The Cottagers, Inc., a 70-year-old philanthropic organization comprised of 100 African American female homeowners on Martha’s Vineyard, will host its 38th annual house tour event on Thursday, July 17.

Proceeds from the event support local charities and initiatives that address housing, food insecurity and education.

This year’s tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning at the historic Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs and including five properties in all.

Union Chapel, 55 Narragansett Avenue

26 Pocasset avenue.

Ray Ewing

26 Pocasset avenue.

Ray Ewing

A unique structure that stands out by virtue of its octagonal shape and size, and its colorful history, Union Chapel dates back 154 years. In addition to providing a pulpit for noted thinkers and speakers such as Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Rev. Otis Moss, Sen. Ralph Warnock and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, it has been the scene of countless weddings, graduations, religious services and celebrations of all kinds. With its steeply pitched roof and triangular windows, Union Chapel remains an extraordinary example of the Stick Style architecture of the Victorian-era.

26 Pocasset Avenue

A lush green lawn stretches out from this home located in the historic Copeland District, famed for its parks and views of Nantucket Sound. It was built in 2015 by Ray Maciel for owner Deborah Arrindell whose favorite things to do are relax and entertain — just as Copeland intended.

A large wrap-around porch provides multiple seating areas and a separate back porch is where family and friends regularly gather for dinner.

18 Elmwood Avenue

Located in the Highlands, known as the “the first summer neighborhood for vacationing and homeowner Blacks in the early 1900s,” this home’s front porch is hard to resist. However, begin the visit in the back at the meticulously maintained garden featuring climbing hydrangeas and populated by hungry hummingbirds. Owner Lee Gilliam describes himself as a gardener by hobby and profession, and it shows.

262 Farm Neck Way and 15 Overview Lane

Farm Neck originally referred to the peninsula of land extending into Sengekontacket Pond and Nantucket Sound. In the mid-1800s, the Wilbur family farmed its 34 acres. Today, it is a community of stunning homes around Farm Neck Golf Club, including, 262 Farm Neck Way and 15 Overview Lane.

Homeowners of 15 Overview Lane are Ann and Shelley Stewart. "In 2014 we bought our third home on the Vineyard, 15 Overview, our legacy home," Ann said. 

Her husband Shelley continued: "It is a house built to stand the test of time and to easily and comfortably accommodate our entire family, a home that will be cherished by generations to come."

For tickets and more information, visit thecottagersincofmv.org.