Updated Where’s Poseidon Placard Short VersionWhere’s Poseidon?
The historic cast iron
Poseidon Fountain (c.
1850-1857) next to the
Salem Public Library is
quickly deteriorating!
The fountain has been
covered while we raise
funds for the $200,000
restoration.
Current State of the Fountain
The fountain has not worked for 6
years. It does not circulate water
and leaks badly. Widespread rust
due to lack of maintenance
threatens the sculpture, basin,
and castings.
Donations
The Trustees of the Salem Public
Library is a 501c3 tax-exempt
organization. Donations may be
made online at
www.salempl.org/fountain or by
cash or check dropped off or
mailed to Salem Public Library, 370
Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970,
ATTN: Fountain.
A recent professional condition
report of the fountain noted
“Time is not a friend to this
fountain. The damage being done
to it by the weather is increasing.
This is a rare surviving artifact
from its time period and deserves
to be cared for so that it survives
into the future.”
Check out our progress on Facebook
Friends of the Salem Public Library Fountain
How Can You Help?
We have applied for financing from
a variety of sources including CPA
funding, state and federal grants,
and private funds. We are also
accepting donations for this
important project.
Fountain History
The fountain was cast
by the Robert Wood
and Co. Foundry in
Philadelphia and
installed at Captain
John Bertram’s home,
later donated to the city
to establish the Salem
Public Library. It is one
of the few cast iron
fountains that survived
the scrap metal drives
of World War II.