The Salem Neighborhood Heritage Program was originally authorized by City Council in 2014 for implementation by the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) as part of their public outreach and education program. This program is intended to encourage Salem neighborhoods to celebrate their history and provide an opportunity for them to engage in a positive way with the City’s Historic Preservation Program.

The City of Salem currently has three designated Heritage Neighborhoods: SESNA, Grant, and Highland. The Highland neighborhood received the Heritage Neighborhood designation in 2021. SESNA and Grant have architectural guides, and now staff is working with Highland Neighborhood Association to produce a similar guide and conduct a reconnaissance level survey (RLS) in the neighborhood. Additional intensive level survey (ILS) will be completed by a historic consultant and will serve to support the development of additional educational materials for the Heritage Neighborhood.