by Dan Marshall, Manager of Visitor Services
Our new exhibit, “A Gracious Host: Visiting The Gables Through the Years”, opened to people, punch, and the ghosts of tours past on the evening of April 2nd, 2015.
A story 130 years in the making, party guests explored the informational panels and pictures of this in-depth telling of the history of The House of the Seven Gables as a tourist attraction. Some of the exhibit’s artifacts include our earliest souvenirs and pages from an early tour script hand-written by our founder Caroline Emmerton. In fact, special tours through the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion based on that pre-1920 script were a much talked about highlight of our opening night.
As the wonderful music of pianist Jacqueline Schwab filled the air, guests sampled dishes made from recipes featured in an old cookbook, titled “Gathered at the Gables”, that is now long out of print. These tastes of the past were expertly prepared by Rothwell Catering and the recipes were given out as a special gift. Some guests also came in costume from their favorite decade which added to the vintage atmosphere.
The evening had begun with a staff toast, recognizing all the hard work that went into the researching, planning and implementation of this exhibit. I would especially like to thank our exhibits workgroup for sharing their talents on this project. They are: Ryan Conary, Deb Costa, Kristen Cunha, Merritt Kirkpatrick, Kara McLaughlin, David Moffat, Rachel Sherman, Mary-Ellen Smiley, & Robin Woodman.
Though the food and music has faded, the history endures. Come and explore “A Gracious Host: Visiting The Gables Through the Years” through August 30th and make your own memories of our iconic historical landmark.
