Lyman Estate Volunteer Clean Up Day

Join us for an afternoon of outdoor spring cleaning at Historic New England’s Lyman Estate. We have partnered with the Waltham Land Trust to remove trash that has accumulated on the wooded south side of the property near the Waltham rail trail. Volunteers can enjoy a free tour of the property, light refreshments, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Supplies and instructions will be provided. Please meet in the Lyman Estate parking lot just past the mansion at 1:00 and we will walk over together. Latecomers can meet us on site at the corner of Lyman Street and the service road just before the rail trail (shown below). <img src="https://assets.historicnewengland.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/18091500/LYM-Clean-Up-Day.png"> 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

Tour The Otis House

Explore over 200 years of history at the foot of Boston’s iconic Beacon Hill neighborhood! Situated at 141 Cambridge Street, nestled beside the historic Old West Church, you’ll find the last surviving mansion in Bowdoin Square, the most luxurious neighborhood before Beacon Hill was constructed. This house was designed by Charles Bulfinch for the man who would become the 3rd mayor of Boston – Harrison “Harry” Gray Otis. Join us for guided tours every Friday through Sunday to learn about the rich lives of one of Boston’s wealthiest families in the Federal era. Discover how use of the home changed through the centuries and learn about the restoration this National Historic Landmark has undergone. Join our knowledgeable guides for an enlightening and entertaining tour of this beautiful mansion! Please note that the tours run approximately 45 minutes and involve standing, walking, and stairs. Chairs are stationed throughout the house, which is not air conditioned, but hand fans are available for free. Tours of only the first floor are available upon request. Accessibility Considerations:&nbsp;Tour involves a second floor only accessible by stairs and the house is not air-conditioned. Folding chairs can be provided for visitors upon request. Visitors with limited mobility may be able to enjoy a first floor tour of the house and grounds. &nbsp; A Last Look Inside Otis House Before Its Next Chapter This summer is your last opportunity to experience the interiors of Otis House before Historic New England embarks on an exciting multi-year restoration and visitor enhancement project. Be sure to visit before August 30, when the house temporarily closes for this transformative work. Hours: April through August Friday – Sunday: 11am – 4pm Tours on the hour Closed April 5 and July 4 &nbsp; Admission Costs: Adults: $15 Students and Seniors: $13 Youth (ages 6-12): $7 EBT or SNAP (up to 4 tickets): $2 Children (ages 0-5), HNE Members, and Boston Residents: Free

Otis House Museum

Movies at the Mansion: Jurassic Park (PG-13)

Summer nights are perfect for a free outdoor movie on the historic Lyman Estate grounds. Come early to walk the landscape, explore the ca. 1793 mansion, have a picnic, and enjoy pre-show musical entertainment by the Waltham High School show band. Mansion opens at 7:00 p.m. Jurassic Park (PG-13, 1993): In Steven Spielberg's blockbuster, genetically engineered dinosaurs run amok on a remote island, where a select group must outmaneuver the deadly beasts. Please bring your own lawn chairs and/or blankets. In the event of rain, the movie will be shown indoors. Candy and drinks are available for sale. Alcohol is not permitted. Other films this series: <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/finding-nemo">July 9: Finding Nemo (2003)</a> <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/mean-girls">July 16: Mean Girls (2004)</a> <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/howto-train-your-dragon">July 23: How to Train Your Dragon (animated, 2010)</a> Generously sponsored by East Cambridge Savings Bank with additional support from Watertown Savings Bank and Waltham Chamber of Commerce.

Lyman Estate 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 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>.

Health and Medicine on Beacon Hill

Saturday, August 22, 10:00 a.m. Starting at <a href="https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/otis-house/">Otis House,</a>&nbsp;141 Cambridge Street,&nbsp;Boston, MA&nbsp; &nbsp; Explore histories of health and healing in 19th-century Boston on this new walking tour. Starting at Otis House and winding through the streets of Beacon Hill, you’ll discover how residents navigated medical care and how that care evolved over time. Meet intriguing figures like Elizabeth Mott, whose alternative treatments drew patients to the area, and trailblazing physicians such as Harriot Kezia Hunt and Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who challenged barriers in education and care. This tour offers a glimpse into the people and practices that shaped Boston’s medical past. &nbsp; Members $20;&nbsp;Nonmembers $25.&nbsp; &nbsp; Please call (617) 994-5920 for more information.&nbsp; &nbsp; Private group tours available on request. Please call the number above&nbsp;or email <a href="mailto:OtisHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org">OtisHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org</a> for details. &nbsp; Accessibility Considerations:&nbsp;This tour involves traversing the brick and cobblestone sidewalks of Beacon Hill, including climbing to the top of the hill. There is no seating, and restrooms are only offered at the beginning of the tour. The main thoroughfare of Cambridge Street can be very loud, including the prevalence of sirens in the vicinity.

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>.

Movies at the Mansion: How to Train Your Dragon (PG)

Summer nights are perfect for a free outdoor movie on the historic Lyman Estate grounds. Come early to walk the landscape, explore the ca. 1793 mansion, have a picnic, and enjoy pre-show musical entertainment by the Waltham High School show band. Mansion opens at 7:00 p.m. How to Train Your Dragon (PG, 2010): A misfit Viking teen befriends a dragon, despite his tribe's tradition of dragon slaying, in this adaptation of the children's fantasy book by Cressida Cowell. Please bring your own lawn chairs and/or blankets. In the event of rain, the movie will be shown indoors. Candy and drinks are available for sale. Alcohol is not permitted. Other films this series: <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/finding-nemo">July 9: Finding Nemo (2003)</a> <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/mean-girls">July 16: Mean Girls (2004)</a> <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/jurassic-park">July 30: Jurassic Park (1993)</a> Generously sponsored by East Cambridge Savings Bank with additional support from Watertown Savings Bank and Waltham Chamber of Commerce.

A Tale of Two Eras at The Otis House

Uncover stories of the last surviving mansion in Bowdoin Square through two distinct chapters of its history. First, delve into the lives of the Otis family members. Built in 1796, the house reflects the wealthy couple and their growing family in the Federal era. Then, travel into the mid-19th century, when the house transformed into a genteel boarding house. The Williams sisters managed and operated a shared residence for middle-class individuals and families. &nbsp; Members $15;&nbsp;Nonmembers $20.&nbsp; &nbsp; Please call (617) 994-5920 for more information.&nbsp; &nbsp; A Last Look Inside Otis House Before Its Next Chapter This summer is your last opportunity to experience the interiors of Otis House before Historic New England embarks on an exciting multi-year restoration and visitor enhancement project. Be sure to visit before August 30, when the house temporarily closes for this transformative work. &nbsp; Accessibility Considerations:&nbsp;The site is not equipped with ramps, elevators, or lifts and the house is not air-conditioned. Also offered on Sunday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Movies at the Mansion: Mean Girls (PG-13)

Summer nights are perfect for a free outdoor movie on the historic Lyman Estate grounds. Come early to walk the landscape, explore the ca. 1793 mansion, have a picnic, and enjoy pre-show musical entertainment by the Waltham High School show band. Mansion opens at 7:00 p.m. Mean Girls (PG-13, 2004): Teen comedy where a down-to-earth student joins a snobby clique in an effort to spy on the popular kids, then begins to act like them. Please bring your own lawn chairs and/or blankets. In the event of rain, the movie will be shown indoors. Candy and drinks are available for sale. Alcohol is not permitted. Other films this series: <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/finding-nemo">July 9: Finding Nemo (2003)</a> <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/howto-train-your-dragon">July 23: How to Train Your Dragon (animated, 2010)</a> <a href="https://my.historicnewengland.org/26645/jurassic-park">July 30: Jurassic Park (1993)</a> Generously sponsored by East Cambridge Savings Bank with additional support from Watertown Savings Bank and Waltham Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday, July 12, 10:00 a.m. Starting at <a href="https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/otis-house/">Otis House,</a>&nbsp;141 Cambridge Street,&nbsp;Boston, MA&nbsp; &nbsp; Explore histories of health and healing in 19th-century Boston on this new walking tour. Starting at Otis House and winding through the streets of Beacon Hill, you’ll discover how residents navigated medical care and how that care evolved over time. Meet intriguing figures like Elizabeth Mott, whose alternative treatments drew patients to the area, and trailblazing physicians such as Harriot Kezia Hunt and Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who challenged barriers in education and care. This tour offers a glimpse into the people and practices that shaped Boston’s medical past. &nbsp; Members $20;&nbsp;Nonmembers $25.&nbsp; &nbsp; Please call (617) 994-5920 for more information.&nbsp; &nbsp; Private group tours available on request. Please call the number above&nbsp;or email <a href="mailto:OtisHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org">OtisHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org</a> for details. &nbsp; Accessibility Considerations:&nbsp;This tour involves traversing the brick and cobblestone sidewalks of Beacon Hill, including climbing to the top of the hill. There is no seating, and restrooms are only offered at the beginning of the tour. The main thoroughfare of Cambridge Street can be very loud, including the prevalence of sirens in the vicinity.

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

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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

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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

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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 ⭐️

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S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

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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

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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

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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.

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S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

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.

Where

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Experiences

Lyman Estate Volunteer Clean Up Day

Tour The Otis House

Movies at the Mansion: Jurassic Park (PG-13)

Lyman Estate Working-Class History Tour

Health and Medicine on Beacon Hill

Lyman Estate Working-Class History Tour

Lyman Estate Landscape Tour

Lyman Estate Working-Class History Tour

Lyman Estate Working-Class History Tour

Lyman Estate Working-Class History Tour

Movies at the Mansion: How to Train Your Dragon (PG)

A Tale of Two Eras at The Otis House

Lyman Estate Working-Class History Tour

Movies at the Mansion: Mean Girls (PG-13)

Health and Medicine on Beacon Hill