Schedule of Special Events

Join John and Abigail Adams as three generations of their descendants on a walk from the Old State House into the Back Bay.

Get the lay of the land in this fun introduction to the lecture series. You will be introduced to the architectural concepts, the historical topics, and the topology of Boston on this interactive tour.

Is your knowledge of history good enough to know fact from fiction?

An orientation session to the Guide Training Program.

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

Boston By Little Feet is the only walking tour of the Freedom Trail specifically geared for children. Children will see the Cradle of Liberty, the site of the Boston Tea Party meeting at Old South, the site of the first Public School, and statues of Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

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.

Boston By Little Feet is the only walking tour of the Freedom Trail specifically geared for children. Children will see the Cradle of Liberty, the site of the Boston Tea Party meeting at Old South, the site of the first Public School, and statues of Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

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

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

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

Celebrate the 250th anniversary year of the birth of Charles Bulfinch.

Called one of America's first professional architects, Charles Bulfinsh defined the Federal style of architecture and the physical fabric of Boston. As architect, town planner, and selctman, Bulfinch designed some of the city's most enduring buildings and the street layout now known as the Bulfinch Triangle.

Bulfinch's story unfolds through some of his greatest works, including the Massachusetts State House, the residences on Beacon Hill, the sites of Boston's first theater and first Catholic cathedral, and his architectural masterpiece and financial ruin, the Tontine Crescent.

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

Walk Boston's jewel of parkland along the Charles River. The Esplanade is the culmination of a vision of accessible outdoor recreational space in and around the Charles River that features sculpted landscaping, sporting facilities, and entertainment at the Hatch Shell.

Take in the spectacular views of Boston Harbor learning of Boston's great seafaring heritage from Atlantic Wharf to Battery Wharf.

The grand dame of avenues, Boston's Grand Boulevard features 19th-century urban architecture at its finest. Blocks of stately brownstones lined with splendid memorial statues, Commonwealth Avenue captures the elegance and pride of Victorian Boston.

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.

The first printing press in British North America was installed in 1638. Boston was a preeminent publishing center in Colonial America. The various Revolutionary-era print shops, such as "the "forge of sedition," played a major role in the fight for independence.

Boston remained a significant publishing center through the transcendental movement of the 19th century. Some 19th century printers and publishers evolved into publishing concerns important through the 20th century and still exist today.

Following the talk, attendees are invited to visit "The Printing Office of Edes and Gill" (Gary Gregory, master printer), a replica of an 18th century print shop in the Ebenezer Clough House.

Find that rebel inside you as you walk through four centuries of riots and rebellions in Boston.

Huzzah! Established in 1801, the Charlestown Navy Yard is one of the oldest shipbuilding facilities in the US Navy. Designed in large part by Alexander Parris, the Navy Yard played important roles in multiple United States Navy endeavors, from the completion of the 74-gun Independence, the Navy's first ship-of-the-line 1812, to the drydocking of the USS Constitution in 1975. Now part of the Boston National Historical Park, the Navy Yard now has a new mission: to interpret the art and history of naval shipbuilding.

Take in the spectacular views of Boston Harbor learning of Boston's great seafaring heritage from Atlantic Wharf to Battery Wharf.

Join John and Abigail Adams as three generations of their descendants on a walk from the Old State House into the Back Bay.

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.

Walk the 2.5-mile route with us on this patriotic tour through 16 historic sites, as it winds its way through the various special events. There's no better time to do it than on the Fourth of July, no better way to start off the day, and no better way to celebrate America's birthday!

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.

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.

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.

Huzzah! Established in 1801, the Charlestown Navy Yard is one of the oldest shipbuilding facilities in the US Navy. Designed in large part by Alexander Parris, the Navy Yard played important roles in multiple United States Navy endeavors, from the completion of the 74-gun Independence, the Navy's first ship-of-the-line 1812, to the drydocking of the USS Constitution in 1975. Now part of the Boston National Historical Park, the Navy Yard now has a new mission: to interpret the art and history of naval shipbuilding.

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.

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.

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.

Join John and Abigail Adams as three generations of their descendants on a walk from the Old State House into the Back Bay.

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.

Walk Boston's jewel of parkland along the Charles River. The Esplanade is the culmination of a vision of accessible outdoor recreational space in and around the Charles River that features sculpted landscaping, sporting facilities, and entertainment at the Hatch Shell.

This illustrated lecture examines the importance of food in the Colonial era as well as the development of etiquette, food marketing, styles of food service, and entertaining in the home.

Topics also include Colonial cooking equipment and practices as well as the history of cookbooks and social attutudes towards women and technology.

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.

Boston can claim examples of Art Deco rivaling New York's finest. Walk through Boston's financial district to see examples of opulent and eclectic Art Deco buildings built from a time of economic and technological optimism through the Great Depression and World War II.

Discover the downtown you often see but rarely notice.

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.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary year of the birth of Charles Bulfinch on a tour among his greatest works in Boston.

Take in the spectacular views of Boston Harbor learning of Boston's great seafaring heritage from Atlantic Wharf to Battery Wharf.

This tipsy tour of Boston tells the story of Boston through booze! Enjoy a downtown walk among the sites associated with saloons, tavern life, and the profitable rum trade.

Boston By Foot shakes and stirs fine cocktales served with run. revolution, and perhaos some refreshment.

From tidal flat to industrial area, to Innovation District and hot new nightspot, many transformations have taken place in the South Boston Seaport in the last 150 years, and more are planned for the immediate future. This neighborhood of new and exciting developments in Boston didn't even exist in the early 19th century. Come learn about its creation, its maritime and industrial history, and plans for the future.

Walk Boston's jewel of parkland along the Charles River. The Esplanade is the culmination of a vision of accessible outdoor recreational space in and around the Charles River that features sculpted landscaping, sporting facilities, and entertainment at the Hatch Shell.

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.

Join us on an exploration of the North Slope of Beacon Hill and experience the history, cultures, and eclectic architecture of this ever-changing neighborhood.

Take a walk on Boston's Dark Side through its history of misery, malevolence, misfortunes, malfeasance, malice, misdeeds, and the macabre.

A clutch of buildings owned by a prosperous merchant became rowdy Scollay Square. World War II made cities brown and dirty. Highways and urban renewal became civic mandates.

Tour the destruction of one of Boston's most colorful areas that paved the way for a daring regrouping of the city.

From 1630 people have been dying in Boston. Walk among the dead through Boston's historic burying grounds and learn of religious views, practices, and traditions of death in Boston.

Take a walk on Boston's Dark Side through its history of misery, malevolence, misfortunes, malfeasance, malice, misdeeds, and the macabre.

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.

From 1630 people have been dying in Boston. Walk among the dead through Boston's historic burying grounds and learn of religious views, practices, and traditions of death in Boston.

Find that rebel inside you as you walk through four centuries of riots and rebellions in Boston.

Take a walk on Boston's Dark Side through its history of misery, malevolence, misfortunes, malfeasance, malice, misdeeds, and the macabre.

From 1630 people have been dying in Boston. Walk among the dead through Boston's historic burying grounds and learn of religious views, practices, and traditions of death in Boston.

Take a walk on Boston's Dark Side through its history of misery, malevolence, misfortunes, malfeasance, malice, misdeeds, and the macabre.

From 1630 people have been dying in Boston. Walk among the dead through Boston's historic burying grounds and learn of religious views, practices, and traditions of death in Boston.

The South End is a tour of a vibrant Boston neighborhood, full of wonderful buildings, and diverse culture. Built entirely on made-land, the South End, with its lovely parks and early Victorian row houses, has experienced dramatic changes from an enclave for Boston's 19th century elite, to a poor immigrant neighborhood, through its present day urban, architectural, and cultural renewal.

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.

Walk American history on the downtown portion of the Freedom Trail and see historic sites from the Puritan settlement through the American Revolution. Stops include Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, the Old State House, King's Chapel, Old South Meeting House as well as the site of the first public school in America.

Take a walk on Boston's Dark Side through its history of misery, malevolence, misfortunes, malfeasance, malice, misdeeds, and the macabre.

Explore the oldest and one of the most foremost educational institutions in America. From its founding in 1636, Harvard University includes edifices that span the architectural styles of the nation. Learn the history of this venerable institution, as well as the academic history of America, through this eclectic mix of structures and objects in Harvard Yard.

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.

Stroll through Boston's two great parks for the people. Learn about the history of this green and precious heritage: a struggle for beauty and preservation against daunting odds. Experience the sculpture, ornamental plantings, ponds, and wildlife all within the heart of a bustling city.