The Salem 400+ student naming contest has advanced to community voting, with residents invited to select a name for the black cat mascot designed to engage Salem's youngest residents in the city's quadricentennial celebration.

The mascot, illustrated by Salem artist Karen Hallion, will serve as a children's ambassador at family-oriented Salem 400+ events throughout 2026, including library programs, community festivals, and youth activities.

"Salem 400+ encompasses many different ways to engage with our city's history and future," said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, "While our initiative includes preservation projects, scholarly programming, and comprehensive historical documentation, we also wanted to create an accessible entry point for our youngest residents. This mascot will help Salem's children feel connected to this special milestone in age-appropriate ways."

Community Voting Now Open

Students in grades 3 through 8 submitted name suggestions for the mascot throughout September. The top nominations are now open for community voting at https://www.salem400.org/get-involved/vote-for-the-salem-400-mascot-name/

"Based on the enthusiastic creativity our students showed when naming Chicken Nugget, our trash truck, we knew they'd bring wonderful ideas to this project," Pangallo said. "We want Salem's young people to be a central part of this celebration."

The winning name will be announced in January 2026. The class that submits the winning name will receive a plush version of the mascot for their classroom.

One Element of a Comprehensive Initiative

The mascot represents one component of Salem 400+'s multi-faceted approach to commemorating the city's quadricentennial. The broader initiative includes:

• Signature Parks preservation and enhancement projects that create lasting physical legacies
• Scholarly symposia and historical documentation exploring Salem's complex 400-year narrative
• Community-driven programming through the Salem 400+ calendar featuring diverse voices and perspectives
• Indigenous acknowledgment initiatives recognizing the Naumkeag people and Massachusett Tribe's enduring presence
• The Century Trees Program addressing climate resilience for future generations

The black cat character specifically serves family audiences, creating a welcoming presence at children's events while the initiative's broader programming engages residents of all ages with Salem's rich, multifaceted history.

Why a Black Cat?

The friendly character, brought to life by illustrator Karen Hallion, draws on Salem's cultural iconography while remaining distinctly focused on children's programming. The mascot concept was inspired by Salem's sister city of Ota, Japan, where character-based community engagement has successfully connected residents across generations. The approach reflects the ongoing cultural exchange between the two cities, which have been partners since 1991. The black cat will appear at family events, schools, and youth-centered activities—one of many ways Salem 400+ creates meaningful connections between residents and this historic milestone.

About Salem 400+

Salem 400+ commemorates Salem's quadricentennial in 2026 through a commitment to acknowledge the preexisting indigenous community, explore connections in Salem's multifaceted history since 1626, and craft a vision for current and future generations. The initiative encompasses preservation projects, cultural programming, community events, and opportunities for residents to contribute their own stories and perspectives to this historic commemoration.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, January 10th at 77 Willson Street (Salem High School)

Everyone is invited to attend the official kickoff of Salem 400+, a year-long celebration commemorating Salem's rich history, along with a Volunteer Fair showcasing opportunities for community involvement throughout the coming year and beyond. 

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Official launch of Salem 400+ celebration
• Remarks from city officials and organizers
• Door prizes, raffles, children’s activities, hot cocoa, free food
• Volunteer fair with local organizations
• Opportunities for community engagement
• Photo and interview opportunities

For more information about the naming contest or Salem 400+ programming, visit salem400.org.