Research Salem History

Research Salem and Oregon history using resources available at Salem Public Library.

  • ​Salem History Website: Link to the Salem History Project, sponsored by the library.
  • Salem Historical Photos​​: The history of Oregon preserved in six collections of photographs of people, places, and events that provide snapshots of the state's history from 1840 to more recent times.  The collections are statewide but with special emphasis on Salem and other Willamette Valley communities. ​
  • The Hugh Morrow collection on floor two of the main Library focuses on the history of Salem and Oregon.
  • Salem Public Library also hosts the  Willamette Valley Genealogical Society.
  • Research historic properties.

Contact us

Salem Public Library at Broadway
In the interest of public health, both Salem Public Library locations - Salem Public Library at Broadway and the West Salem Library Branch – are temporarily closed to the public to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Curbside Service to pick up and return library materials is available: http://bit.ly/SPL-at-curbside

Virtual Library services are available 24/7. Learn more about how to download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, and movies, do research, find information, study, and live chat with library staff at: https://bit.ly/SPL-Virtual.
1400 Broadway ST NE
Salem OR 97301
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