Below are some of the most common questions we have received from visitors planning trips to Salem and The Gables. Please review these before reaching out, as inquiry volume is very high. If we did not answer you question, please contact us at info@7gables.org.
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 was constructed by the Turners, a wealthy sea merchant family, and later inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name. Because of its fame it was saved by Caroline Emmerton and turned into a Settlement House in 1910 in order to serve our local immigrant population.
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: 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. Our Grounds Pass is self-guided with an audio guide.
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: 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: 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: I want to purchase multiple tickets for the same Mansion Tour, but your system is only letting me select one. What is going on?
A: Due to capacity restraints in the house, our Mansion Tours have a limited number of tickets. Inability to purchase your desired number for a particular tour indicates you need more than are available. Please choose a different tour time and try again. DO NOT buy tickets for different times and days for one group. Each ticket is only valid for the time and date on said ticket. Tickets cannot be refunded or rescheduled.
Q: How often do tours run?
A: Mansion Tour frequency varied during the season, so it is important to check the availability on the website. Grounds passes offer open entry between 10AM, with the last entry entry at close (4,5,or 6PM seasonally).
Q: How early should we arrive for the Mansion Tour Package? How long is the experience?
A: Please plan to check in around 15 minutes before your Mansion Tour. Most Mansion Tour ticket holders are on our property for approximately 75 minutes.
Q: How early should we arrive for the Grounds Pass? How long is the experience?
A: Grounds Pass ticket holders may arrive at any time during museum hours. Most Grounds Pass ticket holders are on our property for approximately 45 minutes.
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. Please visit 7Gables.org/accessibility for more information.
Q: Does your site have public restrooms?
A: The restroom is in our Visitor Center for those who have purchased tickets.
Q: Do you offer parking?
A:Though The Gables has a parking lot, parking is not guaranteed. Please plan extra time for travel, as Salem traffic is generally heavy.
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: To allow for the enjoyment of all visitors to The House of the Seven Gables and to help us care for our buildings, collections, and landscapes, we appreciate your compliance with our guidelines for personal and professional photography. Recreational photography for personal use is allowed during your visit, however no flash photography or videography is allowed.
Professional photography shoots are permitted when approved in advance, and require a signed contract between the photographer and The Gables, along with a certificate of insurance. If you are interested in booking an official photoshoot, our media policy is linked here.
The House of the Seven Gables may photograph or film its events and public programs. Unless you notify the photographer on site otherwise, your attendance at an event or program (including our tours) grants The House of the Seven Gables permission to display and/or publish any photographs in which you appear.
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: 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: Where do you recommend to eat?
A: There are many restaurants within walking distance. To see a list of restaurants, click here.
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.
Q: Where can I find financial information about The Gables?
A: To view The Gables’ 2023 990, click here.