MAY 2008

Walking Tour: East Somerville – Looking Back and Going Forward.” Sun., May 18th, 10:30 am -12:30 pm

Ed Gordon, President of the Victorian Society in America, New England Chapter will explore this vibrant neighborhood at the gateway to Somerville and highlight the waves of immigrants who settled in the area overtime and made a new life for themselves – families of English Protestant, Irish, Italian, Brazilian, and Hispanic origin. View the substantial homes of Boston merchants bordering Pearl and Mount Vernon Streets, as well as the architectural treasures along Broadway being re-discovered and brimming with new businesses. Tour starts near the Orange Line Sullivan T Station, at the Mount Vernon Restaurant at 14 Broadway. Tickets are available at the end for a lovely Sunday brunch there too. Tour is free and is co-sponsored with the East Somerville Main Streets.

So Fine a Prospect: A Walking Tour of Prospect Hill & Union Square Sunday, May 18th, 2 – 4 pm

Again join VSA/NE President Ed Gordon on an architectural walking tour of historic Prospect Hill and Union Square. Ed will focus on the Victorian ornamentation found on many structures throughout the neighborhood, including spectacular stained glass windows, fine turned-wood details, and gingerbread porches, and gardens in full spring bloom. The tour begins in front of the Somerville Central Library at 79 Highland Avenue and meanders through the eclectic streets of Somerville, passing by grand mansions and charming cottages, and culminating at “Doctor’s Row” in the Bow Street Historic District. Participants will be treated to at least one interior historic house tour. End with refreshments under the grape arbor of the Neighborhood Restaurant. Raindate Sunday, June 22nd., same time. Tour is co-sponsored with the ArtsUnion Program with funding provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, John and Abigail Adams Grant. Free.

Milk Row Cemetery Tour At Dusk. Wednesday, May 28th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm; no raindate

Come inside Somerville’s oldest cemetery that is usually closed to the public and dates back to 1804! This tour will explore the hidden treasures of this rare and endangered gem, where British Soldiers and Revolutionary citizens are buried. Barbara Mangum, as an Object Conservator, member of the Historic Preservation Commission, and President of Historic Somerville, will share her excitement about the City’s recent improvements to this fragile site through State and Federal grants, and highlight the significance of the newly restored Civil War Monument, the first one in the nation to be erected by civilians. Tour is co-sponsored with Historic Somerville. Light refreshments, and admission by donation. Meet at Cemetery on Somerville Avenue, next to DeMoulas Market Basket, on edge of Union Square.

Preservation Awards Ceremony at the Somerville Museum. Thursday, May 29th, 6:30 pm

The Somerville Historic Preservation Commission honors twelve owners of both historic and non-designated older properties at this annual ceremony. Original drawings of each property are created by Somerville High School students in the Art Department and the Pre-Engineering/CAD Program, and are framed as gifts to the property owners. Enjoy refreshments and a presentation about the winning projects. Free and open to the public. Museum at One Westwood Road, intersection with Central St.; call (617) 666-9810 for directions.

Historic Bike Tour of Somerville. Saturday, May 31st, 10 am – 1:00 pm. Rain date: Sunday, June 1st

Easy ten-mile ride starts at City Hall, and winds it way from one end of Somerville to the other, with an emphasis on historic properties and “green” transportation routes, both former and upcoming. Pedal through historic districts, with commentary on passing sites, and learn about former rail lines and stations that are influencing future transit decisions. Ride includes refreshments and a possible house tour stop, and ends at the Somerville Museum for food and viewing of Preservation Awards Exhibit. People of all ages, abilities, and with children are encouraged to come, with helmets. Cost: $3 for adults, free for children. Call 617-388-1137 if uncertain weather. Ride co-sponsored with the Somerville Bicycle Committee.

Series of articles in the Somerville Journal the last two Thursdays of May. Personal interviews with property owners winning 2008 Preservation & Director Awards from the Historic Preservation Commission. Learn what inspired the owners, why they won, and what they learned from their home improvement projects.

Paul and Rachel Revere Ride Again! Saturday, May 31st, 3:00 -5:00 pm

Character re-enactors Lee K. Riethmiller and Jessa S. Piaia present a living history portrayal of Paul and Rachel Revere, in a program set in 1803. The dramatization animates the “Spirit of the Day,” as the Revere’s recount the exciting tale of life in Boston’s North End when America was still a British Crown Colony. Hear about the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the stirring events that led to the famous Midnight Ride in April 1775. Relive the drama of Colonial unrest that culminated in America’s Revolution, and what followed after the framing of our Declaration of Independence from Britain and the United States Constitution, when Paul Revere ventured from being a respected artisan into being a successful industrialist during the early days of the new Republic. A Q&A discussion follows the 50 minute program that is appropriate for ages 10 to adult. Event at the Somerville Museum at One Westwood Road, intersection with Central Street. Cost: $5 for adults and $3 for youth under 18.

Unless noted, all events are sponsored and coordinated by the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, with financial support from the City of Somerville and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant Program. Please call the Staff at 617-625-6600, extension 2525 or 2532 for more information or via kchase@somervillema.gov or bwilson@somervillema.gov som

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone www.somervillema.gov/historicpreservation