About Charlotte Forten Hall
See additional photos and 360-degree panoramas of Charlotte Forten Hall in our virtual tour.
The Renaming of Viking Hall to Charlotte Forten Hall
During the 2024 spring semester, Viking Hall the newest residence hall was renamed after its first African American graduate, Charlotte Forten, a member of the class of 1856. Forten Hall is the first time a campus building has been dedicated to an African American woman. For 65 years Charlotte was a tireless advocate for the end of slavery; equality for women and people of color; and education for all. Her life embodied activism and social justice.
Learn about Charlotte Forten Hall
Charlotte Forten Hall is the newest of the residence halls at Salem State. Forten houses 350 residents in suite-style rooms.
Each suite consists of student bedrooms, an entryway space, and a bathroom. There are four floors, each with common lounge areas for students to study and meet. Charlotte Forten Hall also houses a Starbucks and meeting spaces on the ground floor, with a separate entrance from the residence hall.
Forten offers small lounges (both television and study lounges) throughout the building and a large community space, including mailboxes, vending machines, a laundry area, and a television and lounge area. Also on the ground floor is a cafe, meeting room, and staff offices.
What to Know About Living in Forten
Charlotte Forten Hall is staffed by a full-time resident director, a graduate resident director and 10 RAs. A 24-hour information desk is located at the entrance to the hall.
Charlotte Forten Hall received LEED Gold certification for its energy efficiency and other sustainability features. The building also houses the campus bicycle storage room to help protect bikes during winter.
Contact and Mailing Information
Building Address:
When addressing mail to this building, please use the following layout:
Student Name
Charlotte Forten Hall/ Student Box #
1 Loring Avenue
Salem State University
Salem, MA 01970