To the editor:

I am a passionate admirer of Salem’s history and its preservation. A recent interaction between a friend and some members of Salem has left me reflecting on the town as a whole. My friend, Heather Smith, was reportedly told to be cautious about what she says publicly because of her affiliation with a certain group and that they are not “activists”.

This incident speaks volumes about a troubling reality: there appears to be a lack of support for those who are willing to speak up about difficult topics. To remain neutral in uncomfortable matters is not a passive act. It continues a legacy of white supremacy and silences voices that are critical to a full and honest understanding of our history.

I am reminded of how the early Quakers first experienced persecution for religious nonconformity and later for their outspoken activism against slavery and their active role in the Underground Railroad. I wonder how many of us realize that Quakers were not the only activists?

Black residents of Salem were not just the beneficiaries of this movement; they were its key architects and conductors. They created safe houses, formed vigilance committees, and put their lives on the line to help others escape slavery. These were acts of profound bravery and activism that have gone largely unacknowledged in Salem. True preservation is not about a comfortable, sanitized version of the past; it’s about making space for the uncomfortable and essential stories of those who were on the front lines, fighting for a more just nation.

This has led me to question what we, as a community, truly deem worthy of preserving. Is it just certain historical sites and buildings? Or does it also include the people and the ideas that made our community dynamic and diverse? As Heather would say, “Who’s story isn’t being told”?

Salem needs to embrace the passion of “non-experts” like Heather. The kind of energy and fresh perspective she offers is exactly what’s needed to move beyond a limited, one-dimensional view of our past. How can we thrive as a community when the word “activism” is viewed as something to be avoided?

I hope this incident prompts a difficult but necessary conversation in our town. We must decide what our values are and how to balance the preservation of our physical past with a more inclusive and truthful telling of Salem’s activist past. We are Quakers after all.

Brandy Krannich,

Salem