Yuletide Home Tour returns with new stops and historic highlights

Contact:
Jackie Broach, Public Information Officer
Phone: (843) 545-3164
E-mail: jbroach@gtcounty.org
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Yuletide Home Tour returns with new stops and historic highlights
GEORGETOWN, S.C. — The Friends of the Georgetown Library are inviting residents and visitors alike to celebrate the season with a beloved local tradition: The 23rd annual Yuletide Home Tour, set for 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13,
The event offers a rare opportunity to step inside beautifully decorated homes, churches and museums throughout Georgetown, all decked out in their holiday finest. This year’s tour features 12 stops, including three homes that have never before been part of the event.
 
“We always try to bring in new and different homes each year,” said Bob Willey, president of the Friends of the Georgetown Library. “Three of the homes on this year’s tour are brand new to the lineup, and none of the homes from last year will repeat, so there’s plenty of variety.”
 
Among this year’s most exciting additions is Bethel AME Church, which will reopen to the public for the first time in a decade. The historic church, which dates back to 1863, has deep roots in Georgetown’s story. It was once a stop on local history tours and holds a special connection as the home church of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s grandparents.
 
“It’s such a beautiful church with an incredible history,” Willey said. “They haven’t been part of the tour since the tragedy at Mother Emanuel in Charleston, but the new pastor, Rev. Davis, has been very open and enthusiastic about increasing community involvement. We’re thrilled to welcome them back.”
In addition to the homes and churches, four of Georgetown’s five museums will be featured: the Kaminski House Museum, the Georgetown County Museum, the Gullah Museum and the S.C. Maritime Museum. Prince George Winyah Parish Hall will also be part of the route.
 
Willey said the timing of the event — from 1-5 p.m. — is designed to encourage visitors to make a day of it in historic Georgetown. “We want people to come early for lunch, enjoy the tour, and then stay for dinner downtown,” he said. “And with the ice-skating rink returning this year on the same day, there’s plenty to do for families as well.”
 
The City of Georgetown will have an ice rink set up from noon to 8 p.m. in Maritime Park on Front Street.
 
Tickets for the Yuletide Home Tour are $25 per person or $20 for members of any Friends group within the Georgetown County Library system. Admission is free for library employees. Tickets are available at all county library branches or online at myfogl.org/yuletidetour.
 
Last year’s tour drew about 770 participants and raised more than $13,000 to support programs at the Georgetown Library. Proceeds fund a wide range of activities for children, teens and adults.
 
“The Yuletide Home Tour is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Willey said. “It allows us to support programs that inspire reading and creativity for all ages — but especially for children and youth. That’s what it’s all about.”
 
The Friends group is already seeing strong early interest, with more than 100 tickets sold by mid-October. Willey said he expects this year’s attendance to top 800, with visitors traveling from across South Carolina and neighboring states.
 
“It has become not just a local event, but one that really draws people in and benefits the whole community,” he said. “You get to enjoy the beauty of the season, experience some of Georgetown’s most special places, and help our libraries continue the great work they do. It’s a win for everyone.”
 
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit myfogl.org/yuletidetour.