|
Boston had been a thriving city long before the United States itself
existed. Founded in the 17th century, Boston has been the center of
attention in New England since the colonial period. Today's Boston
continues to boast some of the best attractions to be found in the
Northeastern US. As the "cradle of the Revolution," Boston is full
of history like no other city in America. For over 350 years, some
of the world's greatest patriots, writers, thinkers, athletes and
artists have called Boston their home, leaving an indelible mark on
this incredible city in the process.
A trip to Boston is necessarily a trip into American history. Boston
was the center of the revolutionary movement in the 1770's, and the
monuments to those glorious times still stand. Faneuil Hall (1742)
was a meeting place for revolutionary leaders, and it now houses
dozens of shops and restaurants. The Old State House (1713) was the
site of the colonial government and is open for tours. Paul Revere's
house is also open for tours, and the Old North Church (1723) and
its famous lanterns are still in use. The site of the Boston
Massacre where five colonists died in 1770 has been preserved. The
First Public School was in Boston; some of its graduates include Sam
Adams and Ben Franklin. The Granary Burying Ground in the middle of
town has the graves of patriots John Hancock, Paul Revere and
others. Even the Boston Tea Party is commemorated in a floating ship
museum, not far from the floating museum aboard the USS
Constitution, America's first great warship.
|
In addition to history,
Boston boasts a wonderful cultural tradition. There are currently
more than 23 major theatres, orchestras, and symphonies in Boston,
and more small theatres numbering into the hundreds. The Old Corner
Bookstore was a favorite meeting-place for Hawthorne, Longfellow,
Emerson, Thoreau and other great American writers. The Museum of
Fine Arts is the largest museum in New England, and is the
centerpiece of a collection of art museums that are spread all
across the city.
Kids will love Boston's history, and they will also love many of its
other attractions. Boston Common, which once housed British troops,
is now a beautiful park in the center of the city. The Franklin Park
Zoo is nearby, with a Children's Zoo and other kid-friendly
attractions. The Boston Science Museum feature over 400 hands-on
exhibits. The New England Aquarium has more than 2000 sea creatures
on display, including fish, whales, and penguins. Finally, the
Boston Children's museum is dedicated to educating and entertaining
kids at the same time.
Sports fans can attend professional basketball, hockey, and baseball
games involving some of America's greatest teams. Football fans can
enjoy professional games or college-level ball at many of Boston's
dozens of colleges and universities.
Millions of visitors a year come to Boston for its history, and once
they arrive they discover that there's even more to enjoy in this
amazing city.
|
|
Abiel Smith School
The Museum of Afro American History, Boston, is a not-for-profit
cultural institution dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately
interpreting the contributions of African Americans.
African Meeting House
The Museum of Afro American History, Boston, is a not-for-profit
cultural institution dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately
interpreting the contributions of African Americans.
The French Library &
Cultural Center
Looking for a taste of French culture in Boston? Then visit the French
Cultural Center and Library. The French Cultural Center offers
translation and interpretation services, language classes, films, and
videos. Enjoy the varied art exhibitions, concerts, lectures and special
events.
Beacon Hill Walking Tours - Magnificent and Modest
Visit the elegant Federal style Otis House, stroll around Beacon Hill;
view the homes of well to do merchants and then the modest dwellings on
the North Slope where the working class resided.
Society for Preservation of NE Antiquities
Museum of cultural history that collects and preserves buildings,
landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to the
present. .
Black Heritage Trail
A walking tour of the history of Boston's Black community between
1800-1900 on Beacon Hill. The tour includes: Meeting House, Smith
CourtResidences, Abiel Smith School, G. Middleton House, Robert Gould
Shaw Memorial, Phillips School, home of John J Smith, Charles St.
Meeting House, Lewis & Harriet Hayden House, and Coburn's Gaming House.
Historic walking map available. All sites must be visited with an
arranged tour except those hours noted at specific sites.
Book Lover's Dream Tour
A guided walking tour of either Boston, Cambridge, or Concord's
delightful, private bookstores, followed by tea and literary
conversation in an elegant, historic setting. Call for reservations.
Boston Irish
Famine Memorial
The Boston Irish Famine Memorial, along the city's Freedom Trail, was
unveiled in June, 1998 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish
Famine, an episode which sent over 100,000 Irish refugees to Boston. It
is also a tribute to the memory of over one million Irish who died
during the Irish Famine (1845-1849) and a remembrance of people still
suffering famines in countries around the world.
Boston Stock
Exchange
Take a tour of Boston's stock exchange! The glass-enclosed viewing area
above the trading floor offers an area for self-guided tours. Exhibits
and multi-media displays trace the close links between the Exchange's
role as an early source of capital, the development of New England's
economy and the growth of Boston's financial services industry. Online
access to breaking financial news and stock market data are available.
Boston History Collaborative - Literary Trail
Boston History Collaborative is a non profit alliance of four groups
interested in furthering interest in Boston and American history, and
tourism. This model for historical tourism blends the best of our
historical heritage with innovations to create a presentation of
Boston's rich history. Trails include the Literary Trail, Boston By Sea:
The Maritime Trail, and The Immigration Trail.
Boston African American National Historic Site
Black Heritage Trail site; Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Center to
visit The Boston African American National Historic Sites along the
Black Heritage Trail. The first site is the Shaw Memorial, across from
the State House. Explore the rich history of Beacon Hill's 19th century
Black community.
Boston By Sea: The
Maritime Trail
Boston's Maritime Trail currently offers a great opportunity to connect
a variety of sites and activities centered on Boston's rich seafaring
history. Ships and museums, shops and harbor islands, historic centers
for shipbuilding and scenes of romance, roguery and revolution make up
this interesting and fun trail along Boston Harbor. Going beyond the
city limits, the trail continues the story of Massachusetts' place in
sea history. Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center to
pick up a map and up-to-date event listings along the trail; then, head
down to the sea !
Boston History Collaborative - Maritime Trail
Boston History Collaborative is a non profit alliance of leaders from
the visitor industry, the business community, local government, historic
attractions and senior historian. Established in 1997, the
organization's mission is to spearhead the development of a new model of
historical tourism in Boston. Its mission is to increase tourism by
making Boston's authentic historical attractions more exciting and
interactive for both visitors and local residents. Three trail are
currently offered or are under development - The Literary Trail, The
Maritime Trail and the Immigration Trail
Boston Center for
the Arts
Located in the heart of the South End, easily accessible by public
transportation and within walking distance from Chinatown, Back Bay,
Beacon Hill and the Theatre District, the Center features programs in
the historic Cyclorama, exhibitions in the Mills Gallery, theater
performances in three small theaters and offers studio space for
artists.
Boston Light on Little Brewster Island
Boston Light is America's oldest lighthouse and the country's only
lighthouse manned by active duty Coast Guard personnel. Completed in
1716 and rebuilt from its own rubble in 1783, the lighthouse was
preserved by special legislation. A great chance to get up into Boston
Light and look around. Tours leave aboard the 49 seat Hurricane and last
approx. 2 1/2 hours. Tours leave on Saturdays at 9am and 1pm from Fan
Pier.
Boston National
Historical Park
Visit the Boston National Historical Park, and capture the spirit of the
old and the new within Boston.
Boston Tea
Party Ship & Museum
Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Center to pick up information and
perhaps a trolley tour to the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum. Visit a
replica of the "tea party ship." Celebrate freedom during Patriots Day
week on board the ship located on the Congress Street Bridge. Relive the
Boston Tea Party with costumed guides aboard the full scale replica of
Big Beaver. History comes alive aboard the replica Tea Ship. Participate
in the reenactment presentation with Paul Revere & Sam Adams. Throw tea
chests overboard. Engage in discussions with Colonial Costumed Guides.
"Tax free" tea served, too.
Bunker Hill
Enjoy a dramatic multimedia presentation of the first battle of the
Revolution at the Bunker Hill Pavilion, located 200 yards from "Old
Ironsides" in Charlestown.
Commonwealth Museum & Massachusetts Archives
Explore the people, places and politics of Massachusetts. Interactive
exhibits focus on and contemporary issues of appeal to visitors of all
ages.
|
Old South Meeting House
Freedom Trail : It's where the Boston Tea Party began ! See the
award-winning restoration of this National Historic Landmark and
experience Old South's history through an innovative audio program that
transports you back in time and places you right in the middle of the
action.
Prudential Skywalk Observation Deck & Exhibit
The Prudential Skywalk Observation Deck offers the only 360 degree view
of Boston and beyond from over 700 feet up.
Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment Memorial
A Black Heritage Trail site commemorating the Civil War regiment. The
Black regiment, which served with honor in the Civil War, was the basis
for the movie Glory.
USS Constitution Museum
Experience one of America's great national treasures - Old Ironsides.
Share in the historical heritage, take the wheel yourself to sail into
battle during 1812, or travel "around the world" during her 1844-46
world cruise.
Walks Through Freedom
Walk the Freedom Trail with costumed, historic ambassadors from
Revolutionary times, discover or re-discover the story of America!
Explore the Trail with the Freedom Trail Players as they re-tell the
known and little- known tales of the past, leading the way through city
streets to the actual sites of our American Heritage.
Freedom Trail
Boston's three-mile walk through history -- follow the red brick road to
16 historic sites: Boston Common, The State House, park Street Church,
Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, Ben Franklin's statue, Old South
Meeting House, Old Corner Bookstore, Old State House, Boston Massacre
Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp's Hill
Burying Ground, USS Constitution, & Bunker Hill Monument
Women's Heritage Trail
Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Information booth to start five
guided walks through four centuries of Boston women. The Downtown Walk
highlights the search for equal rights; the North End Walk explores the
diversity of cultures; the Beacon Hill Walk reveals the stories of
writers, artists and activists; the South Cove/Chinatown Walk celebrates
women's action for economic and social justice; and the Back Bay Walk
tells the tales of educators, artists and social reformers. Follow the
footsteps of some remarkable Boston women and share their stories of
heritage and freedom, accomplishment and achievements as you "remember
the ladies." Pick up the 80-page illustrated book "Boston Women's
Heritage Trail" and begin at the Boston Commons Visitors Information
Booth.
Museum of African American History - African Meeting House
The Museum is a non-profit educational institution founded to study the
social history of New England's African American communities. It also
promotes an awareness of that history by means of educational programs,
publications, exhibits and special events. Sites include African Meeting
House & The Black Heritage Trail.
Museum of National Center of Afro-American Artists
An art museum dedicated to the promotion, exhibition, collection and
criticism of the Black visual arts heritage worldwide. Programs are
offered in 5 areas, as well as publications, research and education.
New England Historic Genealogical Society
New England's largest collection of family and local history materials,
this modern library is an historic Back Bay landmark. Tours, research
assistance available.
Nichols House Museum
This historic house museum is located on Beacon Hill and is available
for small functions and cocktail parties.
Old North Church
Built in 1723, the Old North Church is Boston's oldest church building.
It's where the signal was given to launch Paul Revere's ride on April
18, 1775. The Church and museum/gift shop are open daily to visitors
from 9am to 5pm, summer till 7pm.
Harpoon Brewery
Atlantic Ave., to Congress St., to Northern Ave. (past World Trade
Center/Jimmy's Restaurant) at the EDIC Marine Industrial Park. Located
on Boston's waterfront (Seaport District), the Harpoon Brewery is New
England's largest brewer of specialty beers. Tours, tastings, events,
catalogue Brew-Wear and more make this a great place to sample
hand-crafted beers in all seasons.
Isabella Stewart
Gardner Museum
This 15th century Venetian palace created at the turn of the century by
Isabella Stewart Gardner houses more than 2,500 art objects, among them
works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Raphael, Titan, and Matisse. Relax in
the interior flowering courtyard and outdoor gardens. Visit the Cafe &
gift shop. Information about the Museum is available in Braille and
large print at the Information desk.
John
Hancock Observatory
Located on the 60th floor of NE's largest building, the Observatory
offers unparalleled views of Boston and beyond. It also features several
exciting interactive and audio-visual exhibits.
Longyear
Museum
An independent historical museum featuring Mary Baker Eddy's life.
Founded in 1926, it maintains six historic houses, exhibits and
archival/library materials.
First
Church of Christ, Scientist (The)
Tour the Mother Church, visit nondenominational Bible exhibit, and see
the 30 foot stained glass Mapparium in the Christian Science Publishing
Society, where the Christian Science Monitor is published.
Fort Point Open Studios
Stroll through the working studios of Boston's resident artists in the
Fort Point Channel neighborhood. Look, study, talk to the artists, and
buy their works! Please call for a map.
Harriet Tubman Park
Columbus Ave. between Holyoke and Pembroke St., at the corner of Warren.
10 minutes walking distance from Prudential Center. A tiny park situated
in Boston's historic South End, will feature a 1913 statue
"Emancipation" - the only monument in America to freed slaves. Created
by black artist Meta Warrick Fuller, it depicts a man and woman
metaphorically from bondage. Born a slave, Harriet Tubman is recognized
as the mother of the Underground Railroad, a dangerous escape route for
slaves to freedom. Beginning in 1850, Tubman's tenacity and emboldened
spirit helped 300 black men and women escape slavery. Her brilliance as
a speaker galvanized abolitionists in Boston to become a leading force
in 19th century history.
DeCordova Museum and
Sculpture Park
Take a stroll through the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park. The
museum is dedicated to the exhibition of art and sculpture. |
