Histoury, a nonprofit, works to promote the appreciation and preservation of historic architecture through guided tours in communities large and small in New York and New England. Covering the range of American architectural history—from colonial through modernist—our tours are engaging, in-person experiences for people to learn about architecture, both high-style and vernacular, as well as the people and stories connected to these buildings and how preservation takes shape. The Histoury team brings its expertise in historic preservation and tourism to create meaningful cultural experiences that celebrate our shared architectural heritage.

Q: Highlight one recent initiative, program, or exhibition:

Our tour of midcentury modern homes in Northern Westchester that took place earlier this year showcased a home by the famous Marcel Breuer, but it also showcased homes by lesser-known, but very talented designers whose work is concentrated in the tri-state region, such as Roy S. Johnson and David Henken. Our previous historic modernist tours in the area have also brought more of these architects to the forefront—James Evans, Vuko Tashkovich, Martin Lowenfish, and Larry Michaels, to name just a few. This October, we are continuing this exciting and rewarding work of discovering and sharing a growing number of these “unsung” architects on a month of tours devoted to the celebration of modernist architecture.

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Q: What is something about your organization that most people don’t know or might be unfamiliar with?

Each tour is highlighted with special stops made along the way to visit the interiors of private historic homes! These special home visits are remarkably unique experiences that give people the chance to see the great historic architecture and features found in these homes and provide for a better understanding and appreciation of what these buildings are, how they came to be, and what they continue to mean. You’ll see details like the impressively wide floor boards in colonials, the beautiful woodwork adorning Victorian-era homes, the views of nature captured so well in modernist homes, and so much more! Whether someone is an avid architecture enthusiast or has a more casual interest in history, these interior home visits are always interesting and fulfilling.

Q: What is something in your neighborhood/area near your organization that you would recommend doing, seeing, eating, etc. if someone were to visit?

Many of our tours take place in Westchester County, where there is a great variety of activities and places to visit and an exciting cultural landscape. A fun experience for NYC visitors that combines all the things we love—architecture, history, and travel—with what everyone loves—delicious food—is to take a relaxing ride on Metro-North, enjoying the views of the towns and hamlets of course, and stop at one of Westchester’s many historic rail stations that have been turned into restaurants and cafes. This means you’re also starting and ending your fun day trip at the gorgeous Grand Central, and maybe enjoying one of our tours while you’re up here; a lot of them are a quick walk or ride from the stations!

Q: How does your organization’s mission intersect with Archtober’s mission?

The missions of Histoury and Archtober are very closely aligned. Both celebrate architecture, and both organizations aim to further its appreciation.