House of the Seven Gables | Salem MA

House of the Seven Gables – In Detail

The House of the Seven Gables, located at 115 Derby Street in Salem, Massachusetts, is one of the most iconic and historically significant homes in New England. Best known for inspiring the 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the property is both a National Historic Landmark and a key piece of America’s literary and colonial heritage.

Historical Background

Construction and Architecture:
The house was originally built in 1668 by Captain John Turner, a wealthy merchant. It is a classic example of 17th-century New England colonial architecture, specifically a style known as "First Period" or post-medieval English. The original structure included multiple gables, steeply pitched roofs, large central chimneys, and leaded glass windows. Over the centuries, the house was expanded and modified several times by different owners.

Ownership Lineage:
The Turner family owned the home for three generations before it was sold to the Ingersoll family in the 18th century. Susanna Ingersoll, a relative of Hawthorne, owned the house during the time Nathaniel Hawthorne visited it, and her stories about the home helped inspire his famous novel.

Literary Connection – Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Novel:
Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables is a Gothic romance novel that blends fiction with the real history and architecture of the house. Themes include ancestral guilt, the passage of time, and redemption. While the book is fictional, the physical structure of the house deeply influenced the setting and atmosphere of the story.

Family Ties:
Hawthorne was born in Salem in 1804 and was a descendant of Judge John Hathorne, one of the infamous Salem Witch Trials magistrates. This connection to Puritan legacy and guilt shaped much of his writing.

Hawthorne Birthplace:
The author’s actual birthplace, a modest home built in 1750, was moved onto the House of the Seven Gables property in the 1950s and is now part of the museum tour.

Museum and Visitor Experience

Guided Tours:
Visitors can explore the interior of the historic mansion through guided tours, which provide rich storytelling about the Turner and Ingersoll families, colonial life, and Hawthorne’s literary legacy. Original features such as secret staircases, beamed ceilings, and centuries-old artifacts are preserved.

The Secret Staircase:
A unique and memorable feature of the tour is the narrow, hidden staircase tucked behind a fireplace. Though not original to the 1668 design, it was added in the early 20th century restoration to match the mysterious tone of Hawthorne’s novel and has become one of the most talked-about elements of the visit.

The Grounds:
The beautifully landscaped seaside gardens provide sweeping views of Salem Harbor. The grounds include:

Hawthorne’s Birthplace

A Colonial Revival seaside garden

The Counting House, reflecting Salem’s maritime trade history

A museum store offering literary-themed and locally crafted items

Interpretive Exhibits:
Inside the visitor center and historic structures are exhibits focused on Salem’s maritime economy, Puritan society, and themes from Hawthorne’s work.

Architecture and Preservation

Restoration:
In the early 20th century, preservationist and philanthropist Caroline Emmerton purchased the house and restored it with the dual goal of historical preservation and social philanthropy. She founded The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association in 1910, using proceeds from museum admissions to fund programs for immigrant families.

Architectural Integrity:
While elements like the secret staircase were added during restoration, care was taken to maintain historical authenticity based on documentation and period materials.

Cultural and Educational Impact

Historic Landmark Status:
The site is a designated National Historic Landmark, recognized for its architectural significance and literary associations.

Educational Programs:
The museum offers school programs, family events, and cultural workshops focusing on American literature, early colonial life, maritime history, and immigration.

Community Role:
The property still supports settlement work through educational outreach and community engagement, staying true to Emmerton’s original vision of combining cultural preservation with public service.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA, just a short walk from other historic sites, Salem Harbor, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Accessibility:
While parts of the house are centuries old and include narrow staircases, efforts have been made to provide accessible paths, interpretive signage, and alternate materials for those unable to tour certain spaces.

Public Transit:
Easily reachable via MBTA commuter rail (Salem Station), with walking access to downtown Salem attractions.

Summary

The House of the Seven Gables is far more than just the setting for a Gothic novel-it’s a living landmark that captures the essence of colonial New England, literary history, and American preservation efforts. With its evocative architecture, rich storytelling, and connection to Nathaniel Hawthorne, the house offers a multifaceted experience that blends fact and fiction, heritage and imagination. It remains a cornerstone of Salem’s cultural landscape and a must-see destination for lovers of history, architecture, and classic American literature.