Female Empowerment in the Nineteenth Century
By Michaela Gaffney, Summer Intern at The House of the Seven Gables
Susanna Ingersoll is a symbol for feminine power and independence, dating all the way back to the nineteenth century. She was the daughter of Captain Samuel Ingersoll and was his only surviving child past the age of 22. When her father passed away on his journey home from a trading voyage in the West Indies, and her mother passed away seven years later, Susanna was left with their mansion and their fortune. It was said by William Bentley, writing after Mrs. Ingersoll’s death, that Susanna's family tried to take these things away from her with the “ferocity of tigers.” She was a strong woman with an independent mind. She never married and when her family members badgered her about the wealth she now owned, she stayed strong and didn’t give in to the greed and pressure, keeping the fortune to herself.
Susanna’s cousin, Nathaniel Hawthorne, often visited the mansion. She would describe the mansion and how it looked before her father changed the design. Samuel Ingersoll removed four gables leaving the house with only 3 in order to fit the Federal Style architecture of the time. Susanna described that the original house had seven gables. These visits and stories are thought to have inspired Hawthorne in his writing of the novel The House of the Seven Gables.
While living on her own, she became a very successful real estate agent. She bought and sold properties and even gave out loans to people who were trying to buy property. When people were not paying back their debts she never hesitated to bring them to court. Along with selling property to others, she had her own farm in Danvers that seemed to be like a second home to Susanna. She also was a member of the elite class in Salem and often hosted extravagant parties in her mansion. This kind of behavior was relatively unheard of in the female community during Susanna’s time. Women in the present day are still fighting for their equality in areas like the workplace and Susanna was a woman who, despite the fact that she was female, lived her life the way she pleased and was very successful in doing so.
Portrait of Susanna Ingersoll, date unknown.
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Taste of The Gables
You’re invited to the fourth annual Taste of The Gables, our signature fundraiser on Sunday, September 18th at 5:30pm. Join us for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie and fun with delicious offerings from local chefs and vendors, exciting auction items, and a celebrity auctioneer! Celebrated under the big white tent on our oceanfront lawn, this is the can’t miss event of the season. The tastings are fabulous, from Finz’ raw bar and Woodman’s incredible display, to Tim Hopkins gourmet specialties and the Hawthorne Hotel’s mouthwatering plates. Enjoy a sample from Harbor Sweets impressive table of handmade chocolates, or Café Avellino’s Italian delicacies! Sip on a beverage from one of the vendors, wander the seaside gardens, or bid on the array of silent and live auction items. It is sure to be a quintessential evening of food, fun and philanthropy!
All proceeds will benefit The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association’s dual mission to educate students from immigrant families and preserve our National Historic Landmark District.
During our year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of Caroline Emmerton’s birth, we will focus on her extraordinary vision as our founder, her philanthropy, and her legacy of contributing to the community. Ms. Emmerton purchased the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion and opened it to the public as The House of the Seven Gables in 1910. She used proceeds from ticket sales to fund Settlement work for immigrant families. Educational programs and social services helped newly arrived immigrants settle into their new surroundings. Today's programs support the current needs of our immigrant community by bolstering the education of at-risk students, helping children and adults develop literacy skills, learn English, achieve citizenship, and reach for higher education goals.
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Who?
You and your friends and family
How?
Reservations can be made at www.7gables.org
What?
Taste of The Gables---simply THE BEST event on the North Shore
Where?
115 Derby St., Salem, MA
(limited parking, car pool, check garages/ferry lot)
When?
Sunday, September 18, 5:30pm
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Meet our Intern
Hi, I’m Michaela Gaffney, the new summer intern at the House of the Seven Gables. I am a student at Salem State University and I expect to graduate in the spring of 2017 with a major in history and a double minor in marketing and photography. I have been busy working with the marketing team here at The Gables, trying to learn the ins and outs of museum work. I was pleased to find out that it is a very interactive career where you are connected to museum visitors, members, donors, etc. through social media in a fun, entertaining, and personal way. Keeping up with the duties and goals of a nonprofit museum is difficult work, but very rewarding when a historical monument like The House of the Seven Gables is able to be shared with the public. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to learn from the staff at The Gables and feel lucky to assist them in their pursuit of giving the museum visitors the best experience possible.
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Photo of the Month #H7G
Use the hashtag #H7G and we might select your image as our Photo of the Month.
Photo courtesy of Michaela Gaffney. Taken July 2016
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Member Perks
We are very happy to announce a new perk just for our members! For the first time ever, we are offering our members free admission to a dress rehearsal performance of one of our October shows, Spirits of The Gables or Legacy of the Hanging Judge. Dress Rehearsal night is Thursday, October 6th. Spirits of the Gables will run at 7:30pm, 7:35pm, and 7:40pm. Legacy of the Hanging Judge will run at 7:30pm, 7:40pm, and 7:50pm. Only one show time allowed per member (which includes 2 adults and all children under 18 in the same household at the Household membership level and above). Performances are not recommended for children under 8. A light reception will be held prior to the rehearsal, details to come. Space is limited! RSVP to rconary@7gables.org or (978) 744-0991 x104 to claim your spot before it’s too late!
More Upcoming Member Perks:
If you are not yet a member, please join us by signing up at www.7gables.org/support/memberships, or contacting Alyssa at (978) 744-0991 x109 or alyssa@7gables.org
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Gifts at The Gables
Enjoy the warm summer weather in style. Our selections of t-shirts are available in all sizes and in seasonal colors.
From our traditional The House of the Seven Gables logo, to our exclusive "Teaching Fine Witches Since 1692," we offer a comfortable variety.
Available for purchase at The House of the Seven Gables Museum Store. Can't make it to our Museum Store? Contact Everett Philbrook, Store Manager at 978-744-0991 x195 or ephilbrook@7gables.org, and we can have this item shipped to you.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Be part of one of New England’s premier historic sites and gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience in history, literature, museum studies and functions.
When you volunteer at The House of the Seven Gables, we work to match your skills, interests and availability with our needs. There are many volunteer opportunities at our organization, including docent, museum store, costuming… just to mention a few. If you're interested in volunteering, please fill out an application and let us know where you would like to volunteer. Volunteers who work at least 15 hours in a year are eligible to receive a free individual membership as well as 20% off in our Museum Store.
To view a list of available volunteer opportunities at The House of the Seven Gables,please visit www.7gables.org/about/careers-volunteers/
For more information or to apply for a career/volunteer opportunity, please contact Melissa Reynolds, Human Resources Manager, at 978-744-0991 ext. 111, or mreynolds@7gables.org
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Upcoming Events
Coming up in August
Weekends this summer through October 2016
10:30am-1:00pm,
and 2:00pm-4:30pm
Living History Labs
During the 150th birthday commemoration of our founder Caroline Emmerton, kids and kids-at-heart can take part in our hands-on history programming that will feature activities inspired by the earliest days of The House of the Seven Gables Settlement House. Included with admission.
For questions please contact rconary@7gables.org
August 5-14, 2016
10:30am-1:00pm,
and 2:00pm-4:30pm
Salem Heritage Days at The House of the Seven Gables
Come join us during Salem Heritage Days, where our ‘history lab experiments’ will feature hands-on activities based on early Settlement House programs offered in the early 20th century. You might practice your sewing, work on your paper folding skills or play 1915 games. Our activity will change daily and be available from 10:30am – 1:00pm, and from 2:00pm – 4:30pm.
For questions please contact rconary@7gables.org
August 6, 2016
10:30am-1:00pm,
and 2:00pm-4:30pm
17-Century Saturdays at The House of the Seven Gables
17th-Century Saturdays continues at The Gables. Bring the family and stop by the Hooper-Hathaway House for our Living History Labs. Guided tours of The House of the Seven Gables are free for members and Salem residents. Regular admission costs apply to the general public.
For questions please contact rconary@7gables.org
August 10, 2016
11:00am
Salem at SEA
Salem at SEA is a program where students from Salem volunteer around the community and create projects to solve problems in the city. These projects include working with the Community Development Coalition, Caribbean Connections, Healthy Harbors, Greenspace, the Salem Senior Center, and City Hall. On August 10 th at 1:30pm, The House of the Seven Gables will host the students. The event will start at 11 a.m. at the Salem Visitor Center; 1:30 p.m. at The House of the Seven Gables. Make sure to come out and support the community and to see how Salem’s youth are working to improve the city.
For questions, or for information, please contact anuncio@7gables.org
August 11, 2016
6:00pm-8:00pm
Seven Lectures - The History of the Preservation Movement
Ken Turino will explore the life and work of William Sumner Appleton, founder of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities now Historic New England. Using examples from New England historic sites including Caroline Emerton and The House of the Seven Gables, the presentation will illustrate Appleton’s numerous contributions to the evolution of the historic preservation movement during the first half of the twentieth century. The presentation will also look at the history of the preservation movement in America as well as Appleton’s legacy and influence on modern preservation efforts.
For questions, or to RSVP, please contact rconary@7gables.org
August 31, 2016
6:00pm-9:00pm
Paint the Gables with
Wicked Art Bar
Join us on the Seaside Lawn overlooking The House of the Seven Gables for a paint and sip night with Wicked Art Bar. No prior experience is needed to create your own painting of the House of the Seven Gables. Instruction and supplies are provided including an apron, brushes, paints, and a 16×20 canvas. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for check-in and mingling. Instruction begins at 6:30 p.m. Snacks and soft drinks are included. Beer and sangria will be available for sale.
You must follow this specific link to register:
http://www.wickedartbar.com/
event/road-show-at-house-of-seven-gables-paint-party-fundraiser-08-31-2016
Coming up in September
September 3, 2016
10:30am-1:00pm,
and 2:00pm-4:30pm
17-Century Saturdays at The House of the Seven Gables
17th-Century Saturdays at The Gables. Bring the family and stop by the Hooper-Hathaway House for our Living History Labs. Guided tours of The House of the Seven Gables are free for members and Salem residents. Regular admission costs apply to the general public.
For questions please contact rconary@7gables.org
September 15, 2016
6:00pm-8:00pm
Community Conversation -
How Can We Reframe the Immigration Debate?
Alexandra Piñeros Shields, Ph.D., Executive Director, Essex County Community Organization, will give an overview of the political and economic dynamics that have shaped U.S immigration policy and affected immigrants from Latin America. Her talk, How Can We Reframe the Immigration Debate? will highlight lessons for our current immigration policy challenges.
For questions please contact anuncio@7gables.org
September 16, 2016
12:00pm-1:00pm
Trails and Sails: Caroline Emmerton's House of the Seven Gables: A Pre-1920 Tour
Step back in time with a tour of The House of the Seven Gables as it was written by founder Caroline Emmerton before 1920. Hear the interesting interpretation of the museum as it was shared with the earliest visitors to the famed historic house and learn about how research over the years has helped The Gables share a more accurate story. In 2016, The House of the Seven Gables is commemorating the 150th birthday of Miss Emmerton with a variety of programming that celebrates her life, legacy, and vision. We invite you to learn about this unique vision and mission of preservation and social service.
Our historic house museum has limited space for tours. The maximum attendance for this program is 18. This program is free, but pre-registration is required.
For questions or to RSVP please contact rconary@7gables.org
September 18, 2016
5:30pm-9:30pm
Taste of The Gables
Join us on Sunday, September 18 for The Gables’ annual fundraiser. Taste of The Gables 2016 takes full advantage of our region’s spectacular bounty. Gather with us on this special evening as we celebrate good food, good friends, and supporters. Tickets are $80 for members and $100 for those who are not yet members. Tickets are now available. To purchase your tickets for this event, please visit:
houseofsevengables.tamretail.net
For questions or to RSVP please contact rconary@7gables.org
September 21, 2016
6:00pm-8:00pm
Seven Lectures - Bells of Change: Tracing the Story of India's Classical Kathak Dance - An Author Talk and Performance
Dance, theatre, and pageantry played an important role at the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association in the days of Caroline Emmerton. Join Anjali Mitter Duva, author of the historical novel Faint Promise of Rain for a journey to 16th century Rajasthan, India. Based on her travels to that desert region and on her study of kathak dance, a classical storytelling art that blends both Hindu and Muslim traditions and aesthetics, Anjali will tell the story of this classical art form as it traveled through India’s tumultuous history, mirroring the region’s own story as the dance was performed by Hindu temple women, then Muslim courtesans, then residents of red light districts, and finally by artists on the international stage. Anjali will include a short kathak dance demonstration, and books will be available for sale and signing.
For questions or to RSVP please contact rconary@7gables.org
September 24, 2016
10:00am-11:00am
Trails and Sails at The House of the Seven Gables: A Colonial Revival Garden Q&A
Join longtime Gables' head gardener Robyn Kantor for a brief overview and Q&A related to the Colonial Revival seaside gardens at The House of the Seven Gables. Ms. Kantor will share the unique design history, information about plantings, and field questions about how to make your own garden bloom. The initial presentation will start at 10:00 a.m. Visitors are welcome to arrive anytime during the hour but will not receive the full presentation. This program is free, but registration is required. The maximum attendance for this program is 20.
For questions or to RSVP please contact rconary@7gables.org
September 25, 2016
2:00pm-3:00pm
Trails and Sails at The House of the Seven Gables:
Caroline Emmerton: A Woman of Letters
Join David Moffat, lead interpreter at The House of the Seven Gables, for his special lecture Caroline Emmerton: A Woman of Letters. Mr. Moffat is the author of Caroline Emmerton: An Unbounded Vision, a short biographical work that was the companion for our 2016 exhibit commemorating the 150th birthday of the founder of The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association. Throughout 2016, The Gables has been celebrating the vision of Miss Emmerton with special programs, parties, lectures, and more. We are delighted to be able to offer Mr. Moffat’s look into rare archival material related to one of Salem’s most influential women of the twentieth century.
This program is free. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The maximum attendance for this program is 50. Our visitor center and lecture area are accessible. Due to the nature of our historic house museums, they may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
For questions or to RSVP please contact rconary@7gables.org
What's Happening in Settlement?
On July 5 th, the Caribbean Connections program got underway at St. Peter’s / San Pedro Episcopal Church for its fourth run. Program enrollment was originally estimated at 15-17 students, but enrollment now stands at 24 students ranging in age from 5 to 12 years of age.
The summer curriculum was targeted at students in grades 3 through 5, primarily English language learners in Salem. Reflecting the demographics of Salem, the majority of ELL students in the classroom are Latino. Students from other language backgrounds are also present – two children are from Cameroon and one from Iceland.
The ample classroom space at St. Peter’s / San Pedro Episcopal Church enables two bilingual teachers to deliver a rich literature-based program that offers basic Spanish-language instruction as well as English language development. Its primary goal is to help students uncover the hidden historical connections between Salem and the Caribbean. The two teachers will deliver instruction in English and Spanish with the main goal of growing students’ language skills during the five-week period.
The program runs four days a week, Mondays through Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Before the program ends on August 5 th, students will have participated in six field trips, including one to the Tsongas Industrial History Center at Lowell National Historical Park, and one to nearby Bakers’ Island in Massachusetts Bay.
Thank you to the following organizations for their support of this program:
What's Happening in Preservation
The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association was formally presented with a Salem Five Heritage Grant on May 23 at Salem Five’s headquarters at 210 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts. Don Glass, Trustee of Salem Five Bank and Chairman of the Salem Five Heritage Grant Foundation presented the $5,000 Grant to Kara McLaughlin, the executive director of The Gables. Also present from The Gables were Karen Barter, Director of Development and Rosario Ubiera-Minaya, Trustee. Mr. Ping Yin Chai, President & CEO of Salem Five Bank were also present. Mr. Chai congratulated all the recipients for the good work they do in the community.
The House of the Seven Gables received this grant to support ongoing work for the Secret Rooms Project. Restoration and construction for the project was launched in February 2015 and includes work that will reinforce the original framing members, investigate original decorative treatments dating back to 1668, and restore spaces in the mansion that have never been seen by the public. With an anticipated opening in early 2018, Gables staff hopes that the new room will expand interest and visitation to the museum which in turn will support our dual mission of preservation and education.
The Salem Five Heritage Grant was established when Heritage Bank and Salem Five merged. It continues to promote the community work that Heritage Bank had funded. Other recipients included: Family Promise North Shore Boston Inc., Girdler House in Beverly, Mission of Deeds, NanCamp of Marblehead, and Salem Academy Charter School
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