Boston By Foot, Inc., is a non-profit 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.

photo of the Longfellow bridge and Charles River Basin
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.

The Boston By Foot Staff
Polly Flansburgh
President
Mary Fichtner
Executive Director
Veronika McDonald King
Program Coordinator
Irina Matei
Assistant Program
Coordinator

2008 Board of Trustees

  • Margaret Bratschi
  • Robert Campbell, FAIA
  • Polly Carpenter, AIA
  • John Cinkala
  • Anne Cowie
  • Earl Flansburgh, FAIA
  • Polly Flansburgh
  • William Fowler, PhD
  • Kent Hewitt
  • William Martin
  • Dana Robbat
  • Peter Steffian, FAIA
  • Jane Weinzapfel, FAIA
Boston By Foot Brochure Boston By Foot Guided Walking Tours