The House of the Seven Gables was excited to welcome and host exchange students from our sister-city of Ota, Japan. Salem and Ota have enjoyed a sister-city relationship since 1991, and ever since, exchange students have enjoyed visiting Salem and exploring it’s cultural offerings. The students had lunch in the Visitor Center, and then had an opportunity to take a guided tour of The House of the Seven Gables itself, as well as explore Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birth home, the 1655 Retire Beckett House, and the beautiful gardens and grounds. They had a wonderful time!