The Preservation Society of Charleston will host its Thirty-Fifth Annual Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens from Thursday, September 22 to Sunday, October 23, 2011.  The tours take place each Thursday and Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  All tours are self-paced walking tours held on the peninsula of Charleston within the city’s world-renowned historic neighborhoods. The Tours feature beautifully appointed gardens and architecturally significant homes, churches and public buildings. Highlighting the best of American architecture from the early Georgian Period up to and including the 21st century, each tour shares a unique neighborhood that represents Charleston’s flourishing culture from the Colonial era to the present. Most of the properties on tour are privately owned and are open to the public exclusively for this event.  Trained volunteer guides will interpret the history, architecture and decorative arts of each property. Pleasantly warm afternoons and crisp evening air make fall the ideal season for a walking tour in Charleston. Tickets are $45.00 per person, per tour and may be purchased only through the Preservation Society of Charleston online at www.preservationsociety.org, in person at our Book & Gift Shop located at 147 King Street, or by calling (843)722-4630. Weekend packages and group rates are available.

The Preservation Society of Charleston is the oldest community-based membership historic preservation organization in the United States of America.   Founded in 1920, the Society celebrates 91 years of preserving and protecting the heritage and architecture of South Carolina’s oldest city.  The Society uses the proceeds from these tours to further its work in preservation education, advocacy and planning to secure the future of Charleston’s unique and diverse heritage.  Membership in the Society is open to everyone.