If you want to know more about the detailed history behind three local properties and are curious about the technical aspects of how they have been preserved, the Preservation Kentucky Tour120 is where you need to go.

Tour120 is a state-wide initiative to raise awareness of the importance of historic preservation and heritage tourism in all of Kentucky’s 120 counties, according to a news release from Preservation Kentucky.

The guided walking tour will begin at Constitution Square State Historic Site, travel to the Mayhan-Proctor House, which has been incorporated into the Boyle County Public Library, and then on to the Montgomery-Rodes House. It begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 and will last up to 2.5 hours.

The tour is free but there is a limit to the number of participants, said Jamee Peyton, assistant director of the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau and chair of the Boyle County Tour120 committee. “This is a guided tour and not an open house so please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early,” Peyton said.

It is a walking tour, however “it would not be difficult to caravan from one property to another,” if someone wanted to, she added. Also, some buildings and facilities are not handicap accessible. To make a reservation for the tour or find out more information, email Peyton at jamee@historicdanvilleky.com.

The tour will be led by Lauren Clontz, assistant director of the McDowell House Museum. This is also one of the first guided tours of Constitution Park that is now provided by a collaboration of the McDowell House and the park.

The Mahan-Proctor House, built in the 1850s, will feature a conversation with the former library director and the principal architect who were instrumental in transforming the property, according to the CVB. Visitors will learn what the plans were for the structure’s preservation and see what action was taken to restore this historic property.

At the Montgomery-Rodes House, visitors will hear the owners talk about each phase of their restoration project. Visitors will also “get exclusive access to historical evidence, property blueprints, old photos and more,” according to the CVB.

“This is the first year of Tour120 and Boyle County is quite excited to participate,” Peyton said. “The committee has been lucky enough to work with property owners who are equally excited to share their knowledge and willing to share their personal space, in some instances, with the public in the name of preservation.”

Boyle’s Tour120 is being called “Historically Bold Home Tours” and the committee “selected multiple properties of significance for preservation efforts in both Danville and Perryville — a second tour is scheduled in Perryville on Oct. 6, Peyton said.

“We hope to showcase the pride that we have in preserving our history here in Boyle County, while also bringing attention to the remarkable skill, knowledge, financial backing and passion it takes to continue preservation efforts.”

Tour120 is a year-long program and was launched on May 18, during National Preservation Month. “The purpose of Tour120 was to get all 120 counties in Kentucky to participate together in a historic homes tour in honor of education and awareness in preservation,” Peyton said.

“We hope the tour will draw people who have a genuine interest in preservation of historic properties, along with people who are generally passionate about history with a certain curiosity of hat is behind the beautiful facade of the showcased properties.”

 

IF YOU GO

To make a reservation for Boyle’s free Tour120, scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, contact Jamee Peyton at jamee@historicdanvilleky.com

Perryville’s tour Tour120 is scheduled for Oct. 6. Tickets are $20 per person and space is limited. To make a reservation contact Vicki Goode at Main Street Perryville office, (859) 332-1862.