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.