Stories are at the core of what we do at The House of the Seven Gables. They are not just a part of our past, but also our present and future. In 2021, we look forward to exploring the lore of our historic site and surrounding community. To stay compliant with COVID-19 guidelines, many of our programs will be held online so that the maximum number of participants can learn with us.
The 2020 lecture series kicks off February 24 when acclaimed author Brunonia Barry discussed how Salem was an inspiration for her best-selling novels. Next in the series, a group of Instragrammers from #salemma will share the stories behind their popular images. In October, Ben Wickey presents his stop-action animation film, The House of the Seven Gables (2018). Finally, Mary Pilon, author of The Monopolists, joins us for our annual Thanksgiving weekend lecture to share the backstory on the classic board game, MONOPOLY.
The Gables will partner with Community Supported Film again in 2021 to more films from the New Immigrants and Refugee Visions documentary series. Each Community Conversation will feature two films and a conversation with the filmmakers. Join us as we learn about the successes and challenges of immigrants in our communities.
Kaylee Redard, a Gables Visitor Services Specialist, will demonstrate, live and online, colonial meal preparation. In partnership with Salem’s So Sweet, families are invited to the first ever Family Snow Sculpting Day. During Salem’s Ancestry Days. The Gables will host an Ancestral Bingo night.
Speaking of games, in 2021 our staff is excited to host our first ever MONOPOLY tournament. Get ready for lots of competitive options for adults and kids in a whirlwind day of game play.
In 2021, The Gables will host special programming that ties into our history and mission. Starting in April, visitors will be able to access Passages of the Past and Hawthorne’s Shadow. These unique audio tours, produced by Intramersive, take visitors around the streets of Salem and reveal little known histories with a theatrical twist. In June, ‘Nathaniel Hawthorne’ and ‘Henry David Thoreau’ share stories of their lives and work. We are pleased to present new themed tours of The Gables that will be offered throughout the year.
We look forward to making 2021 a great year – full of stories for all ages and inspiration and joy for all.