Community on the Lawn at Browne House, Watertown

Join Historic New England and local cultural organizations for an afternoon of history, culture, and connection. Explore the Browne House, enjoy family-friendly activities and lawn games, browse and borrow books from the WFPL Bookmobile, and meet your neighbors as we celebrate Watertown’s rich heritage. Participating organizations include: <a href="https://www.watertownlib.org/">Watertown Free Public Library</a> <a href="http://historicalsocietyofwatertownma.org/HSW/">Historical Society of Watertown</a> <a href="https://www.watertown-ma.gov/688/Public-Arts-Culture">Watertown Public Arts &amp; Culture</a> <a href="https://watertowncitizens.org/working-groups/pigsgusset-initiative/">The Pigsgusset Initiative</a> <a href="https://www.charlesrivermuseum.org/">Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation</a> <a href="https://goreplace.org/">Gore Place</a> Parking in the Police Station lot next door is encouraged. ABOUT THE BROWNE HOUSE Built between 1694 and 1701 for a farming family, Browne House contains rare surviving architectural features from the late 1600s and shows how a family lived in what was considered a “mansion house” at the time. The house is open for visitors to tour on select days May through October.

Browne House

Jane Austen at the Otis House - Who Dares to Be an Authoress

Step into the world of Jane Austen with Who Dares to Be an Authoress, a captivating one-woman play written and performed by Laura Rocklyn. Witness the wit, charm, and wisdom of one of literature's most celebrated figures from inside the Otis House Museum- a space that reflects the same time period as Austen’s own. The year is 1815, and Jane Austen has just returned from a visit to the Prince Regent’s London residence. The honor of this invitation prompts her to reminisce about the events that led the daughter of a country clergyman to a position of such prominence. She shares her thoughts and feelings about her novels and how their publication changed her life for ever. This intimate performance lasts approximately 40 minutes, followed by a 15-20 minute Q&amp;A session. Members $30; Nonmember $35.  ABOUT THE OTIS HOUSE Otis House is the last surviving mansion in Bowdoin Square in Boston’s West End neighborhood. Charles Bulfinch designed the house for politician Harrison Gray Otis, Sally Foster Otis, and their young family. Tours include the family’s life in the Federal era and the later history of the house, when it served as a clinic and a middle-class boarding house.

Otis House Museum

100 Years in 4 Objects: A Quick Tour of the Otis House

Short on time? Discover the rich history of art and daily life from the 19th century in just 25 minutes. Perfect for both first-time visitors and longtime enthusiasts, this tour offers a fresh way to experience the Otis House Museum's timeless charm. Historic New England members $5; Nonmember $15. ABOUT THE OTIS HOUSE Otis House is the last surviving mansion in Bowdoin Square in Boston’s West End neighborhood. Charles Bulfinch designed the house for politician Harrison Gray Otis, Sally Foster Otis, and their young family. Tours include the family’s life in the Federal era and the later history of the house, when it served as a clinic and a middle-class boarding house.

Dogs Welcome! Lyman Estate Landscape Tour

Walk in the paw-prints of the Lyman Family's beloved pets on the rolling paths and garden trails of the 37-acre Lyman Estate!&nbsp;Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join&nbsp;their owners&nbsp;on this edition of the Lyman Estate Landscape Tour. Enjoy the outdoors together while learning about the fascinating history of the grounds. Landscape and horticulture were always integral to the estate. This site was home to pleasure grounds, formal gardens, a working farm, greenhouses, and woodlands for over four generations of the Lyman family. See how the grounds have changed over time and explore that which has remained intact in spite of it.&nbsp;&nbsp; Member $15; Nonmember $20. The Lyman Estate is located at 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, Mass. The parking lot is just past the mansion with additional parking along the entrance road to the property. For more information about the program, please call 617-994-5912 or visit <a href="historicnewengland.org/property/lyman-estate/">HistoricNewEngland.org/Property/Lyman-Estate/</a>.

Lyman Estate

Lyman Estate Landscape Tour

Walk the rolling paths and garden trails of the 37-acre Lyman estate with us. Landscape and horticulture were always integral to the estate. This site was home to pleasure grounds, formal gardens, a working farm, greenhouses, and woodlands for over four generations of the Lyman family. See how the grounds have changed over time and explore that which has remained intact in spite of it.&nbsp; Member $15; Nonmember $20. The Lyman Estate is located at 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, Mass. The parking lot is just past the mansion with additional parking along the entrance road to the property. For more information about the program, please call 617-994-5912 or visit <a href="historicnewengland.org/property/lyman-estate/">HistoricNewEngland.org/Property/Lyman-Estate/</a>.

Life of a Laborer, a Working-Class History Tour

From cooking meals to operating a factory loom, laborers made the Lyman family’s life on a grand estate possible. Hundreds of workers were employed in occupations like gardeners, maids, and farm hands during the Lyman Estate’s 150+ years of operation. Thousands more held positions in industries that helped the family prosper financially, like the textile mills in Waltham and Holyoke that the Lyman’s invested in. Explore the working-class history of the Lyman Estate and visit areas of the house not usually on view during this new specialty tour. Member $15; Nonmember $20 Life of a Laborer, a Working-Class History Tour&nbsp;will also be offered on&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-july">July 19</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-aug">August 16</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-sep">September 20</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-oct">October 18</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-nov">November 15</a>. The Lyman Estate is located at 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, Mass. The parking lot is just past the mansion with additional parking along the entrance road to the property. For more information about the program, please call 617-994-5912 or visit <a href="historicnewengland.org/property/lyman-estate/">HistoricNewEngland.org/Property/Lyman-Estate/</a>.

From cooking meals to operating a factory loom, laborers made the Lyman family’s life on a grand estate possible. Hundreds of workers were employed in occupations like gardeners, maids, and farm hands during the Lyman Estate’s 150+ years of operation. Thousands more held positions in industries that helped the family prosper financially, like the textile mills in Waltham and Holyoke that the Lyman’s invested in. Explore the working-class history of the Lyman Estate and visit areas of the house not usually on view during this new specialty tour. Member $15; Nonmember $20 Life of a Laborer, a Working-Class History Tour&nbsp;will also be offered on&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-aug">August 16</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-sep">September 20</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-oct">October 18</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-nov">November 15</a>. The Lyman Estate is located at 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, Mass. The parking lot is just past the mansion with additional parking along the entrance road to the property. For more information about the program, please call 617-994-5912 or visit <a href="historicnewengland.org/property/lyman-estate/">HistoricNewEngland.org/Property/Lyman-Estate/</a>.

From cooking meals to operating a factory loom, laborers made the Lyman family’s life on a grand estate possible. Hundreds of workers were employed in occupations like gardeners, maids, and farm hands during the Lyman Estate’s 150+ years of operation. Thousands more held positions in industries that helped the family prosper financially, like the textile mills in Waltham and Holyoke that the Lyman’s invested in. Explore the working-class history of the Lyman Estate and visit areas of the house not usually on view during this new specialty tour. Member $15; Nonmember $20 Life of a Laborer, a Working-Class History Tour&nbsp;will also be offered on&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-oct">October 18</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-nov">November 15</a>. The Lyman Estate is located at 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, Mass. The parking lot is just past the mansion with additional parking along the entrance road to the property. For more information about the program, please call 617-994-5912 or visit <a href="historicnewengland.org/property/lyman-estate/">HistoricNewEngland.org/Property/Lyman-Estate/</a>.

From cooking meals to operating a factory loom, laborers made the Lyman family’s life on a grand estate possible. Hundreds of workers were employed in occupations like gardeners, maids, and farm hands during the Lyman Estate’s 150+ years of operation. Thousands more held positions in industries that helped the family prosper financially, like the textile mills in Waltham and Holyoke that the Lyman’s invested in. Explore the working-class history of the Lyman Estate and visit areas of the house not usually on view during this new specialty tour. Member $15; Nonmember $20 Life of a Laborer, a Working-Class History Tour&nbsp;will also be offered on&nbsp;<a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/23835/laborer-tour-nov">November 15</a>. The Lyman Estate is located at 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, Mass. The parking lot is just past the mansion with additional parking along the entrance road to the property. For more information about the program, please call 617-994-5912 or visit <a href="historicnewengland.org/property/lyman-estate/">HistoricNewEngland.org/Property/Lyman-Estate/</a>.

From cooking meals to operating a factory loom, laborers made the Lyman family’s life on a grand estate possible. Hundreds of workers were employed in occupations like gardeners, maids, and farm hands during the Lyman Estate’s 150+ years of operation. Thousands more held positions in industries that helped the family prosper financially, like the textile mills in Waltham and Holyoke that the Lyman’s invested in. Explore the working-class history of the Lyman Estate and visit areas of the house not usually on view during this new specialty tour. Member $15; Nonmember $20 The Lyman Estate is located at 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, Mass. The parking lot is just past the mansion with additional parking along the entrance road to the property. For more information about the program, please call 617-994-5912 or visit <a href="historicnewengland.org/property/lyman-estate/">HistoricNewEngland.org/Property/Lyman-Estate/</a>.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.