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      PEM Reads

      Salem’s Centuries with Donna Seger and Brad Austin

      Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 6:30—8 pm

      Cover of the book Salem's Centuries depicting historical iconography and landmarks of Salem, Massachusetts

      Other dates & times

      February 25, 2026 from 6:30—8 pm

      Salem’s Centuries with Donna Seger and Brad Austin

      April 29, 2026 from 6:30—8 pm

      Salem’s Centuries with Donna Seger and Brad Austin

      June 17, 2026 from 6:30—8 pm

      Salem’s Centuries with Donna Seger and Brad Austin

      October 14, 2026 from 6:30—8 pm

      Salem’s Centuries with Donna Seger and Brad Austin

      Know before you go

      Virtual event, hosted on Zoom

      Free; registration required 

      In celebration of Salem 400+, join us for a series of four virtual readings of Salem’s Centuries: New Perspectives on the History of an Old American City, written and edited by Donna Seger and Brad Austin of Salem State University. Each session will focus on one century of Salem’s history.

      Salem is best known today for its infamous witch trials, but there is much more to the city’s history. An important trading center since its European colonization in 1626, Salem was also the scene of dynamic social and material changes in the 20th century. Salem’s Centuries highlights the depth and diversity of Salem’s history, including stories of Indigenous peoples, early settlers, Black community members and immigrants. Chapters covering events such as the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution and World War II examine how Salem’s history has been lost or distorted in its public presentations over time.

      The remaining reading sessions will take place on February 25, April 29, June 17 and October 14, 2026. All sessions will be on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm on Zoom.

      This program is part of Salem 400+ celebrations. Explore all of PEM's Salem 400+ activities here.

      About the authors

      Donna A. Seger
      Donna A. Seger

      Donna A. Seger is Professor of History at Salem State University. She is the author of The Practical Renaissance: Information Culture and the Quest for Knowledge in Early Modern England, and manages the Streets of Salem blog.

      Brad Austin
      Brad Austin

      Brad Austin is Professor of History at Salem State University. He is the author of Democratic Sports: Men's and Women's College Athletics during the Great Depression and the co-editor of Understanding and Teaching the Vietnam War and Teaching U.S. History through Sports.

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