Schedule of Special Events

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 palace of the people. Lions and murals and sculpture, oh my!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore 18th century Boston on this 5-hour Labor Day tour of the colonial shoreline.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.