Images by Joey Phoenix for Creative Collective
The gallery was not found!A new exhibit – Pop! Goes the Gables – opened this past Friday night at the House of the Seven Gables. The exhibit explores how Hawthorne’s novel and the 1668 mansion have influenced pop culture over the centuries.
Since the museum’s opening visitors have been inspired by the 350-year-old mansion and its illustrious past. Photographs, film clips, comic books, and objects from The Gables’ collection illustrate how this icon of American history and literature has inspired American culture over the years.
To celebrate this new exhibition and the role the historic house has played in pop-culture over the last century, the house welcomed two special heroes – Wonder Woman and Batman (characters from Ice Queen Cosplay Princess Parties), who entertained kids and adults alike during the opening with temporary tattoos, comic strip creation, and photo opportunities. Pianist Claude Fornier was also there to play music for the crowd and lead a ‘name that tune’ trivia game.
In addition to the exhibit itself, the food, the music, and the superheroes, guests could also play Greg Hassett’s 1978 House of the Seven Gables computer game, which requires players to answer directional questions to avoid ghouls and other beasties in the haunted house.
The exhibit is part of a series of ongoing pop-culture programming including the Seven Lectures at Seven Gables series which will host with an array of topics including TV, music, sports, and comics.
The first lecture takes place on April 11 — “Astral Weeks: A Secret History of 1968.” There will also be another Community Conversations scheduled this spring on May 1: “Becoming American: Immigration and Popular Culture.” This film and discussion series explores many timely issues surrounding immigration in America, which will be open and free to the public.
About the House of the Seven Gables:
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 www.7gables.org.
In 2019, The House of the Seven Gables presents POP! GOES THE GABLES. From novels to comics to movies to music, The House of the Seven Gables has been an influence on American pop culture. The Gables hosts a series of programs that includes films, lectures, and the Becoming American Community Conversations.
