This summer’s series features eleven walking tours, including three new tours: Hills and Dales, Belmont Meadows, and a completely reworked Downtown West. Popular tours of East High Street, South Fountain Avenue, Ferncliff Cemetery, and Irish Hill also return. Tours last approximately one and a half to two hours. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Member, and $3 Student. Not a member, join today and save on your tickets!

Tours already completed: Downtown West and Ferncliff Cemetery West

Historic East High: Bushnell Era
Saturday, June 4 at 10 am • Guided by Kevin Rose
With the success of the Champion Reaper in the late 19th century, Springfield led the nation in the production of farm machinery. These industrialists’ vast and often newly acquired wealth manifested in opulent mansions along East High Street. Tour with us through this open museum of architecture and enterprise and discover the rich histories of Governor Bushnell, famed publisher W.W. Norton, and more. Meet outside 641 East High Street. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Members, and $3 Students. Presented by Jane Hollenbeck.

Liberty District
Saturday, June 25 at 10 am • Guided by Rod Burch and Ruby Daily
From the 1870s to the 1980s, the Liberty District was a vibrant African American neighborhood filled with schools, churches, theaters, and locally-owned businesses. Join us to discover this neighborhood’s remarkable and, at times, tumultuous history, including stories of Civil Rights leaders Hattie Moseley and Dorothy Bacon, boxer Davey Moore, and the fight for Fulton School. Meet outside 823 South Yellow Springs Street. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Members, and $3 Students. Presented by Charles Swaney.

Historic East High: Westcott Era
Saturday, July 23 at 10 am • Guided by Erik Lindsjo
Building on Springfield’s 19th-century industrial success, a new generation of entrepreneurs refocused and reenergized the local economy at the turn of the 20th century, making this community an exciting and vibrant place to live. Hear the stories of the people whose spirit of innovation and civic responsibility contributed to Springfield’s growth and national prestige. Meet at the Greek Orthodox Church at 1127 East High Street. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Members, and $3 Students. Presented by John and Jill Landess. 

Belmont Meadows
Saturday, August 6 at 10 am • Guided by Kevin Rose
After the aesthetically austere post-war housing boom of the late 1940s, builders turned to experienced architects to design modern prefabricated housing with character and style. Belmont Meadows, developed in 1954, was the fashionable mid-century neighborhood for Springfield’s trendy middle-class families. Join us as we take a look back at the domestic architecture and culture of 1950s America. Meet outside St. Mark United Methodist Church, 2043 Memorial Drive. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Members, and $3 Students. Presented by the Southeast Neighborhood Association.

Ferncliff Cemetery East
Saturday, August 20 at 10 am • Guided by Ski Schanher
Ferncliff Cemetery, covering over 240 acres of rolling hills and pastoral landscape, was platted during the Civil War as Springfield’s new burial ground. Join us to hear the stories of the men and women who built Springfield and discover its history preserved in stone. This new tour features the eastern section of the cemetery. Meet at the Ferncliff Cemetery Chapel at 501 West McCreight Avenue. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Members, and $3 Students. Presented by Richard and Joyce Spangler.

Irish Hill
Saturday, August 27 at 10 am • Guided by Mary Oliver
In the 1870s and 1880s, Irish immigrants working in the famed Champion Reaper factories settled this neighborhood surrounding St. Joseph’s parish. Join us to tour this remarkable district and hear the stories of the ill-fated East Street shops, rowdy taverns, and infamous Skinner Gang. This tour will also pass the birthplace and childhood home of famed silent-film actress Lillian Gish. Meet outside St. Joseph Catholic Church, 819 Kenton Street. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Members, and $3 Students. Presented by Dale and Phyllis Hill.

Hills and Dales
Saturday, September 3 at 10 am • Guided by Rita Lane
Columbus real estate developers Theodore Weyant and P.J. Guthrie developed Springfield’s bucolic Hills and Dales neighborhood in 1915. Its scenic northern section, where charming streets meander through old growth forest, was a direct competitor to Harry Kissell’s neighboring Ridgewood. Join us as we explore this neighborhood’s picturesque wooded landscape and handsome homes. Meet at the corner of St. Paris Road and West Harding Road. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Members, and $3 Students. Presented by Cindy and Frank Catanzaro.

South Fountain Historic District
Saturday, September 10 at 10 am • Guided by Richele Shepard and Jeff Smith
Prominent Americans like Oliver S. Kelly, William N. Whitely, and Harry S. Kissell are just part of South Fountain’s storied past. With their success, and that of their neighbors, South Fountain came to be recognized as a premier neighborhood for Springfield’s affluent class. Experience the renaissance of this National Register Historic District. Meet outside First Baptist Church at 638 South Fountain Avenue. Tickets are $8 General, $5 Members, and $3 Students. Presented by Don Umatum and Robin Inboden.