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Update
Click here for the latest photos, taken in October 2006.
The Ropes family arrived on American shores in (approximately) 1630, settling
in Salem, Mass. The family prospered, and in the early 18th century
built a house which was to be their home for generations. The
Mansion, as it came to be known, was the birthplace of wealthy and influential
merchants, writers, attorneys, judges and sea captains. An entire room
was added simply to display the fine porcelain brought back on trading voyages
to the Orient.
Families of means tend to be rather reactionary; they believe in maintaining the status quo. Hence, when radical thoughts of independence and freedom swept the colonies, most of the Ropeses remained staunchly loyal to the crown. In 1781, legend has it that a lynch mob came to the Mansion, intent on seeing a certain Judge Nathaniel Ropes dangling from a large tree. The judge, however, was already lying in his death bed; his would-be executioners decided to let age and infirmity do their work for them, and departed quietly. The dying judge had two sons. One, being true to tradition, was a devout tory. The other was fiercely supportive of the Revolution. Rather than fight his own brother, he left Salem and took up residence in Westchester County, New York. The rift was so great that there was never again any communication between the two branches of the family. At the end of the 19th century, the sole occupants of the Mansion were three elderly, childless widows. Unaware (or uncaring) of the fact that there were relatives in other parts of the country, the last surviving owner decided to will the Mansion to the Essex Museum, along with a cash annuity. The money was to be used to maintain the house and gardens in perpetuity as a museum. However, by the 1970s, the cash was badly depleted and the Mansion began to fall into disrepair. Most of the truly historic properties in Salem are owned and operated by the renowned Peabody-Essex Museum. Around 1990, the Ropes Mansion was acquired by the Peabody-Essex, and the infusion of new funds has wrought wonderful results. It is once again a stately memorial to an age and a family long departed. I have always been very proud of my heritage, and have made many trips to Salem over the years. My sons share my fascination with our history, so we took a short vacation there a few years ago. The photographs on this and the following pages were taken on that vacation. We hope these snapshots convey some sense of the beauty and serenity of this historic home. If you're ever in Salem, we urge you to find time to tour the Mansion. It's located on Essex Street, just two doors up the block from the home of the judge who presided at the witch trials. (No, he was NOT a Ropes!) The Ropes Mansion is located at 318 Essex Street in the heart of the historic McIntire District. Many of Salem's finest old homes can be seen here. For more information about special programs or tours at the Ropes Mansion and other properties please contact: The Peabody Essex Museum
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