Shown going over the lists of tours are, front, from left, Hope Theiss, Richard Theiss, Jennifer Brown of Salem Renaissance; back, from left, Jay Wooten of Salem Historical Society, Bill Barlowe and Kelly Bush of Salem Preservation Society, and David K. Schwartz of Salem Renaissance. (Submitted photo)

Members of three local cicvic organizations recently gathered to celebrate the discovery of lost historic recordings which were missing for over 16 years.

In 2009, Salem Renaissance engaged Richard Theiss to record the history of thirteen residences and businesses that played a vital role in the founding and subsequent abolitonist /Civil War history of Salem.

Members of the newly-reconstituted Salem Renaissance wanted to share the recordings with the two groups so they could put them to good use through tours, seminars, webinars or other online services.

The tours were originally recorded on MP3 players and have been downloaded to more updated devices for easier sharing of the information.

Among the 13 locations on the tour include Freedom Hall, Danial Howe Hise Home, Sam Reynolds Carpenter Shop, the John Whinnery Home, Jacob Heaton’s Quaker Tavern, the John Deming Home and the John Street Sr. Home.