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The Uncommon Friends Foundation is seeking volunteer docents to give historical guided tours at the Burroughs Home and Gardens located on the riverfront at 2505 First Street in downtown Fort Myers. Personable people who are passionate about history, architecture and/or storytelling with time to volunteer midday on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays are a perfect fit. Full training is provided. Interested applicants should contact Tera Miller at (239) 337-9505 or apply to Tera@burroughshome.com.

Seasonal property tours of the Burroughs Home and Gardens are now being offered by reservation only on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Reserved tours followed by a catered lunch are $30/adult. Tours without lunch are $12/adult and $10/senior. Free parking is available across the street at 2500 First Street. For advance tour reservations, call (239) 337-9505.

The elegant Burroughs Home and Gardens is also available for weddings, receptions, private parties, and family gatherings with its new, open air Gale McBride Pavilion for up to 300 guests.

The 2½ story, 6,000 square foot, turn-of-the-century, Georgian Colonial Revival home was originally built in 1901 by John T. Murphy, a Montana cattle rancher and later acquired by wealthy businessman Nelson Burroughs and his wife Adeline in 1918. It sits on 2.45 acres overlooking the Caloosahatchee River and features stained glass windows, a widow’s walk, a sweeping veranda, and a winding, grand staircase. As one of the jewels of “millionaire’s row,” it was the scene of society events attended by the Edisons, Fords, Firestones, and other friends. For more information, visit www.burroughshome.com.

Volunteers are vital to the Uncommon Friends Foundation, as with most nonprofit organizations. From management assistance, to the cleaning crew, Holiday House helpers and docents, volunteers make it possible to keep the beautiful Burroughs Home and Gardens maintained, open and available for the enjoyment of the public.

The Uncommon Friends Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1993, manages the historic Burroughs Home and Gardens and is dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. For information, visit www.uncommonfriends.org or contact Executive Director Angela Melvin at angela@uncommonfriends.org.