HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR FEATURES ARCHITECTURE OF FOUR CENTURIES

Williamstown, MA – We are building history every day and this year the Williamstown House of Local History’s Historic House Tour celebrates the architecture and building techniques of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries in the seven private homes open to the public Sunday, May 18 from 1-5 pm.  The tour is open to adults and children over 12.

This year’s homes range from the immaculately preserved Simonds Tavern, built in 1770 and now serving as Riverbend Farm Bed & Breakfast, and the 1799 Hickox-Turbin home, formerly used as a stagecoach stop for travelers between the Hudson Valley and the Berkshires; to the Moomaw house, completed in 2007, and built using “green” building materials and techniques and the newest technology to power and heat the home. 

The tour includes two interesting examples of mid-20th century construction, a 1959 Deck House and a 1960 TechBuilt home.  There were at least sixteen of these homes built in Williamstown, but each has its own distinctive design because owners could adapt the interior modules to suit their needs.

The two extremes of 19th century architecture are represented by the modest and charming Edson house, and the grand and handsomely restored Mole-Chapman “Painted Lady” – a fine example of a Queen Anne Victorian.

In addition to the seven private homes, the 1753 House, a replica of the “Regulation Houses” built by Williamstown’s earliest settlers, will be open for the afternoon.

Tickets to the Historic House Tour are $20 per person in advance, available at the House of Local History, Williams Inn, Wild Oats, Where’d You Get That?!?, The Store at Five Corners, and Shear Creations.  To protect the houses as you pass through them, you are requested not to bring pets, food, drinks, or cameras inside.
Tickets for WHLH members are only $18 per person.  Inquire about becoming a member when you purchase your tickets.

On the day of the tour tickets are $25 per person available at the House of Local History, or, if you pay by personal check, at each home on the tour.

The Williamstown House of Local History was founded in 1941 to promote knowledge of the town's history by collecting and preserving materials, mounting exhibitions, presenting educational programs, and facilitating research.  In addition to our permanent collection, the current rotating exhibit is “Williamstown Eating Through Time,” on display through Memorial Day weekend.  Join us from 11 am-1 pm on Monday, May 26 for the Grand Opening of our newly renovated Veterans’ Room and the exhibit “Wartimes: World Events That Shaped Our History.”

The Williamstown House of Local History is located in the west wing of the Milne Public Library, on Field Park opposite the Williams Inn, at the northern junction of Routes 7 & 2 in Williamstown, MA. For more information on the Historic House Tour, the permanent collection, rotating exhibits, or other programs of the WHLH, call 413-458-2160 or e-mail whlh1753@roadrunner.com