Historic Newton’s annual Newton House Tour is back for its 43rd year. On Sunday, May 17 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., tour goers are invited to look inside remarkable historic properties not usually open to the public. Each was carefully selected to show historic preservation and creative adaptations. The tour’s lead sponsor is The Village Bank.

The self-guided tour includes a total of seven properties, including a special behind-the-scenes experience at the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill. The six private residences on the tour are in the villages of Newton Highlands, West Newton, Oak Hill, and Newton Corner.

Unique this year, Historic Newton is partnering with the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum. The museum is located in the historic Chestnut Hill High Service Pumping Station, built in 1887. Visitors to the site will experience a stunning example of Richardsonian Romanesque
architecture. The Waterworks Museum will be closed to the general public during the Newton House Tour, giving participants exclusive use of the site. As a special treat, the museum is offering behind-the-scenes access to the Allis Pumps in the basement, an area of the museum that is typically not open to most visitors. This special access to the Waterworks Museum is included in the House Tour ticket.

The self-guided tour starts with ticket pick-up at the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds. Purchase tickets the day of or visit NewtonMA.gov/HouseTour.