Press Release
March 5, 2021
Membership comes with its perks, but this behind-the-scenes offering is a bit special even for the most innovative museums. And it promises to be lots of fun.
On Saturday, March 13, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., members of The House of the Seven Gables are invited to explore early Salem history using all their senses. The Gables has revised one of its most popular interactive school visit programs — Naumkeag Settlers to Salem Shippers — to operate virtually. But before it launches, members will test it out and deliver their verdicts. Members are welcome to sign up here.
After months spent updating the program to meet new curriculum standards and figuring out how to make a hands-on program virtual, staff are almost ready to go live. First, adventurous members will spend an hour delving into the nuances of spices, wool, fish, games and even take a virtual 3D tour of the 1668 mansion. Member feedback is gratefully sought and put to use when making final tweaks.
“This is a rare chance for members to see what new things we’re doing with a very well-loved program that has been running for years,” says Kaylee Redard, a Visitor Services Specialist with The Gables. Redard worked this past summer and fall updating the program. One of the final steps, says Redard, happens March 13. “Members that choose to participate will be guinea pigs for an hour!”
This school program, designed for grades 2 through 5, brought busloads of students to The Gables. The students experimented with wool carding, food prep and period games. They took guided tours of the mansion before heading back to school.
The updated program, says Redard, is a mix of open, virtual discussions, hands-on activities using household items, and use of video for instruction. Teachers and Gables’ staff will work with students and Zoom technology to deliver what already appears to be a novel, engaging experience. It’s up to members now.
About The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association
The mission of The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association is to be a welcoming, thriving, historic site and community resource that engages people of all backgrounds in our inclusive American story. For more information visit www.7gables.org.
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 with a special series of lectures, programs and events.
Website:
https://7gables.org/event/member-exclusive-decolonizing-the-gables/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1360364857662171
Caption:
Adventurous members of The House of the Seven Gables are invited to be guinea pigs for an hour on Saturday, March 13. Pictured here, dried salt cod, a staple in 17th-century kitchens. Members will help staff put the finishing touches on a revised version of a very popular school program.