Historic Homes Tour to be held virtually on Mother’s Day weekend
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation recently announced the return of the highly anticipated Historic Homes Tour, to be held virtually on Mother’s Day weekend, May 8 and 9.
The foundation invites all to join honorary co-chairs, Giovanna D’Orazio and Scott Peterson for this popular event that celebrates this community’s rich architectural heritage.
This year’s tour promises to provide the exclusive opportunity to see interiors of beautiful private homes and buildings, including spaces that typically are not accessible during an in-person tour.
The virtual tour of the Spa City’s North Broadway neighborhood will be available throughout the weekend, allowing viewers to experience these special spaces at their leisure.
“Scott and I are honored to be the Honorary Co-Chairs for this year’s Historic Homes Tour,” D’Orazio said in a press release. “The work of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is critical to preserving the historic charm of our city. I’m excited that people both near and far will be able to enjoy this sneak peek into these private residences since it is being offered virtually.”
The not-for-profit organization has worked to preserve and enhance the architecture and rich history of the city for more than 40 years, and the Historic Homes Tour is its largest fundraising event of the year.
Historic Homes Tour tickets are $30 for foundation members and $40 for non-members. Funds raised at this event support the foundation’s efforts to preserve the unique architectural, landscaped, and cultural heritage of Saratoga Springs and ongoing educational programs.
“After being forced to cancel last year’s tour, we are excited for the return of the Historic Homes Tour! Of course we wish it could be held in person, but the silver lining to hosting it virtually is that it allows the event to be accessible to more people - those who may not typically be able to attend due to their location or inability to climb stairs,” executive director Samantha Bosshart said in the release.
“Last year we had a tremendous response to our Virtual Porch Party, receiving over 8,200 views, and the other virtual programs with people joining us from across the country and as far as England,” Bosshart continued.
Several homes in the North Broadway neighborhood will be featured this year. They are 605 North Broadway, including the coach house; 748 North Broadway; and 199 Woodlawn Avenue.
The tradition of including a “Rehab in Progress” continues this year with 687 North Broadway, the former Masonic Lodge. “Many have always been curious to see the inside of this building so we appreciate that the new owners are granting access prior to undertaking the rehabilitation,” Bosshart said in the release. Not only have the owners granted virtual access, they are also allowing people to tour the building in person. For an additional ticket, folks can tour the building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. Rehab-In-Progress tour tickets are $15 for SSPF members and $20 for nonmembers.
“This tour marks one the largest endeavors we have undertaken since moving to virtual programming,” the foundation’s membership and programs director Nicole Babie said in the release. “People will not be disappointed with the remarkable locations that will be on the tour. We are thrilled with the return of hosting our annual Breakfast & Buildings and Lunch & Learn programs as part of the event. Our presenters, Carol Godette and Charlie Kuenzel, are always crowd pleasers.” Anne’s Washington Inn, located at 111 South Broadway, will host these two programs on Saturday, May 8. At 9 a.m. Godette will present “Inside Anne’s Washington Inn” as the Breakfast & Buildings lecture. Guests will enjoy light breakfast fare while learning about this historic hotel that has been owner-operated for three generations since 1943 and hearing stories of those who have visited over the decades.
At noon the foundation will host Kuenzel, who will present Lunch & Learn “North Broadway and the Evolution of Saratoga Springs.” Guests will enjoy a boxed lunch while Kuenzel shares about how North Broadway became the “address of status” and grew after the Civil War. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by the newly opened The Little Market at Five Points.
In-person tickets for these events are $30 for SSPF Members and $35 for non-members. Space for Breakfast & Buildings and Lunch & Learn is limited to 30. People must be fully vaccinated per the inn’s request. Both presentations will also be virtual. For those who are unable to attend in person, tickets are $10 for SSPF Members and $15 for non-members.
Due to the overwhelming support from the honorary committee and corporate sponsors, the Porch Party is currently sold out. This event is typically the kickoff to the Historic Homes Tour, but this year it will be held on Thursday, June 17 as a celebration of a successful virtual tour and to welcome the summer season in Saratoga Springs. The Foundation looks forward to safely gathering at 748 North Broadway while enjoying live music by Rich Ortiz and food from Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant. Those interested in attending can periodically check the foundation’s website to see if additional tickets to the Porch Party become available.