FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2023
The House of the Seven Gables Receives Nonprofit Equity Grant from the City of Salem
The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association has been awarded a grant of $24,561 from the City of Salem through its Nonprofit Equity Grant Program. This grant will aid in the expansion of The House of the Seven Gables’ Settlement offerings, increasing support for immigrant communities on the North Shore.
The House of the Seven Gables is world-famous as one of America’s earliest historic house museums and the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 gothic romance. Lesser known is the museum’s longstanding commitment to supporting immigrant families, first envisioned by founder Caroline Emmerton in 1910. Emmerton was a prominent activist in the “Settlement House” movement and restored the famous Salem home to be used as a gathering place for free English, citizenship, and practical skills classes for both children and adults. Proceeds from public tours of The House of the Seven Gables funded this work. The Gables carries on Emmerton’s mission today, with a modern approach grounded in listening to and working with communities to identify and address need.
Funds from the Nonprofit Equity Grant will help The House of the Seven Gables address two recently identified needs. The Gables has partnered with the North Shore Community Development Coalition to provide more practical and accessible English as a Second Language classes in the spring, fall, and summer of 2023. These new classes take place during the day at the Community Development Coalition’s Espacio Community Center at 105 Congress Street. One class utilizes The Gables’ existing curriculum, while the other combines English instruction with computer literacy. The grant will help cover instructor costs, the purchase of texts and materials, and software and app licenses to enhance in-class instruction.
This grant will also allow the House of the Seven Gables to pursue Recognized Organization status with the United States Department of Justice Executive Office of Immigration Review. Recognized Organization status requires employees receive significant training in immigration law. Grant funds will allow Gables staff members to complete this necessary training. Settlement Programs Manager Ellen Berry said this status will build directly on The Gables’ current Citizenship Preparation classes. “With this designation, we will be able to provide our students greater guidance to navigate the immigration system and support for people who want to become citizens,” said Berry.
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
MEDIA CONTACT
Julia Wacker, Marketing and Communications Manager
The House of the Seven Gables
jwacker@7gables.org
978-744-0991
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