Over the weekend my husband and I visited Salem. One of the sights I most wanted to see was the Friendship, a reproduction of one of the merchant ships. The original ship was built in 1797, perfect for the period of my books.

This is the lighthouse (a more modern addition) to Derby wharf. Derby wharf was the longest wharf for the merchants of Salem and would have been lined with warehouses.

The Friendship tied up on Derby wharf.

Although the ship looks a lot larger close up (here is the mast and figurehead), I can hardly believe people crossed oceans in something so tiny.

And yes, my friends, my next Will Rees will be set in Salem, Mass.