The Organization

Christian Menn designed this cable-stayed bridge named for Boston civic leader Leonard Zakim. Although only 1432 feet in length, it is a one-of-a-kind cantilevered asymmetrical steel and concrete hybrid bridge that revolutionized cable-stayed bridge technology.

Boston By Foot, Inc., is a nonprofit educational corporation. It was founded by Polly Flansburgh in 1976, the year of America's Bicentennial, with a mission to promote public awareness of Boston's rich architectural and historical heritage through its guided tours, lecture series, and other activities.

The tours are conducted by a well-trained, enthusiastic and diverse corps of over 200 volunteer guides, many of whom have served Boston By Foot for more than 10, 20, and even 30 years. To become a guide for Boston By Foot, each docent completed a 6-week course, submitted 4 papers, and passed a final exam. For many, that was just the beginning.

Edmund Wheelwright designed his European-inspired structure which replaced the 1793 West Boston bridge in 1906. It was named after New England poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

The Longfellow Bridge and Charles River basin the morning after a July 4th celebration. Photo by Tom Coppeto.

Our docents come from all walks of life. By profession they represent doctors, lawyers, teachers, writers, librarians, engineers, researchers, historians, architects, photographers, analysts, builders, executives, consultants, designers, publishers, and a few MIT rocket scientists. What they all share in common is a passion for our city and for telling its story.