The Tour:

Preservation Durham’s annual home tour is a cornerstone of our mission and a vital part of our fundraising efforts to preserve and protect Durham’s rich and diverse history, heritage, and historic assets through education, advocacy, and action. This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore homes that have been thoughtfully maintained, restored, and adapted for modern living. By showcasing these remarkable spaces, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage, encouraging stewardship and a lasting commitment to the preservation of the places that define our community’s identity.

The Theme:

This year’s tour showcases nine homes, each reflecting a distinct architectural style and era, as we honor the rich histories of houses recognized in our plaque program. Thanks to the dedication of homeowners and Preservation Durham volunteers, extensive research has been conducted to document each home’s story, culminating in a commemorative plaque. These homes serve as living testaments to the significance of historic preservation, shaped by the diverse experiences of past and present owners. As we conclude our 50th anniversary, we celebrate not only these homes but also the homeowners who have preserved their legacy. This special tour offers a rare glimpse into a variety of historically significant residences, all united by a shared commitment to honoring their past.

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. 

Interested in volunteering?

Each year, the home tour is made possible only with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers. Did you know that the average annual home tour requires 50 volunteers?! Each house included on our tour requires a handful of docents to help guide attendees through each home and welcome them to the space. All volunteers are given a free ticket to attend the home tour and invited to celebrate the successful end at the after-party. If you're interested and able to commit a minimum of two hours on one day of the tour, sign up to volunteer today! We'll provide you with all the history you'll need to know and you'll never be alone.