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Collections & Archives

OVERVIEW

Discover the House of the Seven Gables’ remarkable collection, spanning from the late 1600s to today. Our collection and archives highlight the stories of those who lived and worked here, the evolution of our historic buildings and grounds, our visionary founder Caroline Emmerton, the life and legacy of Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the Settlement Association established in 1910 to assist local immigrant communities.

The collections include archives, a library of books, and a diverse array of objects such as furniture, decorative pieces, and paintings. Many of our archival materials and books are now accessible online, along with a curated selection of objects. Explore the links below to browse our digital collections and enjoy a sampling of our archival treasures.

Treasures from the Archives

Scroll through to get a sampling of some of our Archives treasures, including:

  • Nathaniel Hawthorne papers related to his life, work and family (Hawthorne Family Papers).
  • Caroline Emmerton papers related to the site and the museum and Settlement Association she founded here (Caroline Emmerton Papers.)
  • Family papers – Papers relating to the families who occupied the buildings owned by The House of the Seven Gables throughout their histories (Upton Family Papers, Elizabeth Upton Haywood Eaton Collection).
  • Settlement Association papers – materials related to the history and operation of the Settlement Association (House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association Records).
  • Book collection – including first edition Hawthorne works, books owned by Susanna Ingersoll, and many others.
  • Photographs/oral histories/slides/films relevant to the site and its history.
  • Postcard Collection.
Go to Treasures from the Archive

ARCHIVES ONLINE

The Gables’ archival materials encompass family papers, personal correspondence, ephemera, and business records, thoughtfully organized into distinct collections. Research guides—also known as finding aids—provide historical context for each collection and are available online for the following:

  • Oral History Interviews
  • Caroline Emmerton Papers.
  • Elizabeth Upton Haywood Eaton Collection.
  • The House of the Seven Gables Postcard Collection.
  • Hawthorne Family Papers.
  • House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association Records.
  • Upton Family Papers.

Each collection guide offers a comprehensive list of materials, including items that may not be fully accessible online. Visitors can browse digitized samples from the collections and request additional information to support their research.

When browsing our collections, guides are listed first under “A Guide to the (Collection Title),” followed by individual collection items. You can also search the catalog by keyword to find specific materials.

Go to Archives Online

LIBRARY ONLINE

An online catalog of The House of the Seven Gables’ library collection is now available for online browsing. Many of the books are rare first editions or have some historical connection to The Gables. All have individual records, though some are notably part of collections. Collections include Hawthorne’s Works Series, Ingersoll-Connelly family books, and Ulysses S. Grant’s personal collection of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s works.

GO TO LIBRARY ONLINE

COLLECTIONS ONLINE

The House of the Seven Gables boasts a remarkable collection spanning from the 1600s to today. Highlights include Nathaniel Hawthorne’s desk, portraits of notable residents, a dollhouse crafted by Settlement woodshop students in the 1950s, a rare painting by Sophia Peabody (later Hawthorne), and a mysterious 18th-century clock from Antigua. Our online catalog primarily features furniture, paintings, prints and decorative arts that have adorned The Gables throughout the years. Explore detailed images and information on each piece, including descriptions, origins, materials, and dates. Additional objects will be added to the online catalog as they become available.

GO TO COLLECTIONS ONLINE

DONATIONS

The House of Seven Gables Settlement Association welcomes offers of donations to our collections and is grateful to be considered by donors. All gifts to our collections and archives must first be approved by the collections manager who will provide the donor with legally mandated paperwork to be completed prior to receipt of the material. The Museum has limited storage, so is only able to accept items related to: the families that have lived and worked here; the site and buildings; the Derby Street neighborhood and associated Settlement work; and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s work, life and family.

 

Please do not send or leave donations without first contacting Curator of Collections Susan Baker at sbaker@7gables.org. If you wish to use or reproduce materials from the collections or archives for any reason, please contact Marketing and Communications Manager Julia Wacker, at jwacker@7gables.org, who will inform you if there are any restrictions on a case-by-case basis.