Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series focusing on the homes involved in the 2011 Selma Pilgrimage.

Organizers with the 2011 Selma Pilgrimage announced this week two of the participating homes this year will be first time participants.

Barbara Burns has owned one of those homes, the plush, pink home on Tremont Street, for 15 years and has been getting her house ready daily for the event.

“I’ve been in Old Town for more than 30 years and preserving the architectural beauty of the community is important for me,” Burns said. “I’ve been working on my house since the holidays — painting, plastering, doing sheet rock work, cleaning — and I hope to be ready by March 18.”

Burns said her house, which was built in the 1800s, holds family heirlooms and popular antique décor similar to items displayed in “Antique Road Show” or “American Pickers” on the History Channel.

“I have collectibles that I remember from childhood, the things from my grandmother’s attic,” Burns said. “It’s just something about this house; I knew it was ‘me’ when I walked through the front door.”

Burns said she was approached to participate in the Pilgrimage years ago and her love for her district made her want to volunteer for the event even more.

“I’m very much a part of historical preservation, so the Pilgrimage is very important,” Burns said. “Being a part of this is just a small way to take pride in Selma, so I knew I had to step up this year.”

Burns also said it’s important for the people of Selma to take pride in their city.

“Selma is moving forward,” Burns said. “It’s important for everyone, even those connected to the city who live far away, to take pride in it. I hope anybody who is approached to participate in something like this (Pilgrimage) will feel honored to be a part of it.”