Since last summer, we have been working to reorganize the HSI plaque program because we recognized that the program had not been working well over the last several years. We undertook a full review and found that depending on volunteers and students to do research for us resulted in inconsistent research quality, unpredictable delivery and concerns about fees. By the fall of 2000, we had a significant backlog of homeowners waiting for plaques. We also concluded that, while the program does not benefit Historic Salem Inc. financially, it is an important service to the community and one that we want to continue. The program is an important link between homeowners and Historic Salem.
Plaques provide information about our rich history to residents and visitors as they walk in Salem.
The plaque program is often the first connection people make to HSI and the beginning of many of our volunteer relationships, as people learn about us when they move into an old house in Salem. The research is of great value to homeowners when they begin to undertake renovations. House histories have also been an invaluable source for historians, including Bryant Tolles, author of the well-known book, Architecture in Salem. Because we felt it was important to continue the plaque program, we decided to hire a professional researcher to ensure consistent quality and predictable delivery time. The Board was fortunate to be able to retain Bob Booth as our researcher.