Daily Archives: October 14, 2012

Saturday, October 20, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – South End House Tour

by

The South End Historical Society will hold the forty-fourth annual South End House Tour, Private Homes and Public Spaces, on Saturday, October 20th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. First organized in 1967, the South End House Tour enjoys the distinction of being the oldest continually offered tour of its kind in Boston and features an inside look at restored and renovated private homes in the largest Victorian rowhouse district in the United States. This year’s tour also allows participants the opportunity to be among the last people to view the interior of one of the South End’s most historically significant churches in its original state before it is converted into condominiums.

The Tour is a perennial favorite of anyone interested in home design, architecture, restoration, history, or preservation. Participants are given a guidebook that includes descriptions of the private homes and a map so that they can design a tour at their own pace. From a sleek and contemporary reinterpretation of a rowhouse to a family-friendly, traditional Victorian home, each of the featured spaces presents a different South End story—and history. “The best part about the House Tour is that each year we see something different and learn something new about the South End”, said Hope Shannon, Executive Director. “One of the most important aspects of the House Tour is to remind people that the neighborhood has seen a long and varied past. History did not start and stop with the Victorian era in the South End.”

The Tour was first organized by the South End Historical Society (SEHS) in 1967 to draw attention to the architectural significance of the neighborhood, to inspire others to take on the difficult task of restoring rowhouses, and to advocate for the preservation of this unique urban area. “The House Tour is a great way to celebrate the South End,” says Ms. Shannon. “Whether you delight in seeing fine historic architectural details, are seeking design inspiration, or simply want to get a glimpse of beautiful private South End interiors—there is truly something for everyone on this tour.”

The SEHS was founded in 1966 to preserve the architectural fabric of this unique urban neighborhood. In 1973 their efforts resulted in the South End being placed on the National Register of Historic Places and ultimately its designation as a Boston Landmark District in 1983. Today, the annual House Tour is just one of the ways the SEHS raises funds to continue neighborhood research and advocacy for preservation of the South End’s historic buildings, monuments, and public spaces.

Tickets for the Tour are $25 in advance and are available at www.southendhistoricalsociety.org or by calling 617-536-4445. Tickets will also be available on the day of the Tour for $30 each at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street and at Rondeau-Tierney Real Estate, 69 Appleton Street.

For more information, please contact Hope Shannon at admin@southendhistoricalsociety.org or 617-536-4445.

Friday, October 26, 6:00 pm – Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins

by

In her new book Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins (co-written with Craig Stanford), biologist Maddalena Bearzi examines how apes and dolphins, although distantly related, share a remarkably parallel evolution toward complex intelligence and behavior – and what this may reveal about the cognitive development of homo sapiens. Cosponsored by The Harvard Museum of Natural History and Harvard University Press. Free and open to the public, Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street. Free parking in the 52 Oxford Street garage.

Thursday, October 25, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Design-less Gardening: A Naturalistic Approach

by

Disregard traditional design rules and adopt a new approach to garden design. Look to nature for your inspiration. What clues can you take from your landscape to help you provide the right plant for the right place? Learn to evaluate sunlight, moisture, soil and other factors to encourage a successful garden that does not require many inputs in the way of watering, fertilizing, extra coddling on your part. Create a low maintenance garden that actively supports the environment and provides beauty for all– people and pollinators alike.

Dan Jaffe is currently a Propagator and Stock Beds’ Grower at the New England Wild Flower Society, and he will speak as part of the Thursdays at the Hort series on October 25 at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley.

Presentations will begin at 7pm and go until all questions are answered. The classes are priced at $12 for members and $15 for non-members unless otherwise indicated. There is no need to pre-register and you may pay at the class. For directions visit www.masshort.org.