The House of the Seven Gables: Salem, Massachusetts
The House of Seven Gables Photo by Have Kid Will Travel
The House of the Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne, sits in its own historical district overlooking the ocean in Salem, Massachusetts. The complex includes the famous mansion (which seems small by today’s standards), the Nathaniel Hawthorne house (where the author was born),the counting house (a reproduction captain’s house with interactive experiences), the Museum Store (set in the home of Retire Beckett, master shipbuilder and designer of the first American yacht), historic gardens and seawall. A small play area sits outside the counting house where kids (and adults) can “captain” a ship.
In the Counting House Photo by Have Kid Will Travel
The history of the House of the Seven Gables is incredible. It only stands now due to one woman and her vision; Salem philanthropist Caroline Emmerton. She purchased the building, which, at that time, had only three gables, and hired Joseph Everett Chandler, a preservation architect, to restore it and interpret Hawthorne’s novel inside its rooms. In fact, the house only had three gables when Nathaniel Hawthorne knew it; the recollection of seven gables he immortalized came from his cousin’s youthful memories.
Captains of the Ship Photo by Have Kid Will Travel
The House of the Seven Gables tour was the highlight of our time in Salem. The guides are knowledgeable, entertaining, able to answer questions and take you through every nook and cranny in the house- up through a fireplace, out invisible doors and into the attic. The tour was entertaining enough to keep the attention of my daughters, ages 2 and 4. Unfortunately photos and videos are not allowed within the house.
What you need to know:
The House of the Seven Gables is open year-round, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas and the first two weeks of January.
Tours run continuously and take about 45 minutes for the main house and the Hawthorne House. The remainder of the grounds are self-tour; take as long as you like.
Admission rates:
- Adults $12
- Seniors $11
- AAA $11
- Children 5-12 $7.25
- Under 5 free
Directions from Boston: Follow US Rt. 1 North or Rt. 95 North to Rt. 128 North. Take exit 25A (Rt. 114 East). Follow Rt. 114 East into Salem. When Rt. 114 turns left onto Norman Street, continue straight ahead onto New Derby Street. New Derby Street becomes Derby Street. The House of the Seven Gables is on the right. Complimentary parking is available during your tour.
The houses are not handicapped accessible and contain steep, narrow stairs.
