Taking in the intricate architecture of pre-and-post Civil War homes or listening to the stories of historical figures inside Old Live Oak Cemetery, has been a long lasting tradition of the annual Selma Pilgrimage.  Set for March 16 and 17, the 37th Selma Pilgrimage will offer regulars and newcomers something new.

For the first time, the event will showcase historic homes and buildings in Orrville and Old Cahawba as well as homes in Selma.

Event chairs Jacque Johnson and Jewell Williamson feel the new venue would be a great addition to the tour, which showcased six local homes in 2011.

“Jewel is from the Orrville area and lives there — she’s been instrumental in recruiting homes from there,” Johnson said. “St. Luke’s Episcopal at Old Cahawba Archeological Park will be open to the public (and) Tasso Plantation; we’ll have the Dunaway Home/Orrville Academy and the Craig Wilson house in the tour … we are both excited about this event and working hard to make it a ‘historic’ success.”

In addition to the Orrville showings, Selma’s tour will offer new homes for visitors and regulars to browse.

“It will be different from last year — one home will be Weaver Castle,” Johnson said. “Weaver-Perry house (Sarah’s Place) on Union Street has not been on since a number of years; we’re hoping to bring back an evening home … we’re hoping for a total of four day homes and an evening home.”

And with plans not yet finalized, Johnson hopes for more public involvement for next year’s pilgrimage.

“We’re asking for participation … we’re still meeting on tour package prices,” Johnson said. “We’re hoping some people in Orrville will host a luncheon, sale country fare, etc.”

The Pilgrimage, Johnson said, continues to be a hit.

“It’s the combination of history and hospitality,” Johnson said. “Selma has wonderful history and wonderful people that make people feel welcomed to have a wonderful experience (at Pilgrimage).”

For more information visit pilgrimage.selmaalabama.com or call 412-8550.