Caroline Emmerton leads a special birthday tour of The Gables

SALEM — Using historical documents and intriguing details gleaned from years of research and study, historian Irene Axelrod will lead a very special tour of The House of the Seven Gables. The tour is scheduled for noon on Friday, April 21 — the birthday of the founder of The House of the Seven Gables, Caroline Emmerton. Axelrod, who does a remarkable portrayal of Emmerton — one of Salem’s most revered and productive philanthropists, will be in character for this entertaining and informative reenactment. Axelrod makes use of Emmerton’s 1920-era, handwritten tour script to craft her lively, personalized narration. Caroline Emmerton restored The House of the Seven Gables in the early 1900s. In 1920 she opened The Gables as a museum and used proceeds from tours of the historic mansion to support her neighborhood Settlement House. Miss Emmerton, as portrayed by Irene Axelrod, will also talk about the many meaningful community connections made over the decades. The Settlement House programs are still a significant facet of The Gables’ mission. Space is limited, so advance registration is strongly suggested. Admission includes a guided tour with Miss Emmerton, an audio tour of the gardens and grounds and more! The cost is $14 for nonmember adults. Salem residents and members of The Gables may take the tour free of charge. Visit www.7Gables.org/events or call 978-744-0991, ext. 152 to register. The House of the Seven Gables is located at 115 Derby Street, in Salem, Massachusetts. There is some parking available onsite. About The House of the Seven Gable Settlement Association The mission of the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association is to preserve its National Historic Landmark and leverage its power as an icon of American culture to engage diverse audiences and provide education opportunities for the local immigrant community. For more information visit www.7gables.org. This year The House of the Seven Gables focuses on life and labor over four centuries on the historic museum campus. Special programming includes an interactive exhibition, lectures, conversations and family programming. All programs are designed to share the history of work using The House of the Seven Gables as a model for both ordinary and extraordinary jobs. Website: http://bit.ly/2nZFijG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1587242064626996/ Caption: Irene Axelrod leads a special tour of The House of the Seven Gables on Friday, April 21, at noon. She portrays The Gables’ founder, Caroline Emmerton, in celebration of Emmerton’s birthday — using intriguing details from historical documents. Photo by John Andrews.