Salem Forges Sister City Bond With English City for Quadricentennial

The Massachusetts city's 400th anniversary celebration includes a new formal tie to Roger Conant's English birthplace.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The city of Salem, Massachusetts is commemorating its 400th anniversary in 2026 by establishing a Sister City relationship with East Budleigh, England, the birthplace of Salem's founder Roger Conant. The move formalizes a historic connection, as Conant led a group of English colonists to what would become Salem in 1626. Salem is celebrating its legacy with a year-long "Salem 400+" celebration, while East Budleigh will host a "Peacemaker Festival" to honor Conant.

Why it matters

The Sister City relationship between Salem and East Budleigh highlights the deep historical ties between the two communities, dating back to the founding of Salem 400 years ago. It also provides an opportunity for the two cities to celebrate their shared history and values of "peace, courage, and cooperation" that continue to shape Salem today.

The details

In June 2025, Salem resident Karen Scalia delivered a letter from Mayor Dominick Pangallo to the East Budleigh with Bicton Parish Council, proposing the historic connection. The East Budleigh Council unanimously agreed to the proposal, and on Thursday, the Salem City Council voted to officially formalize the Sister City relationship. The connection will be celebrated during the upcoming "Food at 400+" festival in June 2026, with representatives from East Budleigh and the British Consulate-General in Boston, including Roger Conant's direct descendant, celebrity chef Scott Conant, participating.

  • In June 2025, Karen Scalia delivered a letter proposing the Sister City relationship.
  • In 2026, Salem is celebrating its 400th anniversary throughout the year with "Salem 400+".
  • From May 15-17, 2026, East Budleigh will host its first "Peacemaker Festival" to honor Roger Conant.
  • In June 2026, the "Food at 400+" festival in Salem will celebrate the Sister City connection.

The players

Roger Conant

The founder of Salem, Massachusetts, who was born in East Budleigh, England in 1592 and led a group of English colonists to what would become Salem in 1626.

Karen Scalia

A Salem resident who initiated the discussions about the Sister City relationship between Salem and East Budleigh.

Dominick Pangallo

The mayor of Salem, Massachusetts, who filed the resolution with the Salem City Council to establish East Budleigh as a Sister City.

John Tresidder

The Chair of the East Budleigh Parish Council, who expressed delight in supporting the historic anniversary and recognizing the enduring connection between East Budleigh and Salem.

Scott Conant

A celebrity chef and direct descendant of Roger Conant, who will participate in the "Food at 400+" festival in Salem celebrating the Sister City relationship.

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What they’re saying

“There has been tremendous interest within the East Budleigh community in celebrating Roger Conant's achievements. We are delighted to support this historic anniversary and to recognize the enduring connection between East Budleigh and Salem through our twinning.”

— John Tresidder, Chair of the East Budleigh Parish Council (Patch.com)

“Salem 400+ honors not only our complex history, but also the values of peace, courage, and cooperation that continue to shape our city. Roger Conant is central to Salem's story, and we are proud to celebrate that legacy alongside our friends in East Budleigh.”

— Dominick Pangallo, Mayor of Salem, Massachusetts (Patch.com)

What’s next

The connection between Salem and East Budleigh will be celebrated during the upcoming "Food at 400+" festival in June 2026, where representatives from East Budleigh and the British Consulate-General in Boston, including Roger Conant's direct descendant, celebrity chef Scott Conant, will participate.

The takeaway

The establishment of a Sister City relationship between Salem, Massachusetts and East Budleigh, England highlights the deep historical ties between the two communities, dating back to the founding of Salem 400 years ago by Roger Conant. This partnership provides an opportunity for the cities to celebrate their shared history and values, while also looking towards the next 400 years of friendship between the two communities.