House of the Seven Gables
add photosThe House of the Seven Gables’ mission has continued to focus on education, preservation and community service. Today the social service part of the mission focuses on children and youth. Emmerton Hall, located across the street from the main campus and known as “The Settlement,” serves 150 children ages 3-12 through its preschool, day care, after school, and summer camp programs. These programs are available to all families, regardless of income levels.
6 Reviews for House of the Seven Gables
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'11, '12
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"Historic, Interesting - and a Hidden Staircase!"
During our trip to Boston last year, we drove up to Salem, MA for the day. After touring the witch museum we decided to check out the House of the Seven Gables and Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace (both buildings are located on same property). Admission to this attraction was included with our Go Boston! cards that we had previously purchased.
We had the chance to tour these houses during an INTENSE thunderstorm, so that added a definite eerie factor to the trip. :)
Dressed in period costume, our tour guide led us through the House of Seven Gables and then around the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace. She stopped in each room to point out interesting items or historical pieces, or to share interesting facts.
We were in a small group - maybe 6 or 7 all together. Due to the more intimate setting of this tour, children will need to stay on the quiet side so that everyone can hear and touching of most items in the house is not allowed. Some families might choose to save this one for when the kids are a little older.
This tour requires some walking and climbing throughout the houses - some stairways are tight and narrow.
We enjoyed our visit. It was not on our original itinerary of places to see in MA, but we were definitely glad that we added it!
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"Save this for the older children"
I'm glad we saw the House of Seven Gables. The history, architecture, and period furnishings are worth the price of admission, but only if you can appreciate all of the above. The staff is very knowledgeable and will share their knowledge gladly. If your kids don't like to be in small confined places while being carried and constantly told to be quiet, maybe this is not the place for them. Howver, the grounds around the house are a great place to wait while others enjoy the tour.
0 families found this helpful
"House of Seven Gables"
The House of the Seven Gables is a novel written in 1851 by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. I went there in high school on a class field trip. We were able to see house and furnishings as it was left. The Pyncheon family lived there. There is a secret old wooden staircase inside they let us go up.
1 family found this helpful
"Great bit of history"
We ventured to the House of the Seven Gables in the heart of Salem, MA. It is nestled in a charming residential area and is very easy to find. We carried our little daughter throughout the grounds and found the staff to be very informative however watchful of our movements throughout the house. If your little one does not like to be carried, this would not be an ideal place to visit. Instead, this tour would be great for older kids if they are interested in a bit of a history lesson. The grounds and home are in great condition thanks to ongoing restorations. Have fun!
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
A fun place to visit, even for people who aren’t familiar with Nathaniel Hawthorne’sbook, The House of the Seven Gables. Three underlying themes will be emphasized during your tour: the House of the Seven Gables architecture, the maritime history of Salem, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Walk through the house (which has undergone a lot of interior restoration) to see the secret staircase hidden along the chimney, which winds up through a wall (this may be all that the younger kids will remember about the house), and the low-beamed attic. Hawthorne’s birthplace is on the property; it’s furnished with period furniture, and the guides know a lot about the family and their times.
4 families found this helpful
"Not for small children"
You can't touch anything inside (including walls and ceilings), so don't bring kids who can't keep their hands off things. Good for adults and interested older children. Lasts about an hour for the tour.
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