This calendar lists Boston By Foot's Tours of the Month, holiday tours, and other special events outside the regular schedule.
Events which are marked "members only" are available only to Boston by Foot members and their guests. Advance registration is required for the "lecture series" events. All other events are open to the public and do not require a reservation.
| Saturday January 23 |
3:00 pm |
Boston Public Library A masterpiece of American architecture. The tour showcases the architecture of this temple built by McKim, Mead and White as well as the amazing art adorning the interior of this |
| Saturday March 20 |
11:00 am |
Mission Hill Discover the Boston neighborhood of Mission Hill. Winding up the hill, learn the history of Parker Hill and the mission of the Redemptorist Fathers, see where Roxbury Puddingstone got its name, the architecture of Ralph Adams Cram, and a former tuberculosis sanatorium. The finale at the top of the hill features sweeping views of the city. |
| Saturday April 10 |
10:00 am |
Colonial Boston (lecture series) 1630-1776: The settling of the Shawmut Peninsula by the Puritans and their development of a successful mercantile economy produced a densely populated town of Colonial and Georgian homes, buildings and churches. Field Trip: Historic Downtown Area |
| Saturday April 17 |
10:00 am |
Federal Boston (lecture series) 1785-1820: Charles Bulfinch emerges as the architectural leader of the Federal style with important contributions such as the Massachusetts State House, the Tontine Crescent and the Colonnade. Beacon Hill develops as a neighborhood for the affluent featuring many of Bulfinch's works and that of his followers. Field Trip: Beacon Hill |
| Sunday April 18 |
10:00 am |
Footloose on the Freedom Trail Get ready for the Boston marathon and Patriots' Day with this 3-hour walking tour of the entire Freedom Trail from the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill to the U.S.S. Constitution in the Charlestown Navy Yard. |
| Saturday April 24 |
10:00 am |
Victorian Boston (lecture series) 1850-1900: With great influence from Paris, the Back Bay land-making project enables wealthy persons moving up from the South End to build large mansions as well as providing great structures for art, learning and worship. The Victorian period ushers in a variety of architectural styles featuring the works of H.H. Richardson, C.F. McKim, and Cummings & Sears. Field Trip: Copley Square and Back Bay |
| Sunday April 25 |
2:00 pm |
Chinatown This thriving, self-sufficient community combines the irrepressible spirit of the East with a Boston flavor. Recently, Vietnamese, Laotians, and Cambodians have further expanded the ethnic diversity of the neighborhood. This tour traces Chinatown's rich cultural and architectural history, from 1875 to present day, and a vibrant convergence of old and new. |
| Saturday May 1 |
10:00 am |
Contemporary Boston (lecture series) 1900-present: Follow the progression of 20th and 21st century architecture through the modern and post-modern office buildings, government buildings, condos, skyscrapers, convention centers and hotels of Boston. Field Trip: Government Center & the financial district |
| Saturday May 8 |
10:00 am |
Subterranean Boston (lecture series) Under the city is a dense network of pipes, conduits, sewers and tunnels that serve the utility and transportation needs of a growing city. In 1987, Boston began the largest public works project in U.S. history to submerge an aging elevated highway amidst existing roads, structures, subways, railroads, utilities, businesses and homes, and in the process transformed the downtown landscape into a shining example of 21st century urban renewal. Field Trip: the Big Dig, Kennedy Greenway and downtown infrastructure |
| Sunday May 9 |
2:00 pm |
Great Women of Boston From the 17th century to present day, women's contributions to Boston did not always garner the attention they might deserve. On this walking tour, you will learn who they were and what they achieved against the backdrop of the Boston's downtown historic sites. |
| Saturday May 15 |
10:00 am |
Final Footwork (lecture series)
For guides-in-training. Written exam followed by a demonstration tour.
|
| Tuesday May 18 |
6:00 pm |
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Explore the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway on this special walking tour offered by Boston By Foot. The Greenway is Boston's new mixed-use public space that once housed the elevated highway since replaced by the Big Dig. Learn the history of the neighborhoods that once occupied this space and the present day urban planning that is knitting Boston back together. |
| Wednesday May 19 |
6:00 pm |
The Revitalization of the Ashmont MBTA Station (members only) Berton Bremer, lead architect for the redesign of the 82-year old Ashmont station, will present the station's history, its architecture, and the current construction of this vital community resource and its surroundings. |
| Sunday May 30 |
2:00 pm |
Churches of the Back Bay See the revival architectures of churches in Boston's Back Bay. The 19th century movement into the Back Bay created protestant churches in the Romanesque and Gothic revival styles, many of which remain in pristine condition today. Learn about notable residents and the Victorian culture of one of Boston's most prestigious neighborhoods. |
| Tuesday June 15 |
6:00 pm |
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Explore the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway on this special walking tour offered by Boston By Foot. The Greenway is Boston's new mixed-use public space that once housed the elevated highway since replaced by the Big Dig. Learn the history of the neighborhoods that once occupied this space and the present day urban planning that is knitting Boston back together. |
| Thursday June 17 |
6:00 pm |
Bostonians Behaving Badly (members only) Boston ranked #1 as America's most riotous town in the 18th century and third in the total number of riots in the 19th century. Our rebellious Dina will lead us on a tour that goes beyond tea parties to shed light on the lesser known but violent and deadly events that shaped Boston and impacted the nation. |
| Sunday June 27 |
2:00 pm |
Exploring the Charles River Basin Take a journey of discovery and explore the new open spaces along lost half-mile of the Charles River. A hub of transportation and recreation, this area has experienced several cycles of dramatic change resulting from the construction of bridges and dams, railroads, land-making, and the Big Dig project. From the tidal estuary of the Charles through the vision of Charles Eliot, reclaim this lost half-mile on this trek over dams, under bridges, along railroads, and through beautifully sculpted parks. |
| Wednesday June 30 |
5:30 pm |
The Dark Side of Boston Take a walk on Boston's Dark Side through its history of murder, misery, misfortunes, malice, misdeeds, malevolence, and the macabre. |
| Thursday July 1 |
10:00 am |
Boats, Bridges and Locks Discover the things that move in, around, and over the Charles River Basin. From the Boston Garden along the Bulfinch Triangle, over the Charles, and to U.S.S. Constitution, you will experience the art, technology, and nature of this historic area. Examine Boston's new cable-stayed landmark, the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, the locks of the Charles River Dam, and the revitalization of the lower basin. |
| Thursday July 1 |
12 noon |
Captain Kidd's Treasure Hunt A short self-guided tour for buccaneers of all ages. Each participant receives clues on a pirate's treasure map leading to a trove of architectural and historical gems. The tour is self-guided at your own pace. Simply purchase the map during one of the available times. |
| Thursday July 1 |
3:00 pm |
Johnny Tremain Relive the adventures of Johnny Tremain in Colonial Boston based on Esther Forbes' prize-winning novel about a young boy who gets caught up in the whirlwind of events that lead up to the American Revolution. |
| Thursday July 1 |
5:30 pm |
Charlestown: Where Boston Began Charlestown was the first capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony before the Puritans crossed over to Boston in 1630. In 1775, Paul Revere crossed over to Charlestown to begin his famous Midnight Ride, the colonists stood up to the British army at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and Charlestown was burned to the ground. Tour this urban village founded in 1628 that focuses on the early Puritan settlement, the Bunker Hill monument, and many of its distinguished citizens which have included John Harvard and Samuel Morse. |
| Friday July 2 |
12 noon |
Captain Kidd's Treasure Hunt A short self-guided tour for buccaneers of all ages. Each participant receives clues on a pirate's treasure map leading to a trove of architectural and historical gems. The tour is self-guided at your own pace. Simply purchase the map during one of the available times. |
| Friday July 2 |
5:30 pm |
The Dark Side of Boston Take a walk on Boston's Dark Side through its history of murder, misery, misfortunes, malice, misdeeds, malevolence, and the macabre. |
| Saturday July 3 |
10:00 am |
Boats, Bridges and Locks Discover the things that move in, around, and over the Charles River Basin. From the Boston Garden along the Bulfinch Triangle, over the Charles, and to U.S.S. Constitution, you will experience the art, technology, and nature of this historic area. Examine Boston's new cable-stayed landmark, the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, the locks of the Charles River Dam, and the revitalization of the lower basin. |
| Saturday July 3 |
12 noon |
Captain Kidd's Treasure Hunt A short self-guided tour for buccaneers of all ages. Each participant receives clues on a pirate's treasure map leading to a trove of architectural and historical gems. The tour is self-guided at your own pace. Simply purchase the map during one of the available times. |
| Saturday July 3 |
4:00 pm |
Charlestown: Where Boston Began Charlestown was the first capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony before the Puritans crossed over to Boston in 1630. In 1775, Paul Revere crossed over to Charlestown to begin his famous Midnight Ride, the colonists stood up to the British army at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and Charlestown was burned to the ground. Tour this urban village founded in 1628 that focuses on the early Puritan settlement, the Bunker Hill monument, and many of its distinguished citizens which have included John Harvard and Samuel Morse. |
| Sunday July 4 |
9:00 am |
Footloose on the Freedom Trail Footloose on the Freedom Trail is a 3-hour walking tour of the entire Freedom Trail from the State House to the U.S.S. Constitution offered every Independence Day. The tour winds among Boston's parades and celebrations and includes the honoring of Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere at the Granary Burying Ground, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. If you can't figure out which event to attend on the morning of the Fourth, get a taste of everything with Boston By Foot. |
| Sunday July 4 |
12 noon |
Captain Kidd's Treasure Hunt A short self-guided tour for buccaneers of all ages. Each participant receives clues on a pirate's treasure map leading to a trove of architectural and historical gems. The tour is self-guided at your own pace. Simply purchase the map during one of the available times. |
| Sunday July 4 |
4:00 pm |
Ben Franklin: Son of Boston Celebrate and learn the life of Benjamin Franklin by walking among the sites of his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston. In his day, Benjamin Franklin was America's greatest scientist, inventor, diplomat, humorist, statesman, and entrepreneur. Ben was born in Boston, came of age in Philadelphia, and was the darling of Paris. |
| Monday July 5 |
10:00 am |
Greenway & Beyond Explore the new Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway on this 2-hour special walking tour offered by Boston By Foot. The Greenway is Boston's new centerpiece of the Big Dig's urban restoration. From North Station to Chinatown, the Greenway is breathing new life into the downtown neighborhoods once blighted by an elevated highway. |
| Monday July 5 |
12 noon |
Captain Kidd's Treasure Hunt A short self-guided tour for buccaneers of all ages. Each participant receives clues on a pirate's treasure map leading to a trove of architectural and historical gems. The tour is self-guided at your own pace. Simply purchase the map during one of the available times. |
| Monday July 5 |
1:00 pm |
Johnny Tremain Relive the adventures of Johnny Tremain in Colonial Boston based on Esther Forbes' prize-winning novel about a young boy who gets caught up in the whirlwind of events that lead up to the American Revolution. |
| Monday July 5 |
4:00 pm |
Ben Franklin: Son of Boston Celebrate and learn the life of Benjamin Franklin by walking among the sites of his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston. In his day, Benjamin Franklin was America's greatest scientist, inventor, diplomat, humorist, statesman, and entrepreneur. Ben was born in Boston, came of age in Philadelphia, and was the darling of Paris. |
| Saturday July 10 |
1:00 pm |
The Shirley-Eustis House (members only) Join us on a visit to the 1747 mansion of Royal Governor William Shirley. It is the only remaining house in the United States built by a royal governor. This tour will include a visit to the orchards, the gardens, the Gardner Carriage House, as well as the mansion's interior. |
| Tuesday July 20 |
6:00 pm |
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Explore the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway on this special walking tour offered by Boston By Foot. The Greenway is Boston's new mixed-use public space that once housed the elevated highway since replaced by the Big Dig. Learn the history of the neighborhoods that once occupied this space and the present day urban planning that is knitting Boston back together. |
| Sunday July 25 |
2:00 pm |
Avenue of the Arts Along a half-mile stretch of Huntington Avenue stands a dense concentration of Boston's most venerable cultural institutions. Walk with us through this corridor to learn about the establishments dedicated to the fine arts, music, theater, education, religion, sports and much more. |
| Tuesday August 10 |
6:00 pm |
Tufts University (members only) Join us for this early evening stroll over the Medford hills of this world-renowned institution. Founded by Universalists in 1852, Tufts has evolved into an international research university. Hear the story of this venerable school while walking the landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and enjoying the architecture of such notables as Gridley James Fox Bryant. |
| Tuesday August 17 |
6:00 pm |
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Explore the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway on this special walking tour offered by Boston By Foot. The Greenway is Boston's new mixed-use public space that once housed the elevated highway since replaced by the Big Dig. Learn the history of the neighborhoods that once occupied this space and the present day urban planning that is knitting Boston back together. |
| Sunday August 29 |
2:00 pm |
Chestnut Hill Suburban touring at its best! Explore the neighborhood of Chestnut Hill and walk among the Victorian estates while learning the history of this hidden streetcar suburb alongside the campus of Boston College and the historic Chestnut Hill Reservoir. |
| Monday September 6 |
10:00 am |
Walking The Edge: Tracing Boston's Colonial Shoreline Explore 18th century Boston on this 5-hour Labor Day tour of the colonial shoreline. |
| Sunday September 12 |
1:00 pm |
Whats New, Amongst the Old, in Salem (members only) Walk through the civic center of Salem, beginning with the 1816 Old Town Hall tucked away in Derby Square and comparing it to the newer 1838 City Hall. The old courthouse complex on Federal Street and the imposing new Essex County judicial center designed by Goody Clancy Architects are also featured. If time permits, we'll also visit the renowned McIntire Historic District. |
| Tuesday September 21 |
6:00 pm |
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Explore the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway on this special walking tour offered by Boston By Foot. The Greenway is Boston's new mixed-use public space that once housed the elevated highway since replaced by the Big Dig. Learn the history of the neighborhoods that once occupied this space and the present day urban planning that is knitting Boston back together. |
| Sunday September 26 |
2:00 pm |
The Flat of Beacon Hill Discover the new 19th century neighborhood of Beacon Hill. From the early carriage houses to Victorian row houses, the Flat is a charming neighborhood with colorful history and architecture with notable landmarks such as the Church of the Advent and the Charles Street Meeting House. |
| Saturday October 16 |
10:00 am |
Franklin Park (members only) This autumn stroll through the historic landscape of Franklin Park, the crown jewel of Boston's Emerald Necklace. Learn about the Olmsted architectural firm and its influence on the park's design, maintenance, and security, as well as changes these features underwent throughout the twentieth century. |
| Sunday October 31 |
2:00 pm |
Preserving Boston's History Learn the story behind the survival of some of Boston's most beloved historic landmarks and the destruction of others as we discuss Boston's role in the development of the Historic Preservation movement and the role of preservation in a vibrant modern city. |
| Sunday October 31 |
5:30 pm |
Beacon Hill With a BOO! Beacon Hill With a BOO! is the Halloween walking tour of Beacon Hill featuring the murders, executions, ghosts and politicians of this seemingly quaint neighborhood. |
| Sunday December 5 |
2:00 pm |
The Flat of Beacon Hill Discover the new 19th century neighborhood of Beacon Hill. From the early carriage houses to Victorian row houses, the Flat is a charming neighborhood with colorful history and architecture with notable landmarks such as the Church of the Advent and the Charles Street Meeting House. |