Green Revival Historic Homes Tour
May 8-9, 2010 |
Since 1871, Galveston Historical Foundation has worked to save hundreds of treasures in the island city, from documents to buildings, including tiny, decrepit houses, mansions and commercial structures. GHF begins a new era in its nationally renowned preservation efforts with the 36th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour the first two weekends in May.
Among 10 houses that will be opened to the public during the annual historic homes tour is the “Green Revival House,” a modest 19th-century cottage being restored by GHF in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The house is one of the first in the nation planned to give the public a vivid look at how energy-saving and “sustainable” building and landscaping features are becoming essential and affordable parts of all restoration blueprints. The tour also emphasizes “historic green architecture,” the building methods developed to make homes more comfortable before the luxuries of electricity, municipal water systems and natural gas were widespread. Before they had electric fans, owners of many of Galveston’s oldest homes relied on floor-to-ceiling windows that could be thrown open to catch every available breeze. Spacious hallways and staircases helped air circulation. Cisterns caught rainwater for drinking, cooking, bathing and irrigation.
This year’s homes tour sets the tone for GHF’s future restoration programs—to help the public find affordable old homes for restoration while keeping them informed of the best ways to preserve historic green features and incorporate modern green features.
For more information, go to http://www.galvestonhistory.org/Green_Revival_Historic_Homes_Tour.asp
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Website:
www.galvestonhistory.org/green_revival_historic_homes_tour.asp |
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| Location Information |
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Galveston, TX |
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| Contact Information |
| Email:
Molly.Dannenmaier@galvestonhistory.org |
| Phone:
409-765-7834 |
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