WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Historical Society is hosting a historical walking tour of Wilmington next week.

Next Thursday, Sept. 1, Wilmington Historical Society President Karen Peters and Guy Stephenson, historical society member and licensed guide, will lead the tour from 9 a.m. to noon.

The tour will explore Wilmington hamlet’s historic locations and people with many accompanying historic photos and stories encompassing 200 years of history as the town continues to celebrate its bicentennial year. The nearly-level walk is approximately 3 miles long and will take place rain or shine, so participants are encouraged to bring appropriate gear and good shoes. Participants can bring their own snacks or an early lunch to eat at the tour’s rest stop at the Wilmington Town Beach.

Registration required by Aug. 31 and there’s a limit of 10 people.

Walkers will explore Wilmington with new eyes as they see locations and buildings that bring local history into focus. The guides will tell stories of War of 1812 heroes Reuben Sanford and Stephen Partridge, the lumbering and iron industries, the role of Wilmington residents during the Civil War and World Wars, the establishment of tourism with its many effects on the town and economy, how electricity came to Wilmington, and about some well-known characters who helped to shape the town’s history.

The historical walking tour of Wilmington is free. Registered participants will meet at the pavilion at Preston Festival Field on Springfield Road in Wilmington. For more information or to register, email whs12997@hotmail.com or call 518-420-8370.