GablesFest: The House of the Seven Gables celebrates its 350th Aug. 4

SALEM — It’s time to celebrate. The House of the Seven Gables — known as the Turner Mansion back in 1668; later, as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion; and, then, in 1910, as the best place to curdle the blood in a secret staircase — is having a party. A big one. The House of the Seven Gables is 350 years old this year and all are invited to join a celebration with international flair and hometown hospitality. Gables Fest — honoring 350 years of stories — is Saturday, August 4, from 4 to 10 p.m. at The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St., Salem, Massachusetts. “Gables Fest celebrates the 350th anniversary of The Gables through music and dance,” says Julie Arrison-Bishop, special projects manager. Guests are welcome to spend the afternoon and evening at The Gables, bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the entertainment. “We are making it a global affair to pay homage to the Settlement mission,” says Arrison-Bishop. “Come and hang out at any time between 4 and 10. There will always be something going on including food trucks, drinks and refreshments, performers, music, activities for the kids, dancing and more. Expect surprises!” Before 4 p.m., regular tours of the house will be running. Performers include: DÜNYA Ensemble performs a mix of Ottoman classical, folk, religious as well as popular music shared mainly by the Turkish, Jewish, Greek and Armenian people of Anatolia and the city of Istanbul. Music of Tibet performs Tibetan opera dancing. The Craft Ensemble is an all-female chamber classical music ensemble. John Kramer’s acclaimed and moving cantata, The Immigrant Experience, will be performed. According to the Winchester Unitarian Society, “this timely piece reflects the issues surrounding immigration, and features texts by the Founding Fathers and others that established the United States as a welcoming place — a place, in the words of George Washington, “open to receive not only the opulent and respectable stranger but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions.” Kramer’s cantata is composed in seven movements for choir, soloists, violin, clarinet, cello, and piano. The Madhouse band, with plans to get everyone on their feet and dancing. The Creative Collective, based in Salem, organized the entertainment and the food for this 350th anniversary community celebration. The House of the Seven Gables is notable for many things, key among them: the handsome and historic mansion — one of the few First Period mansions still standing; the colorful period gardens; the inspiration for native son Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The House of the Seven Gables”; the unparalleled location at the foot of Salem’s historic maritime waterfront; The Gables is one of six historic buildings — Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace among them — that make up the National Historic Landmark property; the dual mission, as robust now as it was when Settlement Association founder Caroline Emmerton began her settlement work in 1910, using the mansion to support her work with the region’s immigrants. About The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association and its dual mission The mission of The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association is to preserve The Gables’ 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. In 2018, The House of the Seven Gables celebrates a singular milestone. Built 350 years ago, it is still a place where stories are made. Ever the provider of shelter and support, The House of the Seven Gables inspires us as it once inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne. Where sea captains once found their footing, immigrants become citizens, visitors explore period rooms, historians pore over archives, children frolic in the gardens, and authors find inspiration. Celebrate this milestone with us and make your own stories at The House of the Seven Gables. Pricing for Gables Fest: • General admission $25 • Members $15 • Creative Salem members $20 • Salem residents $20 • Children under 10 $5 Logistics: Those interested in attending may reserve a spot at https://7gables.org/gables-fest-2018/. For more information, email jarrison@7gables.org or call 978-744-0991, ext. 152. Parking is limited. Those interested are advised to park at South Harbor Garage or the Blaney Street parking lot. Public transportation, such as the commuter train or the ferry from Boston, is also available. The half-mile walk from downtown Salem takes a leisurely 10-minutes. The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association acknowledges the generous support of Salem Cultural Council, Hawthorne Hotel, Van Loan School at Endicott College and North Shore 104.9.