2021 Albany Summer Historic Homes Exterior Tour

(Scroll down for ticket and scavenger hunt form downloads, and other information.)

The 2021 Summer Homes Tour is set for July 31, and because of lingering Covid-19 precautions we will once again be staying outside for an exterior view of some Albany’s beautiful homes, their porches and yards.

And, like the previous summer, the tour will be free. But don’t let that stop you from opening your pocketbooks to lend a hand. In past years, proceeds from ticket sales went to upkeep and administration of the Monteith House Museum, Albany’s first frame house built in 1849. Since the pandemic started, this will be the third tour offered free of charge. In order to give the Monteith House a boost, please consider giving a donation. Normally the price of a ticket is $15, but any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Donation

Contact-free donations can be made with your credit or debit card using our online payment option here:
( Please note: you don’t have to have your own Paypal account to use this)

Enter the dollar amount you wish to donate:

If you prefer donations can also be made at the Albany Visitors Association office, 110 3^rd Ave. SE, or on the day of the tour at the ticket table in front of the AVA. Checks can be made payable to the “Monteith Historical Society” and mailed to the AVA, PO Box 965, Albany, Oregon 97321, or  other donation arrangements can be made by emailing us at info@albanyvisitors.com.

The tour will consist of a self-guided event that will feature a walk-by of 6 homes (and a few yards will be open as well) and other historic buildings with the help of a ticket with a map. The publication Seems Like Old Times and/or the Albany Explorer app, which is sponsored by Hospitality Vision and the Albany Visitors Association, are nice companion pieces for your walk around town.

Getting Tickets

Here’s how it works. The tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 31, 2021, and will run 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can download a ticket and map (see image and link below) or pick them up on the day of the tour, beginning at 10 a.m. outside the front door of the AVA, along with a copy of Seems Like Old Times, which provides self-guided tours, details about the homes and some fun and interesting information about Albany and its historic districts.

For photos from the inside of a few of the homes, click here.

Scavenger Hunt (To download or print a form, go to end of this story)

In addition, while taking the tour visitors can be on the lookout for architectural details that will be included in a scavenger hunt. Find the required items, such as beautiful woodwork detail or an interesting door, and mark it on the ballot. Return the completed ballot to the AVA at the end of the day (either to the volunteers or into the mail slot) and be entered in a drawing for prizes.

Albany Explorer App

For the tech savvy, the Albany Explorer app is available to download free at Google Play for Android and iStore for Apple. It includes maps to three of Albany’s historic districts, where to dine, spend the night and other details about Albany and the surrounding area. And since visitors won’t be allowed inside the houses, a few homeowners have provided images of the inside of their homes for people to enjoy. They will be available the day of the tour on albanyvisitors.com

More details about what will be available on the tour will be announced as the tour date approaches. Check the website for updates. albanyvisitors.com.