SALEM, MA — Salem author Julie Gordon will host what she described as the city's first harbor cruise created for dogs and the people who love them to celebrate her new book "Tails of Salem: The Untold History of Dogs in the Witch City."
The "Cast Off with the Canines: End-of-Summer Dog Cruise & Book Launch" aboard the Hannah Glover is set for Sept. 5 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
About 60 guests and more than 25 dogs will enjoy live music by Mike McGeown and Ryan Kelleher, scenic harbor views, a cash bar, dog-friendly activities and a book signing, including "pawtographs" from some of the Salem dogs featured in the book.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Northeast Animal Shelter.
Gordon's book includes a foreword by Salem's Official Historian Jim McAllister and traces nearly 400 years of local history through the dogs connected to the city. It spans dogs mentioned in testimony during the Salem witch trials, as well as maritime dogs, working dogs, neighborhood dogs, police K9s and Salem's evolution as a dog-friendly city.
"Salem's story is often told through the witch trials — but dogs were part of it too, and they've been beside us ever since," Gordon said. "This cruise felt like the perfect way to launch the book: bringing together Salem's harbor, its stories, its music, and a boat full of dogs and dog lovers."
Gordon said she created Tails of Salem to uncover and share the often-overlooked role of dogs in the city's history and culture. Her research draws on archival materials, historic newspapers, photographs, public records and stories from current Salem residents.
The project also includes books, walking tours and special events centered on the dogs that lived, worked and found belonging in the city.
Dogs that do attend must be leashed and well-behaved but those without four-legged friends in tow are encouraged to join as well and meet some of the other pups.
Space is limited, especially for canine passengers.
Tickets and additional information are available here.
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