GILBERTSVILLE – From 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, the Gilbertsville Free Library will host its sixth annual Christmas Historical House Tour. The town was documented 13 years after the American Revolution ended in 1796, but was actually settled nearly 30 years earlier before America was even a country. The entire Village of Gilbertsville is on the National Register of Historical Places.

The area is well known for its pre-Civil War homes; in fact some are more than 170 years old. The library was itself was built in 1818, explained Village Improvement Society member Diana Heeman.

“It’s always a great time for everyone and there is a lot of really interesting sights to see,” said Heeman.

Every winter season, the Gilbertsville Free Library hosts its annual “Dressed for the Holidays,” a Tour of Historic Gilbertsville which features several homes. The non-profit organization uses the annual event as one of it major fundraisers.

“People agreed to put their home on the tour because they are very proud of these houses and their history. We’re thankful we’re able to be able to use their homes for our fundraising effort,” said Gilbertsville Historian Leigh C. Eckmair.

This year’s annual historic tour will feature these homes:

• The 1870 Porter House owned by Michelle and John Birdsall.