MEET THE PAST
Fans of The House of the Seven Gables are in for a special treat on Saturday, April 21. Caroline Emmerton, the philanthropist who restored Salem’s Turner-Ingersoll Mansion and opened it for public tours as The House of the Seven Gables in 1910, is leading two tours on her birthday!
Salem historian and dramatic interpreter, Irene Axelrod, will reprise her role as Caroline Emmerton. It’s not only Emmerton’s birthday. The House of the Seven Gables is 350 years old this year. All are invited to The Gables this year to share in the many celebrations.
The power of the house to inspire is legendary. The mansion inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his bestselling novel, “The House of the Seven Gables,” and, later, it inspired Miss Emmerton to restore it and use the proceeds from house tours to fund a settlement house. Because of the house, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Emmerton’s efforts, many educational opportunities were afforded to newly arriving immigrant families. The work of the settlement program continues to this day through The Gables support.
Those interested in learning more are invited to join one of The Gables’ professional guides along with Miss Emmerton for an interactive tour of The Gables. She will explain in her own words why she was inspired to preserve the mansion.
There will be two tours: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. The cost for the general public is $15. The cost for members of The Gables is $10. Those interested should go to the Visitor Center at the National Historic Landmark, 115 Derby St., Salem, Mass.
About The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association
The mission of The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association is to preserve The Gables’ National Historic Landmark and leverage its power as an icon of American culture to engage diverse audiences and provide education opportunities for the local immigrant community. For more information visit www.7gables.org.
In 2018, The House of the Seven Gables celebrates a singular milestone. Built 350 years ago, it is still a place where stories are made. Ever the provider of shelter and support, The House of the Seven Gables inspires us as it once inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne. Where sea captains once found their footing, immigrants become citizens, visitors explore period rooms, historians pore over archives, children frolic in the gardens, and authors find inspiration. Celebrate this milestone with us and make your own stories at The House of the Seven Gables.
Sponsors for the 350th anniversary of The House of the Seven Gables are The Salem Inn and Soucy Insurance.
Caption:
Irene Axelrod reprises her popular role as Salem philanthropist–entrepreneur Caroline Emmerton on Emmerton’s birthday, April 21.
Website:
https://7gables.org/event/meet-past-caroline-emmertons-gables-tour/
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