Somerville Historic Preservation Commission sponsors month-long events, culminating with annual historic bike ride in early June.
SOMERVILLE – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Executive Director of the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) Brandon Wilson announce the schedule of events for the 2014 “Preservation Month” celebrations. Throughout the month of May, the SHPC and other local organizations partner to host numerous events honoring Somerville’s history and historic districts. Remaining events include:
• Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. – noon.
“Jane’s Walk” honors urban activist and writer, Jane Jacobs. A world-wide event, this year’s walk will explore the Orchard St. neighborhood, which is currently being studied by Cambridge and Somerville for possible nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Meet at Porter Square Plaza along Somerville Ave. across from the T station, rain or shine.
• Tuesday, May 13, 6 – 8 p.m.
Milk Row Cemetery, First Public Opening.
Docents, dressed in period clothing, open this historic cemetery founded in 1804 by Samuel Tufts. Barbara Mangum, Objects Conservator and President of Historic Somerville, Inc., will lead an informative tour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Meet at the front gate at 439 Somerville Ave. Rain or shine. Other public openings June-October TBD.
• Sunday, May 18, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Walking Tour of East Somerville: “Identifying Architectural Gems From Gilman Square to East Somerville.”
Led by Edward Gordon, President of the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society in America. Sponsored in collaboration with East Somerville Main Streets, the walk begins at the Somerville Central Library at 81 Highland Ave. and concludes with complimentary appetizers at the East End Grille on Broadway. Rain or shine.
• Tuesday, May 20, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
A Talk with Somerville Veterans: “An Historical Overview of The Somerville Story.”
Tufts Administration Building, 169 Holland St., conference room.
• Thursday, May 22, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony.
A reception will be followed by a ceremony to honor 12 Somerville property owners for their award-winning preservation work on the exterior of their properties. The properties include both historically designated homes as well as older buildings in the City. SHS students will present their original drawings of each property to the owners. The event takes place in the historically unique space within the Somerville Armory, 191 Highland Ave.
• Sunday, May 25, 1 p.m.
Memorial Day Parade.
Join the Historic Somerville contingent! Dress up in period clothing. Begins at City Hall and ends at Clarendon Hill. For more information contact admin@historicsomerville.org. Rain or shine.
• Wednesday, May 28, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
A discussion: “Researching the History of Your House and Your Family,”
with Kristi Chase, Preservation Planner for the SHPC, Kevin Kelley, Reference Librarian for the SPL, and Nadia Dixon, City’s Archivist. Find out how each of these resources can help you research the histories of your house and family. Mini tour of genealogy resources at the library and beyond, as well as tips for getting started. Somerville Central Library, 79 Highland Ave.
• Sunday, June 12, 2 – 5 p.m.
13th Annual Historic Bike Tour “Somerville Leads the Way.”
Co-sponsored with the Somerville Bike Committee, the 2.5 hour guided ride is designed for all ages and riding levels. Starts at City Hall at 2 p.m. $3.00 suggested donation.
For more information, contact SHPC Executive Director Brandon Wilson at 617-625-6600 x2532 or via bwilson@somervillema.gov or visit http://www.somervillema.gov/historicpreservation for updates and photos.