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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Off Limits Tour: Olympia Theatre
Olympia Theatre, 17 Pleasant St, Worcester
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Tours offered at 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm
After nearly 20 years behind closed doors, the historic Olympia Theater is opening for a rare look inside before its next transformation begins.
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Built in 1891 by George "Doc" Lothrop, the former theater boasts a rich history filled with live performances, cinematic innovation, colorful characters, and a few scandals along the way! Join Clark University student docents, collaborating with Preservation Worcester and the Woo Theatre on Saturday, November 7th for an Off Limits tour of the theater, where you’ll have the opportunity to step inside the theater, learn the stories behind the building, and discover how it evolved alongside the changing world of entertainment.
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Our seventh Off Limits Tour of 2026 takes you inside the Olympia Theatre at 17 Pleasant Street. Join Clark University student docents to explore Worcester’s oldest surviving theater and discover the building, neighborhood, and performances that shaped its history.
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These small-group tours offer a more personal experience while supporting Preservation Worcester’s mission to protect and revitalize Worcester’s historic places. Best of all, every ticket purchased supports Preservation Worcester’s mission, with a portion of the proceeds helping fund the Olympia Theatre restoration, maintenance, and stewardship.
