Dr. Kurt Steinberg, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Collection Services at the Peabody Essex Museum, shared an overview of the museum’s mission, strategic vision, and upcoming initiatives. PEM’s 2024–2028 strategic plan, PEM Forward, focuses on creating meaningful experiences in the arts, humanities, and sciences while highlighting creativity as a powerful force that connects people and cultures across time.
The plan centers on four goals: enhancing visitor experiences, expanding learning opportunities, maximizing the storytelling potential of PEM’s collections, and strengthening the museum’s infrastructure to support future growth. Dr. Steinberg also highlighted several permanent gallery installations—including Salem Stories, Maritime Art, and Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home—as well as current exhibitions such as Draw Me Ishmael: The Book Arts of Moby-Dick and Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone.
Looking ahead, PEM will debut new exhibitions and programs in 2026, including the East India Marine Hall 200th Anniversary Installation, Beyond the Broom: Salem Short Films, and Pressing Importance: Salem and the Declaration of Independence. The museum continues to expand community engagement through walking tours, educational programs, and free or discounted admission for children, educators, veterans, and other groups.
Calendar Winners!
Brenna Dillon sold by Carolyn Shapiro
50:50 Raffle
$755 Pot
Sue Gabriel & Matt Ingram
No winners this week!
Visitors and Guest Rotarians
There were no guests this week!
Volunteer
Let’s not forget our motto, Service Above Self! The Community Service Committee is working hard this year to find more opportunities for Salem Rotarians to serve in our community.
We have several upcoming volunteer opportunities at the Salem Pantry:
April 10 2:30-4:30
May 2 8-10 am
Club Events
Why should you go to fellowship events?
Because they’re fun!
Salem Rotary Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Auction and Gala Friday, March 13, 2026 | Hawthorne Hotel Let’s make this auction unforgettable and raise the resources needed to continue the incredible work of Salem Rotary. We are anticipating this to be a crowd drawing event, so be sure to get your tickets early and please share the event and ticket links on your social media platforms. Thank you for being part of the magic—we can’t wait to celebrate with you at the Mad Hatter Gala! Please let Jason Lang or Heather Lang know what you can contribute, or who we can reach out to, by February 1, 2026.
Community News
Salem Public Schools Design Day Saturday, March 14, 11 AM – 2 PM, Collins Middle School The Salem Public Schools will host its first-ever Design Day. Design Day is a community-centered, collaborative opportunity to help imagine and shape the future of learning in Salem and is part of an ongoing effort to develop a 10-year Vision and Innovation Agenda alongside the district’s next three-year strategic plan. The day will feature interactive activities and small-group conversations that invite the Salem community to dream big together. Snacks, childcare, hands-on activities, and multiple ways for people to contribute will be available. See flyer and promotional video.
Salem Rotarians Say . . .
There was no time for happy dollars this week, but Matt Callcut will be excited to celebrate 50 years of being nifty next week, an accomplishment to acknowledge for certain!
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
NOTE: The fourth Tuesday of the month is an evening meeting, beginning at 5:15 p.m.
If you are interested in learning more about Salem Rotary, please email president@salemrotary.com.
