The Tour:

Preservation Durham’s annual home tour is an important part of our mission and annual fundraising to preserve and protect Durham’s culturally diverse history, heritage and historic assets through education, advocacy and action. The tour offers glimpses into homes that have been lovingly maintained, rehabilitated, and adapted to life. Through this showcase, we endeavor to foster a deeper connection to our collective heritage, encouraging stewardship and admiration for the structures that shape our community's identity.

The Theme:

This year we are highlighting numerous houses varying in architectural styles and date built, as we celebrate the histories of a few of the houses that make up our plaque program. Homeowners and Preservation Durham volunteers alike have done extensive on each of these homes prior to this tour, documenting a detailed historic record commemorated with a plaque. These homes represent the importance of historic preservation, as seen with the multifaceted lived experiences of each former and current home owner. We want to celebrate these homes and their homeowners for their dedication to preservation, especially as our 50th anniversary comes to an end. Celebrating the plaque program also allows a unique tour, in which a variety of homes are displayed that are connected by the shared interest of the homeowners to compile and recognize their home's histories.

The Details:

The tour takes place over two days, Saturday May 17th and Sunday May 18th, rain or shine. Tickets grant access to all houses on either day or both days from 12-4pm. You can break the tour up into two days, do it all in one, or take the entire tour twice! Early-bird tickets are available at a reduced rate of $30 for Preservation Durham Members and $40 for the General Public until the end of April. Ticket prices will increase May 1. Unsure if your membership is active? Log in to your account or give us a call, we'll be happy to check for you. Tickets are given at the tour check-in point on both days. You will receive an email confirmation with all event directions and details a week before the tour. Children are welcome to attend and stay with parents, but strollers are not permitted inside houses. The tour does require driving to houses around the city and you are responsible for your own transportation.

Buy your tickets here!

If you're interested in helping out as a docent, send us an email! jlasure@preservationdurham.org