The year 2020 marked the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War Two, an outcome that powerfully changed American life. To explore what happened locally after the soldiers came home. BOOM! Salem After WWII celebrates the boom times that Salem and the United States experienced from 1945 through 1952.

In Salem, the period started and ended with a BOOM—parades, programs, and community-wide celebrations! When victory was announced in 1945, all of Salem erupted with joy. Impromptu parades took place along Main Street. A similar set of events, planned in advance, took place in 1952 when Salem celebrated its 150th anniversary. The whole town turned out for parades, historical performances featuring a cast of 500, and other activities that lasted a week.

In between, Salem experienced a baby boom and a surge in students, growing demand for suburban housing, and a wide range of consumer goods available once more. New businesses opened and expanded up and down Main Street and all through the town. Existing schools saw expansions, and two new schools were soon built.

The exhibit opens with a display of weapons and equipment brought home from the war. Notable residents are featured, including actor John Payne, the star of Miracle on 34th Street.