Tickets are on sale now for $35 at the Richard Salter Storrs Library, 693 Longmeadow St., or online at friendsofstorrslibrary.org.
Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
LONGMEADOW — The Friends of Storrs Library is officially bringing back its “Homes Through the Centuries” self-guided walking tour on Oct. 4, where attendees will have the chance to explore and take an intimate look at six Longmeadow homes that span across generations.
This event showcases the craftsmanship and stories behind some of Longmeadow’s most historic homes. It begins on the Town Green and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale and priced at $35 a person.
The Friends of Storrs Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Longmeadow library through fundraising, programming and volunteer efforts. Its mission is to foster lifelong learning, literacy and community engagement for all residents.
Event proceeds will go directly toward funding educational initiatives, community events and library resources to enrich the town and surrounding areas.
Friends Board member Martha Waugaman said 100% of the library’s programming is supported by the organization and its efforts. She said this event is the group’s “one big event” of the year.
“The last time we did a home tour was in 2019, so we’re really excited to be able to bring it back to the community,” Waugaman said. “It’s a really unique opportunity for people in the community to have unparalleled access to six private homes that surround the Longmeadow green.”
Attendees will have full access to the homes at their own pace on a self-guided tour, making stops inside to read up on facts and information surrounding the history behind the house.
“We’ve tried to pick a selection of homes to really fit the theme of homes through the century,” Waugaman said. “We’re going to have homes through all sorts of different time periods and styles. We have federal, Georgian, Greek Revival, even a contemporary home built in 2019.”
Waugaman said the Town Green is an integral part of the community, and is why the Friends wanted the house tours to take place in that area. She said the homes span over so many years and architectural styles so there is something of interest for everyone.
She added the event’s real purpose is to bring the community together and to support the Storrs Library, stating it is a fixture in the community.
“I hope that residents look at it as a unique opportunity to look at these beautiful homes, but also to see the personality behind them,” Waugaman said. “We can look at these houses from the street, but I think walking through the doors, you really get some insight into the families that have lived there, the details they preserved, the things they’ve collected and how each home and our town has evolved through the century.”
Tickets are available at FriendsofStorrsLibrary.org or in-person at the library, 693 Longmeadow St. Space is limited and advance ticket purchases are recommended.
