PPS Benefit Street Stroll this Saturday!

For the Benefit of All

November 30, 2010

Bill Applegate

This Saturday, the Providence Preservation Society will hold its much beloved Benefit Street Stroll and Home Tour, celebrating the history of this seasonally-decorated neighborhood. From 11:00am to 5:00pm, historic homes will be open for a self-guided tour, for which the public can register at the Old State House (150 Benefit Street). Ticket-holders can also enjoy a lecture by PPS Executive Director, James Brayton Hall, on the history of Benefit Street, and docent-led walking tours. Guided tours include an Architectural and Cultural History of North Benefit Street at 11:30am, and a guided tour of South Benefit Street at 12:30pm. There will also be holiday refreshments, family-friendly festivities, hay rides, carolers signing along the street and a door-decorating contest. At 5:45pm a parade, led by the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment, will head to City Hall for the annual Tree Lighting with Mayor Cicilline.

For a special price, ticket-holders can take a holiday decorating seminar taught by Martha Beckman, former Holiday Director for Martha Stewart Living. They also have the option to enjoy a Patrons’ Reception, featuring Nancy Austin, a Rhode Island-based art historian. She will present a lecture entitled “Signs of the Times,” that discusses the significance of building signs in 19th Century Providence.