Salem To Restore Historic City Hall Doors As Part Of Salem 400+

SALEM, MA — Salem is moving ahead with a restoration of the grand wood entrance doors at City Hall as part of Salem 400+ — the city's quadricentennial commemorations taking place throughout 2026.

Mayor Dominick Pangallo announced the project for the Greek Revival building, which was constructed in 1837 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Salem City Hall is one of the city's most historic landmarks and one of the oldest continuously operating City Halls in the United States.

The city said the building's double doors have lost their protective finish over time, and the wood now shows cracks, splits at the joints and discoloration. Jeremy Campbell of CVC Installations, identified by the city as a restoration carpenter, will remove the doors and transport them to his studio.

He will then remove the remaining finish, repair and consolidate wood where needed, and apply several layers of protective varnish. The door hardware will also be gently cleaned and polished to retain its historic patina.

The doors are expected to be removed by Wednesday and will be under repair for several weeks. During that time, the entrance will remain open during regular business hours. The doors are expected to return to City Hall and be reinstalled by October.

“For nearly two centuries, the doors of Salem City Hall have stood at the heart of civic life, and have been a point of welcome for generations of Salem residents, businesses, and visitors, often on especially significant days in their lives,” said Pangallo, "As we mark Salem 400+, this restoration project is a meaningful investment in preserving our shared history and ensuring that this remarkable building remains a source of pride and civic engagement for years to come."

The project has approval from the Salem Historical Commission and the Massachusetts Historical Commission, according to the city. Funding for the work is being provided through Community Preservation Act funds and available CIP funding.