Events and Activities
Annual Meeting of the Membership
Thursday November 13, Reception at 5pm Meeting at 6:30pm
Join us for a new annual reception to celebrate our members and the great previous year at the Museum. All members, from Friend Level and up, are welcome. Please bring your membership card for check in.
The formal meeting will begin at 6:30.
The purpose of this meeting is to elect Officers and Directors for the upcoming year. Only members may vote.
The meeting will be immediately followed by the panel discussion on The Flood of 1985.
The Flood of '85 Remembered
Thursday November 13, 7pm
Join members of the Salem Rescue Squad and Salem Fire-EMS as they recall the harrowing events of November 4, 1985 - the first day in an event remembered forever in Salem as the Flood of ‘85. Admission is free for this Salem Museum speaker series talk on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Salem Museum.
On November 4, 1985, residents of Salem faced a record-breaking flood surge that turned many streets and neighborhoods into roaring rivers of muddy debris. Scores of people clung to rooves awaiting rescue as the Roanoke River poured over its banks. Though the valiant efforts of the Rescue Squad and the Fire Department, no lives were lost within city limits that day. Now, forty years later, hear from the brave individuals who worked for these daring organizations on a transformative day in Salem history as the Flood of ’85 is remembered once again.
Among the distinguished panelists sharing their experiences are Carey Harveycutter, Mike Moore, Tom Roseberry, Randy Smith, and Eddie Hite. Discover how teamwork and courage turned chaos into coordination, listen to firsthand accounts of rescues and split-second decisions, and learn about the spirit of volunteerism that continues to define Salem’s community today.
Persiflage Holiday Book Sale
Kick off your holiday shopping with the regional writers’ group, Persiflage, holiday mass book sale and signing of its authors’ works! The sale will feature more than a dozen nationally and regionally important authors, including a number of their just-released works of note.
Among the writers whose works will be featured are: Dan Smith, Kathy Dickenson, Debbie Seagle, Bruce Wetterau, Todd Marcum, Rachel Coleman, Sally Jamerson Bond, Mike Allen, Diana Christopulos, Jane Fenten, Mark Fryburg, Patrick Harrington, Jan Fuller, Linda Kay Simmons, Nelson Harris, Bill Kovarik, Marjorie Gowdy, Melinda Cohen, Ken Conklin, April Marcell, and Amanda Cockrell
The Persiflage/Writers’ first anthology, “An Appalachian Christmas,” will debut at the sale and will feature stories by more than 25 of the region’s authors.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale will go to the Salem Museum.
Mark Your Calendar
Monthly Speaker Series
Second Thursday of each month, 7pm. November= Flood of 1985 panel
Persiflage Holiday Book Sale
November 15. Start your holiday shopping early by supporting local authors! The authors joining us will offer books of all genres for all ages. So come find the perfect books for everyone on your shopping list, including yourself!
Exhibit Openings "The First People of the Roanoke Valley" and "The Eastern Siouan of the Roanoke Valley"
November 20, Member Exclusive Event; November 22, Public Opening. The Salem Museum is excited to unveil its latest featured exhibits, opening in the Main Gallery Saturday, November 22 from 10am-4pm. A special Member Exhibit Opening for both exhibits will be held Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Member Exhibit Openings are a perk of Silver Supporter Members and up.
Gingerbread Festival 2025
December 6, 10am-2pm. The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce Festival returns to Longwood Park with the annual Gingerbread House Competition on display inside the Museum. Museum Member Exclusive Preview December 5, 4-6pm.
Nelson Harris Book Signing
December 13, 10am-11:30am. Author, historian, and former mayor of Roanoke Nelson Harris will be here to sign copies of his books and discuss his latest literary projects.
Wreaths Across America
December 13, 12pm. Join the Fort Lewis Chapter NSDAR to honor local veterans. A ceremony will take place, then community members are invited to help lay wreaths on graves in East Hill and East Hill North cemeteries.
Workshops with artist Matilda Wentzel
Returns in Spring 2026. Second and Fourth Tuesdays Monthly. Join us for arts workshops. RSVP Required. More information HERE
"The Living Story: From Memory to Legacy" Storytelling Workshops
Spring 2026. Join Clint Atwater, founder of Storytelling Connections, for five workshops to give you the tools to craft and share meaningful stories with confidence.
Peggy Shifflett Book Talk
POSTPONED. Local author Peggy Shifflett will discuss her new book and have a book signing.
-
Sun - Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
-
Sun - Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
© 2025 Salem Museum. All Rights Reserved.