As we near the end of summer, we mark the beginning of what is, in my opinion, the most exciting season of the year. The heat of late summer makes way for autumn’s chill. Leaves begin to turn, sending a wash of fresh color over the landscape. Fall is a transition between New England’s climatic extremes, providing us a picturesque and often pleasant time to enjoy the bounty of our regions offerings.
The month of October is well known, especially to Salem locals, as the liveliest and most bountiful month for seasonal and cultural events. During October, the city celebrates Halloween with a month long festival, Haunted Happenings. At The House of the Seven Gables, we continue our annual October evening performances, Spirits of the Gables and Legacy of the Hanging Judge on select nights beginning Columbus Day weekend. These exciting, dramatic presentations take guests through the halls of two historic houses, where they will encounter the burdened characters from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s timeless novel in Spirits, and the real-life people affected by the events of the Salem Witch Trials in Legacy. Tickets are still available for both shows; please check 7gables.org for more information.
This past summer was one of exciting accomplishments and new initiatives for The House of the Seven Gables. On Sunday, August 23rd, we unveiled our brand new Historic Gardens Guide & Map, which is a gift to our guests with a donation of any amount. The Guide & Map is full of beautiful images and interesting information about the history and horticulture of our scenic seaside gardens. It also includes a map to assist visitors in exploring the grounds of the museum.
August 31st, marked the end of the exhibition, A Gracious Host: Visiting The Gables Through the Years. But with the removal of the exhibition panels, comes the release of the booklet, A Gracious Host, which will serve as a continuation of the experience. The exhibition and booklet highlight the history of The House of the Seven Gables not told on the guided tour. Between the publication of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel in 1851, and the restoration and opening of the house to the public in 1910, there is an untold history to explore. The booklet is available for purchase in our museum store.
With exciting new developments and continuing traditions, this season is sure to be thrilling for all of our visitors.