Welcome to the third installment of our Salem Historic Homes series! The Minton Regan Team is thrilled to continue our exploration of Salem’s architectural heritage with the Samuel Pickman House, a remarkable example of First-Period architecture that has stood the test of time for over 350 years.
A Mariner’s Legacy
Nestled at 43 Charter Street, behind the prestigious Peabody Essex Museum, the Samuel Pickman House stands proudly on its original foundation - a rare feat for a home built in 1665. The house’s first owner, Samuel Pickman, was a Salem mariner, embodying the maritime spirit that helped shape our coastal community into the thriving port it would become.
Architectural Significance
What makes the Pickman House particularly special is its designation on the National Register of Historic Places as an exemplar of post-medieval or First-Period architecture. This architectural style, dating from roughly 1625 to 1725, represents the earliest building tradition still visible in New England. The home serves as a living textbook of colonial building techniques and design principles.
First-period homes are characterized by their steep roofs, large central chimney, asymmetrical design, and diamond-paned windows. These features weren’t just aesthetic choices - they were practical solutions to the challenges of New England’s harsh climate and the building materials available to colonial settlers.
Location and Context
The Pickman House’s location behind the Peabody Essex Museum places it at the heart of Salem’s historic district. Charter Street itself is steeped in history, named after the charter that established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This neighborhood would have been witness to countless historical events, from the everyday bustle of colonial life to the more dramatic chapters of Salem’s past.
Preservation and Modern Significance
The preservation of the Pickman House on its original site and foundation is particularly noteworthy. Many historic homes from this period have either been lost to time or moved from their original locations. The house stands as a testament to Salem’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage, allowing modern visitors to experience an authentic piece of 17th-century New England.
Visiting Information
The Pickman House is currently under the stewardship of Historic Salem, Inc. While the interior is not regularly open to the public, visitors can appreciate its historical architecture from the exterior as part of Salem’s historic walking tours.
For those interested in learning more:
- Location: 43 Charter Street, Salem, MA 01970
- Best viewed as part of the Historic Salem walking tour
- Contact Historic Salem, Inc. for more information:
- Phone: (978) 745-0799
- Website: www.historicsalem.org
- Email: [email protected]
The Peabody Essex Museum, located nearby, offers additional context about Salem’s architectural history and maritime heritage in their permanent exhibitions.
As local realtors, we at the Minton Regan Team are continually inspired by homes like the Pickman House. They remind us that a house is more than just a structure - it’s a piece of living history that connects us to our community’s past while serving the needs of the present.
Stay tuned for next week’s installment in our Historic Homes series, where we’ll explore another architectural gem that makes Salem such a unique place to call home. If you’re interested in finding your own piece of Salem history, whether it’s centuries or decades old, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.