The House of the Seven Gables
Massachusetts
The House of the Seven Gables, also known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, is a colonial mansion built in 1668 in Salem, Massachusetts. Originally constructed for Captain John Turner, a wealthy sea captain and merchant, the house is renowned for its distinctive gables and colonial architecture. Over the centuries, it underwent expansions and renovations, including Georgian style updates in the 18th century. The mansion inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel of the same name, with its evocative atmosphere and historical significance. Today, it serves as a museum preserving early American architecture and history, featuring 17 rooms and over 8,000 square feet. Beyond its historical value, the site functions as a settlement house offering free ESL and citizenship classes to local immigrants, continuing a legacy of community support established in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the mansion, its gardens, and participate in various public programs and events.
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Tip: Visit between late spring and early fall for pleasant weather and garden enjoyment. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure entry, especially for guided mansion tours. Take advantage of group tour options and attend special events or themed tours, including Spanish-language tours. The site offers free ESL and citizenship classes for immigrants, reflecting its ongoing community mission.
Interesting facts
- •The house inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous 1851 novel, though Hawthorne was inspired more by the name "seven gables" than the actual architectural features at his time.
- •It is one of the oldest surviving timber-framed mansion houses in continental North America.
- •The house was originally built with seven gables, but renovations reduced the number to three by the 19th century.
- •The mansion serves as a settlement house offering free ESL and citizenship classes to local immigrants, continuing a community mission started over a century ago.
- •The house was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007.
History
Built in 1668 for Captain John Turner, the house remained in the Turner family for three generations before being acquired and remodeled by the Ingersoll family in the 18th century.
The house originally featured seven gables, though renovations reduced them to three by Nathaniel Hawthorne's time.
In 1910, Caroline Emmerton restored the mansion and opened it as a museum and settlement house to support immigrants.
Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, it has preserved architectural elements from colonial and Georgian periods, making it one of the oldest timber-framed mansion houses in continental North America.
Place Guide
Central Portion (Original 1668 Section)1668
The middle section of the house, built for Captain John Turner, featuring the original two-room layout, massive central chimney, and four original ground-floor windows from the dining room.
South Extension with Three-Gabled Garretcirca 1676
Added by 1676, this spacious front wing includes a parlor and large bed chamber with higher ceilings, double casement windows, and an overhang with carved pendants, capped by three gables.
Georgian Style Renovations18th century
Remodeling in the first half of the 18th century by John Turner II introduced Georgian wood paneling and sash windows, early examples of the style preserved in the house.
Mansion Gardens and Seaside Lawn
Outdoor areas offering scenic views of Salem Harbor, spaces for relaxation, public programs, and events amidst historic landscaping.
Contact
Phone: (978) 744-0991
