The South End Historical Society will hold the forty-third annual South End House Tour, Private Homes and Public Spaces, on Saturday, October 15th 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 townhouses in the largest Victorian row house district in the United States.
The Tour is a perennial favorite of architecture buffs, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in preservation, restoration and home design. 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 row house to a family-friendly, traditional Victorian home, each of the featured spaces presents a different South End story. “We are particularly excited about this year’s House Tour,†said Hope Shannon, Executive Director. “Whether you are looking for fine historic architectural details, seeking design inspiration, or simply want to get a glimpse of the view from one of the South End’s best located roof decks—there is something for everyone on this tour.â€
The Tour was first organized by the South End Historical Society (SEHS) in 1967 to draw attention to the architectural significance of the neighborhood and to inspire others to take on the difficult task of restoring row houses and to advocate for the preservation of this unique urban area.
The SEHS was founded in 1966 to preserve the unique architectural fabric of this unique urban neighborhood. In 1972 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 to encourage and compile research, and to advocate for preservation of these 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.
