Historic walking tours have returned to Essex with a few new twists, including a new location outside Essex Village.

Essex used to have walking tours of town history, run on demand by Don Malcarne, but they ended when the former town historian passed away in 2009.

“He was very knowledgeable about the three villages and he wrote at least two books if not more about the architecture, people, and places,” said Essex Historical Society (EHS) Director Melissa Josefiak of Malcarne. “He would give walking tours as requested.”

When Josefiak was hired two years ago, she decided it was time to restart the tradition. Last year’s Walking Weekend in Essex Village was very well received—so well, in fact, that this year’s event will expand to include Ivoryton as well. Walking Weekend begins with the Ivoryton tour on Friday, July 29 at 7 p.m. starting at the Ivoryton Library. It continues back in Essex Village with a tour of Pound Hill and Prospect Street on Saturday, July 30 at 1 p.m. at the Pratt House, 19 West Avenue, and concludes on Sunday, July 31 with a tour of Essex Village starting at 7 p.m. at the foot of Main Street. Participants will learn about Ivoryton’s history as a 19th century company town based around the Comstock-Cheney ivory factory at the first tour, led by former town historian Chris Pagliuco.

The Pound Hill tour focuses on West and Prospect streets, as well as many of the churches and homes in that area. The final tour focuses on the early maritime history of the early seaport town of Potapaug.

“We have some evening walks, one afternoon walk; people can do all of them, people can do one or two of them—catch as many as you like,” said Josefiak. “They’ll get a feeling for the diverse and rich history of the villages and how each one complements [the others].”

The tours are free for EHS members, and $5 for the general public. Proceeds benefits the programs of the historical society. In the future, Josefiak hopes to include Centerbrook, too.

“EHS is all about celebrating the history of all three villages,” she said. “Next year we hope to include a Centerbrook walk, so you will have four tours to choose from.”

According to Josefiak, Walking Weekend is a unique combination of history and the outdoors, and concentrating it in one weekend captures a certain energy.

“You always want to have a nice responsive audience when you give a tour, because people will respond to that energy,” she commented. “The walking tour program helps EHS achieve its mission of engaging and inspiring the community.”

The tours are weather-dependent, so check the EHS website www.essexhistory.org, for information on rescheduling in the event of rain.

Essex’s Walking Weekend ToursIvoryton

Friday, July 29 at 7 p.m.

Meet at Ivoryton Library, 106 Main Street

West and Prospect Streets, Essex

Saturday, July 30 at 1 p.m.

Meet at Pratt House, 19 West Avenue, Essex

Essex Village

Sunday, July 31 at 7 p.m.

Meet at foot of Main Street, Essex

All tours cost $5 per person; free for Essex Historical Society members. Proceeds benefit the Essex Historical Society. Free parking is available in town. For more information, call 860-767-0681 or visit www.essexhistory.org.