Welcome Homeowners!
We Hope You’ll Join Our Tour
Recognized by the City of Elgin in 2018 for its “Outstanding Contribution to Elgin’s Image,” the Historic Elgin House Tour has raised old-house lovers’ awareness of our city’s historic neighborhoods and their great diversity of affordable housing.
That Elgin is now well known for its rich architectural heritage is primarily due to the willingness of people to open their homes to the public. We hope the short video made on the sunny day of our 2012 tour and the FAQs that follow will inspire you to consider joining the list of those to whom Elgin owes so much.
FAQs
Q: What do you consider when making your final selection of homes for the tour?
A: We seek to offer a diversity of architectural styles. We also take into account interior as well as exterior details. Coming into play, too, may be a home's historical significance. And we try to have the houses in relatively close proximity in order to have a walkable tour. While the condition homes are in are of course a factor, we occasionally feature works in progress, for they are also of interest to the public.
Q: Will I have to do research on my home to have it on the tour?
A: No. House tour specialists will do it for you. Any information you have will be appreciated though.
Q: Would I have to show my whole house?
A: No. For various reasons, second floors and specific bedrooms are not always shown.
Q: If it is a 2-day tour, would my home have to be on it for both days?
A: Yes. Imagine how disappointing it would be for those who could only tour on Sunday, for example, to find that some of the houses they were looking forward to seeing were not open that day.
Q: Would I have to remain on my property on the days of the tour?
A: No. Experienced house captains will be there the entire time to ensure that all is well.
Q: Will I have to find people to serve as docents (guides) in my home?
A: No. The Historic Elgin House Tour has a lengthy list of experienced people from which to draw. If some of your friends want to be docents in your house, however, we accommodate them.
Q: Will docents point out my home’s furnishings and accessories?
A: Not unless you ask them to. The focus of their short talks will be on your home’s architectural features, not on your possessions. Know, too, that the general public is not allowed to take photographs once inside a home.
Q: How do you protect floors and carpets?
A: Because all who go through a home are required to wear protective shoe covers, neither floors nor carpets have suffered.
Q: Will I be liable if someone trips going up my front steps and breaks a leg?
A: No. The Gifford Park Association carries liability insurance that covers personal injury and property damage for all events that it sponsors.
Q: Will I be paid if my house is on the tour?
A: In money, no. In compliments and expressions of gratitude throughout the day and at the party held to honor those whose homes are on the tour, definitely.
Contact us.
If you are willing to meet with us to discuss the possibility of having your home on the 2022 tour, please fill out the form below. Or if you prefer, you may notify one of us via the contact information in the letter you received.
And again, thank you in advance for your consideration,
The Historic Elgin House Tour Site Selection Committee