Events and Activities
Ghost Walk 2026
October 1-3, 6pm-8pm, tours leave every 15 minutes. TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Get tickets at the Salem Museum or online HERE
East Hill Cemetery comes alive after dark just once a year! Tour the historic graveyard and meet notable characters from Salem’s past. “Ghosts” will share captivating tales of fascinating characters from various periods of Salem’s rich history, spanning over 200 years. Each character has made an impact, whether big or small, and some stories are simply delightful. Guests will also discover surprising narratives about some of the region's most historic locations - places they may encounter in their daily lives.
These walking tours are family-friendly, fun and informative, but not scary.
Advanced tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students of any age, and free for children three and younger.
Ticket tip! The 6:15, 6:45, 7:15, and 7:45 tours tend to be less crowded. Get your tickets now to reserve your preferred tour time.
Good walking shoes are recommended, and bring a flashlight for later tours. In case of rain, the event will be held inside the Museum.
2026 marks the Ghost Walk’s 28th year and all proceeds benefit the Salem Museum.
Salem, Virginia’s Cherokee Defense
Saturday, October 10 at 2:00pm
The Salem Museum will host Central Appalachian Cherokee Tribe CEO/Chief Ren Herdman for a special lecture. The event is free and open to the public.
Chief Herdman’s talk will explore a little-known episode in the Colonial history of the Roanoke Valley involving then-Major Andrew Lewis, the local pioneer and militia leader, and Cherokee Chief Ostenaco, the warrior, orator, and diplomat. In 1756, as the French & Indian War raged on, Chief Ostenaco and Major Lewis worked together to prepare for battle against the Shawnee. Chief Herdman will share the story Lewis, Ostenaco, and of the 130 Cherokee who camped along the Roanoke River that even caught the attention of George Washington himself.
Herdman is the CEO and principal chief of the Central Appalachian Cherokee Tribe. The first woman to hold the role, Herdman is of documented Native American descent through DNA and family history. A Southwest Virginia native, Herdman has spent years researching and documenting Native American sites in Central Appalachia and across the country. She is an educator and speaker on Native American issues whose programs explore tribes of the Central Appalachian region and across the United States.
Pickleball Social
October 17 from 4-7pm
Calling all pickleball players! Visit the Salem Museum that evening for refreshments and a chance to meet fellow competitors. Explore the Museum with your friends and meet new team members.
Mark Your Calendar
Monthly Speaker Series
Second Thursday of each month, 7pm. January and February on Zoom. November= The Life of Audie Murphey with Panel Discussion / January= Law and Order for Hire in Virginia with author Phillip Gibbs / March= Splintered Shadows: Recovering a French Resistante with Marilyn Moriarty
Headwaters Chapter of the Archeological Society of Virginia Monthly Meetings
Second Tuesday of July, September, and November; 7pm. Free and open to the public. Enjoy monthly speakers on topics of local archeology.
Ghost Walk 2026
October 1-3. The annual Ghost Walk returns to East Hill Cemetery. Join us for a fun, family friend walk through the Cemetery to meet ghosts from Salem's past. Tickets on sale September 1.
Salem, Virginia’s Cherokee Defense
October 10, 2pm. Chief Herdman’s talk will explore a little-known episode in the Colonial history of the Roanoke Valley involving then-Major Andrew Lewis, the local pioneer and militia leader, and Cherokee Chief Ostenaco, the warrior, orator, and diplomat.
Pickleball Social
October 17, 4-7pm. Calling all pickleball players! Visit the Salem Museum that evening for refreshments and a chance to meet fellow competitors. Explore the Museum with your friends and meet new team members.
"Discovery Rising: Celebrating Science and Technology at Roanoke College" Book Launch
October 20, 5:30-7pm. From a church parsonage in 1842 to the 2026 opening of the Shaun McConnon Discovery Center, “Discovery Rising” tells the remarkable story of science, technology, and innovation at Roanoke College. Curated by Glatha “Maggie” Madden, a 1969 graduate of Roanoke College, “Discovery Rising” features engaging narratives and more than 200 images and illustrations that guide readers through Roanoke’s evolution alongside the advances of the modern world.
Lithics/Stone Tool Symposium
October 24, 10am-2pm. Join the Headwaters Chapter of the Archeological Society of Virginia for a day of Native American history and tool demonstrations.
Ask an Archeologist
Beginning in October. Visitors to the Salem Museum will be able to see archeologists at work on the Museum's collection. Stop by their workspace to see what they are working on and ask them questions about what they do!
Audie Murphey Commemorative Hike
November 7, 10am. Join us for a hike to the Audie Murphey memorial.
Annual Member Reception
November 12, 5pm; Membership Meeting 6:30pm. All members are welcome to join us for refreshments and socializing prior to our November speaker. At 6:30, hear the annual report and vote on new Board members.
Peggy Shifflett Book Talk
Coming Soon. Local author Peggy Shifflett will discuss her upcoming book and have a book signing.
Workshops with artist Matilda Wentzel
Returns in Fall 2026. Join us for arts workshops. RSVP Required. More information HERE
Gingerbread Festival 2026
December 5, 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.
Wreaths Across America
December 19, 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.
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Sun - Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Sun - Mon: Closed
Tue - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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