In 2020, a Latino Heritage Intern at Salem Maritime developed a “Latinx Commitment and Engagement Plan” after working with members of the local Latinx community to identify specific recommendations for overall improvement of inclusion at the Park. This plan was built upon and refined by Latino Heritage Interns in 2021 and 2022. 

The Latino Heritage Intern will use interpretive themes and essential questions identified in Salem Maritime’s Foundation Document and “Visitor Experience Plan” (2020) and Saugus Iron Works’s Foundation Document and “Visitor Experience Plan” (2022) to research and develop audience-centered interpretive experiences focused on the natural and/or cultural resources at Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works. Potential programs may include, historic house tours, historic maritime programs, nature walks, tide walks, etc.  

The goal of the project will be to create new park experiences, attractive to the local Latinx community. 23% of the population of Essex County (where Salem and Saugus are located) identify as Hispanic or Latino. These programs may be bilingual, but will primarily be geared toward Spanish-speakers. This aligns with a 2017 Strategic Plan of Salem Maritime and Saugus National Historic Sites, which identified the following strategy as an approach for park staff to use for fiscal years 2018 through 2023: Prioritize working with under-represented students and groups to expand education programming. 

Throughout the summer, the intern will work to expand existing programs and connections within the Latinx community, specifically in the historic district, El Punto, a predominantly Dominican neighborhood which neighbors Salem Maritime. The intern will need to reach out to identified community contacts, as well as establish new contacts and collaborations with community leaders and organizations in Essex County. The intern will also help represent the park at community-organized special events and outreach programs.