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The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), in Salem, MA is one of the world’s premier museums. Their mission is to celebrate outstanding artistic and cultural creativity by collecting, stewarding and interpreting objects of art and culture that promote knowledge expansion, enrich spiritual well-being, stimulate intellectual inquiry and stimulate sensory receptors – ultimately making an impactful difference in people’s lives.
The museum features various exhibitions that represent various cultures and artistic practices. Their collection encompasses American art and history, Asian art history, photography, decorative arts as well as an extensive Native art selection. Additionally, there is also a diverse array of natural history specimens on display.
PEM is a non-profit organization, supported mainly by donations from private donors as well as state and federal grants. Their education department offers many programs for teachers related to museum teaching techniques and their collection – with workshops and summer institutes on related topics offered throughout New England schools! Educators also receive complimentary admission.
Note on PEM’s Collection of Native American Art
The museum holds over 150 items spanning the breadth of Native American art – from wampum belts and beaded ceremonial garb to tools, baskets and housewares – in its Native American art collection. Unfortunately these pieces remain at the museum due to uncertainty around how to return them to their rightful owners; for now. However, the museum is working closely with a team of Native American experts including Richard W. Hill (Tuscarora Iroquois), professor emeritus at SUNY Buffalo; Vernon L Chimegalrea Pikaniralria (Yupik), vice president of programs at Alaska Native Heritage Center; Fred Nahwoosky (Comanche), executive Director Atlatl; Danyelle Means (Lakota); among many others.
