer opportunities are available at Salem Maritime National Historic Site. In addition to our Friendship volunteer crew, details in the National Park Service Visitor Center, administrative offices and period garden are also available.
For further information about the National Park Service, Salem Maritime and Friendship of Salem Volunteer Program, please call: 978-740-1694.