The House of the Seven Gables celebrates maritime history during Salem Heritage Days

SALEM — There would be no House of the Seven Gables if it weren’t for a sea captain who grew prosperous and, in 1668, built a mansion at the harbor’s edge. This year The House of the Seven Gables celebrates Salem Heritage Days — August 1 to August 13 — with a line-up of maritime programs that connect The Gables to Salem’s storied maritime history. Salem Heritage Days are highly anticipated. Summer reaches its zenith and Salem’s residents and visitors enjoy, in fun and meaningful ways, programs related to Salem’s history, art and cultural scene. The city’s multitude of cultural resources are on proud display as friends and family take part in activities, sample good food and make surprising discoveries. Heritage Days at The Gables: Wednesday, August 2 Illustrated lecture on the USS Constitution Margherita Desy, naval historian for the USS Constitution, presents an illustrated lecture about the builders, sailors, marines and preservationists of the oldest commissioned warship in our country. This lecture is part of the Seven Lectures at Seven Gables series. It begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $7 for nonmembers and no charge for members and Salem residents. August 4 to 13 Maritime activities for all family members and visitors Guests at The Gables can learn about sailing the high seas with a variety of family-friendly and hands-on activities. The Family Navigation Game is offered daily from 10a.m. – 6 p.m. The Living History Labs’ hands-on history experience will take place daily from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6 Life and Labor Weekend at The Gables Labor- and work-focused tours of The Gables along with family-friendly Living History Labs will put young historians to work detecting and discovering. In addition, unique historical labor demonstrations are scheduled throughout both days. Tin-smithing and horn-carving demonstrations take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 5 17th Century Saturday Visitors explore Salem’s prized collection of First Period homes and take part in related activities on 17th Century Saturdays. The Gables’ First Period mansion — The House of the Seven Gables — will be open to visitors for guided tours followed by a Living History Lab in the 1682 Hooper-Hathaway House. Visitors may also visit the Museum Store on the museum’s National Historic Landmark District campus. The store is housed in the c. 1655 Retire Beckett House — thought to be one of Salem’s oldest structures. Tours and programs are included with paid admission to museum. Admission is free for Salem residents and members of The Gables. The annual exhibit in the Visitor Center is free and open to the public. For rates, hours, and more details, please visit www.7Gables.org.