From Our Director
We have had an amazing few months here at The Gables. Since our last update, we have welcomed over 45,000 visitors. We saw twenty-five thousand guests in October alone. These figures put us up 10% over the same period last year!
On September 21st, more than 250 people attended our annual fund-raising event, Taste of the Gables. On November 15th, more than 120 Salem residents took part in our Salem Residents Appreciation Day party as we launched a program to offer free museum admission for Salem residents. Salem residents can now enjoy our historic house museums and waterfront gardens on a complimentary basis year-round, with the exception of October.
Over the past few months we have also completed some highly visible projects, including the installation of a new, wooden shingle roof on the Hooper-Hathaway House (1682) and the construction of a new, architecturally appropriate porch on The Settlement House (c 1806).
We are looking forward to the winter season and to next year, and the many things we have planned. Keep your eyes open for family friendly holiday activities, Christmas tours, special lectures and exhibits, community conversations on immigration, and of course, more preservation projects, including new roofs on the Retire Becket House (1655) and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace (1750).
None of these accomplishments or future plans would be possible without the work of the talented and dedicated staff here at The Gables. Nor would they be possible without your support. Please know that I remain grateful for both.
At this time of thanksgiving, on behalf of our Board of Trustees and our staff, I wish you, your family and friends a safe and happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Kara McLaughlin
Executive Director
