Historian Tour with Janan Boheme

In September 2025, WMH invited guests to celebrate Sarah Winchester Day with a limited tour with the house historian, Janan Boheme. Any time the house historian pops up with her own tour, I aim to be on it. As I have said before, Janan’s tours and centennial talks have been some of my favorite things to be witness to. This latest tour just proves that if you want the real insider look, Janan is the guide you want!

Janan is a wealth of knowledge, especially when it comes to Winchester Mystery House. She has rightly earned her title as the house historian. Not only that, she is more than eager to share her knowledge and those who seek it flock to her. My biggest regret is not writing down my experience immediately upon returning home. I only hope I can do her amazing tour some justice with my recollections.

The Best Thing About a Historian Tour?

Other than the knowledge gained? Honestly, one of the biggest perks to a tour with the historian is the “behind the ropes” experience. This is not a rushed tour and you really get a proper moment to both listen to all of the history being shared AND snap a photo of proof for how close you get to the history. Although the tour boasted an hour and half in length, it ended up going 45 minutes longer than that. Because no one was in a rush to end the tour, when Janan offered to continue it past it’s time, we all agreed.

Another bonus is the group size. This particular group was about 12 people and it was a delightful collection of previous tour guides, fellow Winchester returnees, first time visitors and architecture lovers. It was a perfect combination as Janan would rely on fellow tour guides to share their own experiences and we were getting awesome questions from both first time and repeat visitors. If you are hoping for a personalized tour, nothing quite hits like one with Janan. And the only way that’s happening is if you join a tour like this or reaching out to Winchester to host a private event.

Thirteen Things From the Historian Tour

You would think that after the plethora of Winchester events I have attended, there’s not much else I could really learn. However, the beauty of this landmark is that even Janan herself is constantly discovering new secrets within the property. There was so much I was shown on this tour, and in spite of wanting to share it all, I’m going to limit myself to just thirteen things that were new to me.

1) This Tour Took Place on Sarah’s Passing Anniversary

Sarah Winchester passed away on the property on September 5th in 1922. To honor her passing, the house displayed traditional Victorian practices. The front of the house was adorned in black swagging, mirrors were covered with black fabrics and flower arrangements were placed throughout the house. In addition, the front parlor was open for guests to leave a message for Sarah and take a moment in remembrance. They also received a funeral card to commemorate the day.

2) There are sparrows in the fireplace of the Twin Dining Rooms

I’ve always been too busy admiring the cobweb windows above the fireplace to notice. The fireplace has these beautiful sparrows with flowers cast into the metal sides of the fireplace.

3) Red is integrated into the front parlor

You my have noticed the red orbs in the stained glass, but did you know there is red painted into the ceiling trim too?

4) The front sitting room was probably a deep red color with black wood trimming

Based on the furnishings in this closet, Janan suspects this room was not actually the ugly beige color, but trimmed with dark woods and the beautiful burgundy color she is holding a light too.

5) There are twin fireplaces

Between the waiting room of the ballroom and the front sitting room, there are two fireplaces that share a chimney.

6) The light pendants above the fireplaces are also twins

Looking above each fireplace, you’ll see the light pendants are also identical and share the designs that adorn the fireplaces.

7) There’s a hidden compartment in the grand ballroom

To the left of the curtain, there is a secret compartment. Staff who know of it will randomly stash items within it. On the tour, there was a pair of ballet slippers within it.

8) The house built around the original water tower

You can still see the legs to the original water tower on the first floor.

9) The water tower walls can be seen in the Hall of Fires

Take a look at that corner sink. There’s more to it than just the 13 drain holes. Those walls are the inside of the water tower!

10) There’s a hidden compartment in Marrion’s bedroom

Thought those fireplaces were just decorative wood? Apparently the one in Marrion’s bedroom has a secret compartment which reveals the original farmhouse roof.

11) A Secret Staircase Passage

A staircase in the Hall of Fires that appears to lead to nowhere actually connects this tiny window in Sarah’s bedroom.

12) Sarah wrote to her sister about the skylight on the stairs

In a letter to her sister, Sarah mentioned how she had to add a skylight because staff were complaining about the stairs being dark. This is because she built in front of the only source of light in the stairway.

13) The small outer building next to the garden restrooms may have been a 1906 memorial

Janan suspects that this small building was built as a memorial to the 1906 earthquake. The windows are all pieces that belonged to floors that collapsed during the seismic event.

Would I Participate in a Historian Tour with Janan Boheme Again?

Obviously, this goes without saying. If you didn’t pick it up from earlier, I love any time I get a chance to listen to Janan talk about this historic property. I am already waiting with baited breath for the next event that mentions her name.