House of the Seven Gables
Shadowy figures, phantom footsteps, and ghostly giggles reportedly fill this historic Salem mansion
Ghost Stories at the
House of the Seven Gables
- Lights around the home are said to turn on and off by themselves
- The apparition of a boy has been seen in the attic
- Disembodied footsteps are heard on the stairs
- Shadow figures have been spotted around the house
- Faucets reportedly turn on and off by themselves
- Ghostly laughter has been heard around the house
- The apparition of Susanna Ingersoll has been seen
Fabled Past of the House of Seven Gables
There are few homes in Salem, Massachusetts, that match the city’s ‘witchy’ aesthetic as well as the House of the Seven Gables.
The large historic home has sat just off the salty Atlantic shores in Salem for over three centuries. The home’s black, shadow-like exterior and steep gabled roof make it seem eerie, like the stereotypical ‘witch’s house.’
But, local lore suggests you won’t find witches at the House of the Seven Gables, but you might find ghosts.
From shadowy figures, as dark as the home’s exterior paint, to sounds of phantom footsteps, the historic home might have more ghosts than it does gables.
Timeline of House of the Seven Gables's History
Swipe or use timeline points to see House of the Seven Gables through the years
1668
Originally built in 1668, the House of the Seven Gables was initially the home of John Turner. Turner was a successful sea captain and oceanic merchant, and so naturally bought up a plot of land right on the water. His home was quite spacious for the era, and served his ever-growing family. In the end, three generations of the Turner family resided in the house.
They maintained ownership for over a hundred years, but it wasn’t until the Turners sold the home that it began housing eccentric, famous names.
1782
In 1782, the Turners sold the house to Samuel Ingersoll. Another successful sea captain, Ingersoll was out to sea quite often. But unfortunately, he never returned home from one trip, having been lost to the ocean’s waves.
But, Ingersoll’s family remained in Salem to care for the house for many years after. Eventually, the large seaside home fell to Susanna Ingersoll, Samuel’s daughter and the cousin of writer Nathaniel Hawthorne.
1851
Nathaniel Hawthorne, born in Salem in the early 1800s, made several visits to his family at the House of the Seven Gables over his first few decades of life. His time in the house went on to inspire a famous novel later in life, The House of the Seven Gables.
The book, published in 1851, tells a tale of a family’s life in their Massachusetts home. As the 1800s wound down, the historic home’s past faded from view, hidden behind renovations and modern updates.
1908
In 1908, the old house came under the ownership of Caroline Emmerton. Emmerton was already a successful philanthropist and resolved to use her resources to restore the house and turn it into a museum. Over the next two years, she oversaw the redevelopment of the mansion back to what it would have looked like in the late 1600s.
She also ensured the restoration of all seven gables, many of which had been removed in remodels over the years. The restored home opened in 1910 as a public museum.
1958
In the years since its public opening, many changes came to the House of the Seven Gables. In 1958, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace was moved to the house’s grounds. Today, Seven Gables remains an ongoing work in progress. A 2015-17 project brought kitchen and dining spaces back to life. And as more of the home gets restored, more of its history literally comes alive in spirit.
Along with being a renowned museum, the House of the Seven Gables is said to be one of Salem’s most haunted stops. Might you meet the haunting of Nathaniel Hawthorne?
Is The House of the Seven Gables Haunted?
While it has been made famous by Hawthorne’s 1851 novel with the same name, you’re unlikely to find Nathaniel’s ghost around the House of the Seven Gables, but you may find other ghosts.
The House of the Seven Gables is said to have numerous specters roaming through the rooms. One of the most well-known is the entity of a mysterious little boy.
Said to reside in the home’s attic, the little boy’s ghost has been seen as a shadowy apparition. Though many people have claimed to see the boy’s figure, no one has ever positively identified him.
However, there is a popular rumor that he is the spirit of Julian Hawthorne, Nathaniel’s son. This is likely just a tall tale, as no one can even confirm how often Julian even visited the Salem home.
Ghosts of The Gables
Another well-known specter of The Gables is Susanna Ingersoll herself. She is most often seen as another shadowy apparition in the house. Her spirit is often seen moving around the house, going room-to-room as if still taking care of chores and house work from beyond the grave.
Some people have claimed to see her dark figure watching them walk by from the home’s upper floor windows. Given Ingersoll lived in the home for many years, and kept it in the family for generations, perhaps it makes sense her ghost has stuck around to take care of it.
Spirits on the Secret Staircase
One paranormal hotspot in the home is the ‘secret staircase’ off the dining room. Many rumors and stories swirled about this tight, steep, hidden away staircase in the house. Was it for the Underground Railroad? Was it to hide away some long lost secret of the Salem Witch Trials?
Unfortunately, the story is simply that it was added by Caroline Emmerton during her renovations in the early 1900s. But, the little staircase has since purportedly become a ghostly hotspot. Phantom footsteps are often heard heading up and down the hidden steps. Sometimes, they are even accompanied by a male shadow figure. But, to date, no one has identified this spooky stair stepper.
Mysteries at the Seven Gables Museum
Other unknown activity is regularly noted at both the House of the Seven Gables and the other buildings at the now expansive museum complex. Strange laughter and giggling has been heard, and many believe it is the spirit of another little boy.
Additionally, buildings around the property with modern electricity and plumbing have also noted odd happenings. Lights will be turned on and off by unseen forces. Similarly, sinks in the bathrooms will have their faucets turned on by phantom hands. Could these be the curious hands of ghosts, exploring modern amenities like electricity and plumbing for the first time?
The Gables: One of Salem’s Many
Mysterious Museums
The House of the Seven Gables today remains dedicated to its ongoing life as a museum. But, like most other places in Salem, Massachusetts, it is forever intertwined with the spooky and supernatural.
You can’t currently book overnight ghost hunts or ghost-centered tours of the home or grounds, but they offer several kinds of tour options. You can also pre-plan group tours of the museum, and even rent the space for events and weddings.
While the House of the Seven Gables seems more focused on history than hauntings, the ghosts within bring an undeniably enchanting intrigue to the home and its restorations. Of course, they offer an extra side of mystery with each tour.
Might you hear ghostly footsteps or spot a shadow figure as you traverse the rooms? Even if you don’t, be sure to check the upstairs windows from the garden as you leave. Susanna’s spirit might be seeing you off with a smile.
