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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Docent Talk:
Free and open to the public!
Two Towers
Park View Room, 230 Park Avenue, Worcester
Thursday, March 12 at 6PM
Please join us for the second in our series of docent presentations this year on local historical architecture in Worcester. PW docent Michael Hally will present "Two Towers" at the Park View Room at Cornerstone Bank. The program will explore Worcester's earliest and latest skyscraper. The Plaza Tower at 446 Main Street recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Its modern glass skin is in stark contrast to Worcester’s first skyscraper, the State Mutual Building, at 340 Main Street. Separated by four blocks and seventy-five years, their architects fashioned these buildings around social, political and economic currents of their times. Do they represent good architecture? How do they shape the city around them? Can they survive? Take a look at the inceptions of these two important Worcester buildings and their place in the city’s history.
Reservations are not required.
Kicking Off 2026 at the Iconic Worcester Memorial Auditorium!
Saturday, March 21
Begins at the corner of Grove St and Institute St
Tours offered at:
1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm
Thanks to an exciting partnership with the American Heritage Foundation and the City of Worcester, our first Off Limits Tour of the year will explore one of the city’s most beloved landmarks: the Worcester Memorial Auditorium — affectionately known as “The Aud.”
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Standing proudly in Lincoln Square since 1933, this grand Art Deco treasure was built to honor Worcester residents who served in the military after the end of WWI. Once a vibrant hub for concerts, athletic events, ceremonies, and community gatherings, the venue boasts seating for 3,500 in the main auditorium and 675 in the intimate Little Theater.
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But that’s not all. Within its walls is a breathtaking memorial chamber featuring murals by renowned artist Leon Kroll — a powerful and moving tribute that few have had the opportunity to experience up close in the past 20 years.
Now’s your chance.
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Spots are limited and will fill up quickly!
Docent Talk:
The Lost Art of Worcester's Penmen
Park View Room, 230 Park Avenue, Worcester
Thursday, April 23 at 6PM
For our next docent presentation, join PW docent Eric Spencer at the Park View Room at Cornerstone Bank for a presentation on Royal and Herman Rawson.
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.
Invitations and tickets still to come.
Preservation Worcester's Annual Meeting 2026
Wednesday, May 20th, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Salisbury House, 61 Harvard St, Worcester
