The Gables proudly supports Hispanic Heritage Month
The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association joins the Salem community in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, which recognizes the contributions and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the present United States for centuries. Started by President Johnson as a week long proclamation in 1968; and then a month long celebration by President Reagan in 1988; Hispanic Heritage month (September 15 to October 15) also falls along Welcoming Week and the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.
Today, 57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin; in Salem Hispanics make up 15% of the population. Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country bringing with them their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service.
Through a flag raising ceremony hosted by the City of Salem we celebrated centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of the community.
The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association was founded in 1910 with the specific purpose of helping immigrants successfully settle in our community. While the countries from which most immigrants are coming to our city has changed since then, The Gables’ commitment to helping immigrants become engaged and active participants in the community is a strong as ever. We are both excited and proud to help Salem celebrate Hispanic Heritage month and becoming a Welcoming City.
The Community Conversations on Immigration series provides the community with the opportunity to engage in thoughtful, stimulating and provoking dialogue around immigration and all of its intersecting angles.
As part of Hispanic Heritage month, we invite you to join our next Community Conversation on Wednesday, September 26, as Magdalena Gómez explores Immigration in an interactive workshop.
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the idea of “welcome” in our lives, and how it benefits us to keep our minds and hearts open to new people and experiences. We will look at the diverse meanings of “welcome” and how we can welcome into our lives the people, situations and things that heal and calm us, as time for rest and reflection becomes increasingly elusive in a fast-paced society. Participants will be given tools based in theater, creative movement, writing and voice, to welcome more peace, and new people and experiences into their lives. Participants are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing, soft soled shoes and be prepared to move and have fun!