The Tours are Coming, the Tours are Coming!

After months of virtual history, it’s time to get real.

Starting Monday July 20, Lexington Historical Society will offer Outdoor Guided Tours! With 4 guided walking tours and 2 brand-new self-guided phone tours, there is something for everyone and we can’t wait to welcome you back to our landscapes.
 
Our guided walking tours allow for a safe return for visitors and the opportunity to think outside the box of a traditional historic house tour. Tours will be conducted in accordance with CDC, state and local guidelines. Groups of no more than 10 will explore the landscapes – both natural and built - around two of our historic houses and the circa 1690 Old Burying Ground.  
 
Buckman Tavern Talk: Visitors will hear the history of Buckman Tavern from the time it was built to the Battle of Lexington as well as what life in a Colonial Tavern was like for the Buckmans. Visitors are invited to look through the windows to see the historic furnished interior. 
 
Architecture Tour: This short walking tour will start at Buckman Tavern and lead visitors down Hancock Street to the Hancock-Clarke House. The tour will provide an overview of the different architectural styles found throughout Lexington and are most prominent on this street.
 
Old Burying Ground Tour (traditional): This tour highlights the history of the Old Burying Ground. The tour will discuss the general history of the Old Burying Ground and visitors will discover some of the stories of Lexington’s past residents. 
 
Stories in Stone: Visitors will go on a tour of the Old Burying Ground discussing specific gravestones and memorials. This tour, while touching on the history of the Old Burying Ground, is focused on the evolution through time of the Old Burying Ground and highlights specific stones for artistic and historical exploration.
 
What to Expect: In accordance with CDC, state and local guidelines, all staff and visitors will be required to wear face coverings and 6 feet of social distancing will be observed during tours. All tour tickets will be timed and available for pre-purchase online. Tour sizes will be no more than 10 people (9 visitors + 1 guide). Visitors will be outside for the entirety of the walking tour. Our historic houses are closed to the public.  Please plan accordingly for restroom and other needs. Visitors who feel ill or decline to follow the health guidelines are not permitted to attend the tour.  A refund will be issued.
 
Handheld History: Visitors can now head outside and explore Lexington's history with new self-guided phone tours! Lexington by Foot and Phone is a personal handheld guide to the past. These tours will allow users to explore outdoor historic sites in the town center at their own pace and on their own schedule. Take a walk around the Battle Green to learn more about the fateful first day of the American Revolution, and the monuments that commemorate it. Or stroll up Hancock Street to discover a stunning array of historic 19th century buildings in many architectural styles. More tours to come!

Full tour details are available at lexingtonhistory.org/landscapes.

-Stacey Fraser, Collections and Outreach Manager

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