Q: What is the House of Seven Gables and why is it important?
A: The Turner-Ingersoll Mansion is well known as The House of Seven Gables. This 1668 mansion inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name. It is one of New England’s oldest surviving homes and our house tour features Salem’s maritime and settlement history.
Q: What does the site offer?
A: We offer two ticket prices: the Mansion Tour Package and the Gardens and Grounds Pass. The Mansion Tour Package includes a 45-minute guided tour through 9 historic rooms and also has access to the self-guided Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, Kids’ Cove, and a 30-minute self guided audio tour. The Gardens and Grounds Pass includes everything but the Mansion Tour.
Q: Does your site have public restrooms?
A: The restroom is in our Visitor Center for those who have purchased tickets.
Q: Are the Mansion Tours guided?
A: Due to the size of the building and tours running frequently, you do have to be with a Historical Interpreter. Everything on the grounds is self-guided.
Q: Can you buy the tickets online or can we buy them in person?
A: We highly encourage buying tickets online so you can select your desired tour time.
Q: How early should we arrive for the tour? How long is the experience?
A: Plan to check in around 15 minutes before your tour. Most people are on our property for approximately 75 minutes.
Q: When do tickets go on sale?
A: Tickets are released on a monthly basis (for the following month); they are available to members the 1st of each month, and then to the general public starting the 4th of each month, with the exception of October.
Q: Do you offer parking?
A: Though The Gables has a parking lot, parking is not guaranteed. Please plan extra time for travel.
Q: How often do tours run?
A: It varies during the season, so it is important to check the availability on the website.
Q: Are pets allowed on property?
A: Pets are not allowed on property. Service animals as defined by state and federal regulations are welcome.
Q: Are food and drink allowed on property?
A: Food and drinks are allowed on property but not inside the historic buildings. The only drink we allow inside the historic buildings is capped water.
Q: Is photography allowed? What is your media policy?
A: You are able to take photos without flash. No video or audio recording of any kind. If you are interested in booking an official photoshoot, our media policy is linked here.
Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: There are many wonderful sites Salem has to offer. To see a list of all attractions, click here.
Q: General transportation?
A: You are able to take the Salem Ferry, Salem Trolley, commuter rail, MBTA bus, and rideshare. To learn more about transportation, click here. Parking is limited and not always guaranteed. Most of the Salem attractions are within walking distance.
Q: Where do you recommend to eat?
A: There are many restaurants within walking distance. To see a list of restaurants, click here.
Q: Discounts?
A: We offer discounts for Military and immediate family, First Responders (EMTs, Firefighters, Police), Teachers, College Students, Salem Residents, NARM, MA Public Colleges, Seniors (65+), and SNAP/WCT/EBT. IDs need to be present.
Q: Is your site family friendly?
A: Yes, we offer scavenger hunts for children on our site and there is a Kids’ Cove. The Grounds Pass allows families to do a self-guided audio tour and take things at their own pace. The mansion tour is 45-minutes long with no hands-on interactions. During the summer weekends, we offer Hands-On-History. It is up to your discretion which ticket option is right for you and your family.
Q: Is your site accessible?
A: Due to the nature of the architecture at The Gables’ campus, our historic houses are not wheelchair accessible. Our Visitor Center, restrooms, Colonial Revival Gardens, grounds, and a portion of our Museum Store are. Information is available for visitors who cannot access our historic houses. The Mansion Tour lasts approximately 45-minutes and takes place on multiple levels in a historic home from the 1600s. Visitors are standing, walking, or climbing stairs during this experience. There is a discounted Accessibility ticket available on our “Purchase Tickets” page. This ticket allows access to the first floor of the Mansion and information regarding the upper floors for those who can access the building, but are unable to climb stairs.
Q: Who is Nathaniel Hawthorne?
A: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an author who was born in Salem, Massachusetts. His most popular novel is The Scarlet Letter. He was related to the Ingersoll family who lived in The House of the Seven Gables (Turner-Ingersoll Mansion). His frequent visits inspired him to write the novel with the same name in 1851.
Q: Is there a connection to the Salem Witch Trials?
A: There is an indirect connection to the Salem Witch Trials. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ancestor was the “Hanging” Judge Hathorne. His familial background also inspired the curse in The House of the Seven Gables. The trials themselves are not highlighted on tour.