Nestled on the windswept shores of Salem Harbor, the infamous House of the Seven Gables stands out. With its striking black facade, the historic mansion is right at home in spooky Salem, Massachusetts. But other than its gothic appearance, what draws nearly 100,000 visitors each year to this unique homestead? Are people visiting to catch a glimpse of history?
…or ghosts?
A brief history:
The House of the Seven Gables was built in 1668 for Captain John Turner. He was a wealthy man who earned a living as a sea captain and merchant, a profession that would later claim his life at sea. Before renovations, the house originally consisted of two rooms and a central fireplace before growing into the grand home it is today. Three generations of the Turner family would reside inside. However, the tides turned when (it is rumored) John Turner III lost the family fortune and was forced to sell the house in 1782.
The Ingersoll family moved in next, and the house remained relatively unknown until American author Nathanial Hawthorne took inspiration for one of his most famous works.
Nathanial Hawthorne, born in Salem, began visiting the house to spend time with his second cousin, Susanna Ingersoll. Hawthorne is said to have been enthralled by the house, saying, “I think I shall make something of it.” And make something, he did.
In 1851, The House of the Seven Gables was published, and the house’s legacy was never the same.
After the publication and subsequent success of Hawthorne’s novel, the then Turner-Ingolsoll house began receiving visitors hoping to catch a glimpse into the setting for The House of the Seven Gables.
Then, in 1908, Salem native Caroline O. Emmerton purchased the property and transformed it into a museum, as well as a settlement association for immigrants in Salem. It is a philanthropic mission that still lives on today.
The House of the Seven Gables offers FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship classes to adults eager to learn English and those aspiring to become American citizens. Our classes help immigrants adjust to life in the U.S. by teaching language, culture, and legal essentials for a smooth integration.
Hauntings and Ghostly Encounters
Visitors claim to see some very strange occurrences that have yet to be debunked.
It is said that a woman in black can be seen strolling through the halls or sitting in a room, gazing at visitors as they walk by.
After spending so many years caring for the house, many believe Susanna Ingersoll’s soul lingers long after her passing.
If you find yourself wandering the attic, don’t be surprised if you spot a young boy. No one is sure who the boy is or why he prefers to remain in the attic, but he’s been seen, often playing with his toys.
And if you look at just the right time, the apparition of Captain Turner can been seen behind windows.
Some have even said they’ve seen Nathanial Hawthorne himself! Though, there are far fewer accounts of that.
Besides ghostly figures, many have heard disembodied voices, footsteps, laughter, and even music wafting through the house.
Adding to its mysterious ambiance, The House of the Seven Gables has its very own secret stairway leading to the attic (similar to the one described in Hawthorne’s book).
The narrow passage was built to help John Turner Jr.’s sisters escape if ever accused of practicing witchcraft.
Additionally, the house’s ornate exterior door features 500 iron nailheads.
Iron has been associated with warding off evil spirits and offering protection.
Whether or not the front door served a spiritual purpose is up for debate.
The House of the Seven Gables is a tourist destination in Salem for many reasons. Stemming from John Turner’s ties to his work with slave plantations in the West Indies to the Salem Witch Trials and a horror-romance written by one of America’s most famous novelists, The House of the Seven Gables has all the makings of a true haunted house.
Whether or not the ghosts of yesteryear still call the house their own is yours to decide, should you choose to visit.
Learn more about The House of the Seven Gables.
by Christina Persaud