'Pieces of Salem' Book Series To Highlight Poems, Prose Reflecting Witch City

SALEM, MA — The Peabody Essex Museum and Salem State University will present the official launch and signing for "Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices."

The program is set for Sept. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Salem State's Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, on Lafayette Street.

The book was commissioned and compiled as part of the city's Salem 400+ celebrations.

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The event will include a conversation featuring the book's editor, Salem Poet Laureate J.D. Scrimgeour, and David Snider, PEM's director of learning and community engagement. They will discuss the collection of prose and poems from more than 130 writers who live or work in Salem.

Each contribution was limited to 400 words, a number selected to mark the city's quadricentennial. The anthology brings together short works centered on Salem and its voices during the citywide anniversary observance.

The program is also scheduled to include readings by Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, Salem State President John Keenan, Aidan Scrimgeour, Rachel Peritore, Jill Pabich, Solmaria Coronel, Caedmon Cyr, Marc Teatum, Jack Butterworth, January Gill O’Neil, Chris Burke, Diana Norma Szokolyai, Gwen Rosemond, Isabelle Tinti-Kane and Joe O'Day.

A special guest performance by Salem musician Henley Douglas Jr. is also planned.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event, and a book signing will follow the program.

Street parking is available on Lafayette Street and Loring Avenue.