New Gables' exhibition delves into the mansion's secrets

SALEM — All are invited, free of charge, to the opening of “These Walls Do Talk,” a new exhibition at The House of the Seven Gables. The exhibition addresses some key questions about the stately and rather mysterious Turner-Ingersoll Mansion — also known as The House of the Seven Gables. One of the most frequently asked questions is — How do you know what you know? The answer? The mansion, 350 years old this year, yields its secrets one at a time through historical research, science and ongoing investigation at the site. Some of the more notable findings are on display at the new exhibition, along with pieces from the collections. Like any good detective novel, the story is in the details. The exhibition opening is Friday, April 6, at 5 p.m., in the Visitor Center at 115 Derby Street, Salem. Guests are invited to join staff in celebrating the mansion’s 350th anniversary and the opening of this intriguing exhibition. Walls do talk and what they have to say can be surprising, edifying and just plain fun. Among the methods of discovery are the analysis of paint, wallpaper and architecture, along with the study of primary source documents such as deeds and drawings. The exhibition features an interactive kiosk on decorative arts along with 11 text panels and a variety of objects ranging from archaeological fragments found at The House of the Seven Gables during a dig in 1991 to a section of wall with paper hangings dating back centuries. The Gables staff is excited to raise a glass with its friends near and far in celebration of the 350th anniversary of The House of the Seven Gables. Exhibition sponsors include: David M. Hart, AIA; CTM Media Group; Peabody Essex Museum; Adelphi Paper Hangings, LLC; Red Barn Architecture; Merry Fox Realty; and Structures North Consulting Engineers, Inc. Sponsors for the 350th anniversary of The House of the Seven Gables are The Salem Inn and Soucy Insurance.