Gables' vacation week brings kids back to early Settlement House days

SALEM — From April 14 to April 22, children and families are invited to learn more about one of Salem’s most honored cultural institutions — Salem’s Settlement House that began in the Derby Street neighborhood. Settlement House programming got its start more than one hundred years ago with proceeds from tours of The House of the Seven Gables. During April Vacation Week, The Gables will offer special Living History Labs programming modeled on some of the Settlement House experiences. Living History Labs are a regular feature of The Gables’ family programming during school and summer vacations. The themes and activities change throughout the year. Settlement House founder and esteemed Salem philanthropist Caroline Emmerton worked with immigrant families living in the neighborhood of the museum. The children often attended classes in household and industrial skills such as cooking, woodworking, sewing and gardening. They and their family members also joined theatrical, musical and athletic clubs offered through Emmerton’s charitable programs. Children and their families are invited to take part in The Gables’ Living History Labs that feature hands-on activities derived from the early Settlement House. All are welcome to play both scientist and historian in ‘lab experiments.’ Practice sewing, work on paper folding skills and play 1916 games. The Living History Lab activities take place April 14 through April 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and are free of charge with a museum ticket. Salem residents and members are admitted free of charge. The Gables is located at 115 Derby St., Salem. Some parking is available. For more information, call 978-744-0991 or check out the Museum website at https://7gables.org.