Enjoy it while visiting Salem in Massachusetts
In 1668, Capt. John Turner I had this beautiful mansion built by the waterfront. It remained in the Turner family for three generations until it was sold to Capt. Samuel Ingersoll in 1782. When Capt. Ingersoll passed away, his daughter Susanna Ingersoll inherited the property. The house was frequently visited by Susanna’s cousin, the now-famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne, and eventually became the inspiration for his renowned novel “The House of the Seven Gables” published in 1851. Although its official name is the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, the house is commonly known as “The House of the Seven Gables” due to Hawthorne’s association with it.
Back in 1910, the home was transformed into a museum for the public to enjoy. The founder of the museum, Caroline Emmerton, had a noble vision. She wanted to preserve the home for future generations and use the funds generated to support settlement programs for immigrant families. These days, the museum still upholds her wishes by supporting social work initiatives and providing various educational activities. You can visit the museum and be captivated by the original features that date back four centuries, such as the remarkable Georgian paneling. There’s even a hidden staircase that leads to the attic. Alongside the House of the Seven Gables, the property is home to six other historic buildings situated by Salem Harbor. These include the Hooper-Hathaway House, the Retire Beckett House, the Counting House, and the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, which was relocated here from Union Street in 1958. To enhance the visitor experience, there’s a dedicated center for guests and a store where you can purchase unique souvenirs. It’s worth noting that the entire campus has earned the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark District.