Salem's premier museum houses over a million objects—paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, drawings, textiles and architectural objects— related to the history of the region, with an emphasis on seafaring and international trade. The department of Maritime Art and History includes a fascinating collection of 19C carved ships' figureheads and an expansive exhibit on Yankee whaling. The 10,000-object Asian Export Art collection is also formidable. The Peabody also sponsors guided tours of three historic houses (reservations required) that trace the evolution of architecture, values and life in Salem.