Society Hill Open House and Garden Tour

PlanPhilly staff

May 19, 2009

Press Release
From: Society Hill Civic Association
Date: April 9, 2009
Contact: Martha Levine, 215-629-0727, or marthalev@msn.com

The Society Hill Open House and Garden Tour will soon take place on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 1-5 PM. Tickets are now on sale for this highly recommended self-guided tour of over 10 beautiful private homes and gardens in one of our nation’s most historic neighborhoods.

Each year, the Society Hill Tour offers a brand new line-up of exceptional homes and gardens that range in style and décor from the 18th and 19th century periods to the most contemporary. According to Martha Levine, co-chair of the event, “Some people attend these tours specifically for inspirational design ideas they can use in their own homes. “

Society Hill has a blend of historic charm, modern day planning, and social diversity which has earned it the American Planning Association’s 2008 designation as one of the 10 great neighborhoods in the US.

Sponsored by the Society Hill Civic Association in center city Philadelphia, the tour proceeds will be used for neighborhood improvement and beautification projects, such as the leveling of our charming but uneven brick sidewalks, many of which have become loose or uneven in recent years.

Martha Noted that for the last 30 years, The Society Hill Tour has been sponsored by The Friends of Independence National Historical Park under its umbrella program called Philadelphia Open House, which encompassed 35-40 tours throughout the Delaware Valley region. The Friends recently decided to conduct tours every other year and will not sponsor any tour this year. The Society Hill Civic Association felt so strongly about the importance of this annual event that it decided to proceed independently from The Friends. “We do not want to disappoint the close to 300 people who love to attend this event every year,” she added.

Advance ticket purchases are encouraged. To purchase a ticket or to receive more information, please call the Society Hill Civic Association at 215-629-1288 or email mattdejulio@aol.com. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the tour at Old Pine Street Church, 412 Pine Street, Philadelphia.

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2009.
Time: 1 to 5 PM
Cost: $25 per ticket
Complimentary light refreshments
Rest rooms available
Comfortable shoes encouraged
No interior photographs permitted

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