We've Moved! ​
Preservation Worcester has a new home in the historic Salisbury House. We are energized by this ambitious move and how it will continue to advance our mission!
The mission of Preservation Worcester is to maintain for future generations the sites and structures which are significant to the culture, history, and architecture of the city and to encourage excellence in future design with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.​
Announcing the Deborah Packard Salisbury House Endowment​
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We've created an endowment fund to honor former Executive Director Deborah Packard's 21 years of service and her upcoming retirement. To honor Deb’s extraordinary contributions and ensure her legacy endures, we are establishing the Deborah Packard Salisbury House Endowment Fund for the ongoing restoration and preservation of our headquarters, Salisbury House. This has been a signature project for Preservation Worcester, and one that has been made possible through Deb’s passion and energy. Join us in celebrating Deb’s incredible legacy and supporting the future of historic preservation in Worcester.
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It’s back — and bigger than ever! 🎉
Preservation Worcester is thrilled to announce the return of our wildly popular Off Limits Tours — your exclusive pass inside Worcester’s most architecturally stunning and historically significant spaces.
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Throughout the year, our expert staff and passionate docents will guide you into rarely opened rooms — unlocking doors to places sometimes never open to the public. From hidden corridors to behind-the-scenes spaces, you’ll experience Worcester’s history in ways most people never will.
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These special tours are intentionally intimate, ticketed events with limited capacity — because extraordinary access deserves an unforgettable experience. Even better? Every ticket purchased supports the mission of Preservation Worcester, with a portion directly funding restoration, maintenance, and stewardship of the featured historic site. Your curiosity helps preserve our City’s history.
Norton Administration Building: Off Limits
Saturday, April 11
Tours offered at: 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm and 3:30pm
1 New Bond Street, Worcester
Thanks to a partnership with Saint-Gobain Abrasives and the Worcester Business Development Corporation, our second Off Limits Tour of the year offers a rare opportunity to explore the former Norton Company Administration Building—later used by Saint-Gobain Abrasives—constructed in 1913.
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This special tour highlights Norton Hall and the remarkable Arthur Covey murals, installed in 1927. These ten panels vividly illustrate the emery wheel manufacturing process, from mining to industrial application.
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For more than a century, the building has served as office space, with access to Norton Hall largely restricted to meetings and special events. Now, for a limited time, you can step inside.
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​During this exclusive experience, you’ll discover the architectural details, hidden features, and rich history that make this building and room true Worcester landmarks. At the conclusion of each tour, guests will have the opportunity to speak with a member of the WBDC team about the building’s current status and its future.
Docent Talk:
The Lost Art of Worcester's Penmen
Park View Room, 230 Park Avenue, Worcester
Thursday, April 23 at 5:30 PM (art show), 6PM (presentation)
For our next docent presentation, join PW docent Eric Spencer at the Park View Room at Cornerstone Bank for a presentation on Worcester's calligraphers. Their pens were mighty; Explore the lives of father and son 'Penmen' Royal and Herman Rawson. Together, we will learn about their fascinating careers and why they called Worcester home. An exhibit of the Rawsons works will be on display prior to the start of the presentation.
Free and open to the public!
Reservations are not required.
OFF TO THE RACES
SATURDAY, MAY 2
5:00PM-8:00PM
PRESERVATION WORCESTER CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO
An Evening of Southern Charm, Lively Tradition &
High-Spirited Fun Celebrating the Kentucky Derby
Hearty hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, complimentary cocktail, and race with themed activities.
Derby attire strongly encouraged.
Preservation Worcester's Annual Meeting 2026
Wednesday, May 20th, 5:30pm-7:15pm
Salisbury House, 61 Harvard St, Worcester
