Salem: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s House
by sarahcoggrave
A sunny day brought out the best in Salem.
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Having grown rather tired of rainy Boston, and cities in general, it was refreshing to discover this quaint little town, only a short train journey away.
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I spent much of the morning exploring the snowy streets, and visiting the slightly disappointing Witch Museum. Off season much of the town’s attractions were closed, leaving only Nathanial Hawthorne’s House left to explore.
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Although I’ve heard of the famous author, I’ve never read any of his books, but, being fascinated by the concept of a house museum (I’ve visited several such places in the UK) I was keen to find out more.
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The house/buildings were typical of New England – old, aesthetically pleasing affairs. The house pictured below was even cut in half and brought here from its original location, so as to complete the museum complex, and preserve the author’s birthplace and home. The documentary photographs (on display inside the museum/house) are incredible.
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Entrance to the house covers a tour – our guide was excellent. The house had a long history prior to Hawthorne’s occupancy, having been owned by sea captains, and subject to numerous modifications (before its seven gabled existence, upon which one of Hawthorne’s novels is based, and named after). It was fascinating to learn about the reasoning behind the decoration and architectural choices, ranging from the practicalities associated with keeping rooms warm to the latest styles and aesthetic trends.
Indeed, if anything this tour, complete with a tiny secret staircase, revealed houses (and homes) as fluid, adaptable structures; conversations with their owners and now, petrified and preserved to tell a story. The transition from home to museum is certainly a strange one, dealt with in multiple ways. Take the Bronte Parsonage Museum – very museum-like and with plenty of original artefacts, contrasting with Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Manchester – much more interactive and home-like, largely containing reproductions and imitation artefacts. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s house strayed closer to the former, although the staircase was a nice interactive touch.
Had I been a fan of the author, or have read his books, no doubt I’d have gotten much more out of the museum. Nonetheless, still an enjoyable experience.
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After admiring some more of Salem, I finally made the snowy, but picturesque train journey back to Boston.
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Once again I found myself back at the hostel, huddled over a map, trying in vain to find cost effective ways to explore the city on my ever-looming final day – not only in Boston, but of the trip itself.
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See also:
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum And Other Adventures In Boston
Tracing Other Places 
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