350th Celebration at The House of the Seven Gables

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

It’s time to celebrate! The House of the Seven Gables is having its biggest party in its 350 year history on Saturday, August 4 from 4 – 10pm. All are invited to join in this unique, community celebration of music, dance, food, drink, and fun by the sea!
This party is punctuated by its international flair, which pays homage to the unique dual mission of the organization. Founded in 1910 by Caroline Emmerton, The Gables was preserved, restored, and opened as a museum. Using proceeds from visitors, Emmerton started a number of settlement programs which offered educational experiences for newly arriving immigrants. This dual mission still serves the community today.

The Craft Ensemble

“The unexpected lineup of performers will delight audiences—from sea shanties to country-rock to a sunset cantata to Tibetan opera dancers, there is literally something for everyone!” says Julie Arrison-Bishop, special projects manager for the organization. “We are so excited to welcome everyone to the party and share the unique stories of our National Historic Landmark District side-by-side with performers from around the globe.”
The Gables staff partnered with Creative Collective to plan and host this event. The Collective is well-known in the North of Boston region for their fun, eclectic, and creative event planning. From drive-in movies on the harbor to holiday happenings, if the Collective is behind the planning, you know you are in for a night of surprises.

Mona Shoola

Besides performances on the mainstage, cozy music nooks will be nestled among the historic houses with everything from belly dancing lessons to acoustic guitar. There will be hands-on history programs, tours of the historic buildings, and local food trucks including Smokin’ Bettys BBQ, the Nex Mex Thing, and Bon Me. Grab an Ipswich Ale or a Rumson’s punch, put out your picnic blanket and enjoy the evening with us!
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. Advance tickets start at $15.00 and day-of tickets are $30.00 (additional pricing information below).

Tibetan Opera Dancers

See the lineup information below for more on what to expect from our performers!
Main Stage Performances:

• DUNYA: An Eastern Turkish Renaissance Ensemble playing traditional Turkish music.
• Dhangsang Lughar/Music of Tibet: Tibetan Opera Dancers sharing the history of Tibet through their music and dance.
• The Craft Ensemble: an all-women’s classical choral group
• The Immigrant Experience: A Cantata by John Kramer: “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.
• John Keegan & Madhouse​ with plans to get everyone on their feet and dancing to cap off the night!

Music Nook Performances (click on the links for videos!):

• The Portermen
• Alexandra and Josh
• John Raymond Jerome
• Carubia Brass Band
• Claude Fournier
• Mona Shoola
• Allen Estes

Pricing for Gables Fest:

• General admission $25
• Members $15
• Creative Salem members $20
• Salem residents $20
• Children under 10 $5

Click here to get your tickets: 7gables.org/gables-fest-2018. Have questions? Email [email protected].
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 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.

TOPICS: Culture, Entertainment, Family Fun, Historic Massachusetts