Wild Times In the West End: Exhibit Opening and Talk 

There are quite a few stories of mischief, murder, and mayhem that once rocked the West End’s streets. Learn about the gambling bookies on the corners of Causeway Street, the perpetrators of the legendary Brinks robbery who almost got away with it, and why exactly the Last Tenement made it to the present. The crimes of the West End’s past were varied and villainous. Join us for a reception and talk by guest-curator Emily Sweeney of the Boston Globe as The West End Museum brings criminal headlines to life. This mini-exhibit will run from June 3- June 14. Don’t miss it! Copies of Gangland Boston by Emily Sweeney will be available for purchase at this event and throughout the duration of the mini exhibit. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The West End Museum

Rebuilding Shattered Worlds: Book Talk and Panel

Join Professor Andrea L. Smith for a discussion on urban renewal, displacement, and community voices in Easton, PA and beyond. Urban renewal demolished vibrant and well-loved neighborhoods across the nation in cities large and small. Join the West End Museum as we host anthropologist Professor Andrea Smith of Lafayette College as she discusses her book on urban renewal’s effect on the mid-sized Pennsylvania city of Easton and the long lasting impacts felt by those displaced in its wake. Hear the story of “Syrian Town,” a multi-ethnic neighborhood that was demolished to clear “blight”. Targeted for its residents’ racial and ethnic makeup, relative poverty, and central location, the history of this diverse neighborhood is captured by Professor Smith who listened in as former neighbors reunited in schools and church basements to reconstruct the collective memories of displaced residents. Professor Smith will be joined by Jared Katsiane, South End artist and member of the Reclaiming History Collective, and Charlie Gargiulo, author of&nbsp;Legends of Little Canada,&nbsp;for a panel discussion after the book talk.&nbsp; Books will be available for purchase at the event. If you would like to attend virtually, please purchase a ticket and email <a href="mailto:jaydie@thewestendmuseum.org">jaydie@thewestendmuseum.org</a>. Those living outside of Route 128 may contact Jaydie for a discount code. This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Don't Talk About Joe Mac with Author Springs Toledo

Spend an evening uncovering the hidden histories of Boston's gang wars and warriors and one of the criminal underworld's biggest bogeymen. In conjunction with our Wild Times in the West End mini-exhibit, join author Springs Toledo as he traces the history of the infamous Winter Hill Gang. Joseph “Joe Mac” McDonald was a bookie, mobster, and career criminal. A man who graced the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, Joe Mac is still only spoken of in whispers. Uncover Boston’s underworld and the man behind so much of it. Books will be available for purchase at the event. If you would like to attend virtually, please purchase a ticket and email jaydie@thewestendmuseum.org. Those living outside of Route 128 may contact Jaydie for a discount code. This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Queer History West End Exhibit Opening

Uncover the little known stories of queer West Enders. From artists and authors to activists and brothel owners, the West End has been home to a number of trendsetters, leaders, and artists who embraced a life outside the norm. Celebrate the lives and legacies of LGBTQIA+ West Enders with pride. Light refreshments will be served. Thank you to Queer History Boston for their contributions to this exhibit! Support for this exhibit was provided by Dorchester Brewing. This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Scotland Versus Morocco Watch Party

Keep up with the sports event of the year with The West End Museum! Cheer for your team and learn a bit of sports trivia. Can’t make it to Foxborough to watch the kick off? Join The West End Museum for a soccer watch party as Scotland and Morocco face off in the group stage of the world’s biggest soccer tournament.  Settle in at the bar in the Pennyweight Hotel for snacks and drinks while the game gets rolling. During breaks in the action, join host Kathryn Harris, founder of Boston Sports Tours, for sports trivia and fun facts! The Bar opens at 5pm and the game starts at 6pm.  This program would not be possible without support from our partners at Boston Sports Tours and the Pennyweight Hotel. This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Queer History West End Pride Party

Celebrate Pride and the opening of a new queer history exhibit with The WEM! Happy Pride Month! The West End Museum is partnering with Dorchester Brewing to throw a FREE PRIDE PARTY celebrating Boston’s queer past and present as part of our special exhibition Queer History West End on display from June 17th to October. Support an independent brewery, learn about local queer history, and have tons of fun. Thank you to our generous host - Dorchester Brewing - our exhibition collaborator - Queer History Boston - and our Exclusive Sponsors - Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce + Mass250! This Program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Dorchester Brewing 

Lost & Found: Historic Boston in Postcards – Book Talk with Kathy Alpert

Explore historic Boston scenes through the eyes of early 20th century photographers in this richly illustrated new book! Postcard expert Kathy Alpert returns to the West End Museum to share her new book,&nbsp;Lost &amp; Found: Historic Boston in Postcards,&nbsp;providing a new historic lens on the City of Boston. The volume features more than 200 hand-selected vintage postcards from Alpert’s personal collection. Lost &amp; Found&nbsp;is a visual journey through the historic buildings, parks, and neighborhoods of Boston. See the West End, the Freedom Trail, and the Emerald Necklace through the eyes of photographers between 1908 and 1914 (The Golden Age of Postcards!).&nbsp;Each postcard is matched with an illuminating caption. Explore the visual language of historic Boston from the old West End to the evolution of Copley Square. The book reveals how postcards - once dismissed as trivial - document cityscapes in a way no other media can. Join Alpert and The West End Museum as they chronicle remnants of urban life in the early 20th century, revealing new details about the past. Books will be available for purchase at this event. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Boston and the Declaration of Independence: 1776 Film Screening and Lecture

Enjoy a special screening of this classic musical while learning about Bostonians' role in declaring independence in 1776! Experience the creation of the Declaration of Independence through song! Celebrate The United States’ 250th birthday with a special screening of the musical&nbsp;1776&nbsp;at The West End Museum. Featuring comedic songs and more quill pens than you can shake an eagle at, join us for this entertaining and (mostly) educational movie. See what it took to declare independence and how the ideals shaping our democracy have lingered, not quite fulfilled, since its inception.&nbsp; This film will be preceded by a mini lecture on the Bostonians who signed the Declaration of Independence. Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry, made up the Massachusetts Delegation, while John Hancock held the presidency of the Continental Congress. These men left their mark, and signatures, on American History. Learn about how their deeds echoed down the centuries of activism and human rights advocacy in Boston’s West End and beyond.&nbsp; This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Displaced & Descendant West Ender Reunion

Remember and celebrate "The greatest neighborhood this side of heaven" with friends, family, and neighbors. Beginning in 1958 the diverse working-class neighborhood of The West End was destroyed through urban renewal projects. Once a year, WEM hosts a gathering for those displaced or otherwise impacted by this tragedy and their descendants.&nbsp; We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of connection, remembrance, and celebration at The West End Museum's Displaced &amp; Descendant West Ender Reunion. This will be an opportunity to reconnect with old neighbors, share West End memories, enjoy refreshments, and honor the enduring spirit of the West End community. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

LGBTQ + West End Walking Tour

Explore the storied history of queer West Enders, their lives, loves, and activism. In conjunction with our Queer History West End Exhibit, join us for a walking tour of the Queer West End.&nbsp; This walking tour explores the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the West End, primarily around the North Slope neighborhood, old Scollay Square, and Charles Street.&nbsp; Beginning in the late nineteenth century, this neighborhood was a hub for queer Bostonians, even when much of their history and activities flew under the radar. This area featured speakeasies, raids, Boston marriages, early publication of queer literature, activism, famous gay bars, and AIDS epidemic protests. This tour will focus on the faces and places of the queer community in the West End and explain how one small neighborhood made queer history.&nbsp; Tours begin at the West End Museum. Thank you to our exclusive sponsors: MA 250 and the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce! Event created in partnership with Queer History Boston. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Explore the storied history of queer West Enders, their lives, loves, and activism. In conjunction with our Queer History West End Exhibit, join us for a walking tour of the Queer West End.  This walking tour explores the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the West End, primarily around the North Slope neighborhood, old Scollay Square, and Charles Street.  Beginning in the late nineteenth century, this neighborhood was a hub for queer Bostonians, even when much of their history and activities flew under the radar. This area featured speakeasies, raids, Boston marriages, early publication of queer literature, activism, famous gay bars, and AIDS epidemic protests. This tour will focus on the faces and places of the queer community in the West End and explain how one small neighborhood made queer history.  Tours begin at the West End Museum. Thank you to our exclusive sponsors: MA 250 and the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce! Event created in partnership with Queer History Boston. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Boston Trivia Night

It's trivia night in the West End! Test your Boston knowledge and enjoy great food and drinks. You think you know Boston? Here’s your chance to prove it. Bring your friends and love of Boston history for this exciting trivia night full of fun facts and good food and drinks! Fancy yourself a winner? You May well be one after this evening of Spring fun facts as The West End Museum brings you trivia, fun, and friendly competition! Sign up with a team or join one on the spot. Whether you’re a Boston history-buff, a cocktail connoisseur, or just looking for a fun night out, this event has a place for you! The winning team will receive a prize from the West End Museum! Arrive early for a drink and a meal before trivia starts. This event is presented in partnership with the Pennyweight Hotel. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Pennyweight Hotel

Remnants of Urban Renewal Walking Tour

The story of urban renewal has become synonymous with Boston's West End. In the late 1950's and early 1960's, more than 50-acres of tenement housing were demolished under the premise of 'slum clearance' to make way for luxury high-rise buildings. Around 7,000 mostly working class residents were displaced from the neighborhood. The West End is known for what was demolished, but this tour takes you to the buildings that survived.&nbsp; A number of historically significant buildings were preserved, as was the North Slope of Beacon Hill – a part of the historic West End neighborhood. These buildings represent a lineage of early Boston architects: Charles Bulfinch, Asher Benjamin, Alexander Parris, and Gridley J.F. Bryant.&nbsp; Join former Museum curator, Duane Lucia, on this one and a half hour tour of the pieces of the West End that urban renewal left behind. This tour begins at the West End Museum.&nbsp; This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Body Revealed, the Spirit Unbound: The Art of Hyman Bloom and the Music of Hovhaness and Sibelius

Use Code "WEMPERFORMINGARTS" at checkout for Free tickets! Experience the art of Hyman Bloom in conversation with the music of Alan Hovhaness and Jean Sibelius in this stirring performance! Join the West End Museum and the Peridot String Quartet for a classical program that brings into dialogue the unflinching anatomical paintings of West End native Hyman Bloom with the searching, elemental music of his contemporary colleagues Alan Hovhaness and Jean Sibelius. Bloom’s cadaver studies—at once visceral and reverent—confront the physical reality of the human body while suggesting a mysterious passage beyond it. In parallel, the music traverses stark ritual, austere landscapes, and moments of luminous stillness, evoking forces that feel at once ancient and transcendent. Together, these works invite reflection on the body as both material and vessel: a site of decay, transformation, and, perhaps, spiritual continuity. Moving between art on display and sound, the program creates a space where mortality and the possibility of transcendence are held in delicate, resonant tension. The musical performance will be preceded by a short lecture by Vanessa Formato, Archivist at the Mass Eye and Ear Institute's museum and archives, on Bloom's cadaver works in the context of the history of anatomical art. Thank you to our sponsors, Boston Properties Inc. and the Beacon Hill Civic Association! This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Hub Community Room 

Immigration, Community, and Identity: A Conversation with Shubha Sunder

Explore themes of immigration and community as experienced in present day Boston in conversation with the past in this dynamic book talk! Hear from author Shubha Sunder on how themes of identity, race, and immigration emerge in her debut novel,&nbsp;Optional Practical Training. Our discussion with Shubha will also explore how input and expectations from others shape our sense of community, where we call home, and how “home” changes due to urban renewal, fading memories, changing communities, and our own migration to newly adopted homes. Join Shubha as she shares her perspective on writing her debut novel and how to capture stories about the communities we call home, even as they change. Shubha Sunder is a 2025 Whiting Award winner and the author of&nbsp;Optional Practical Training, an immigrant novel in conversations. She won the New American Voices Award and was a finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. Her first book,&nbsp;Boomtown Girl, a short story collection set in her hometown of Bangalore, India, won the 2021 St. Lawrence Book Award. She currently teaches in the creative writing MFA program at UMass Boston. Books will be available at this event. An informal book club may be arranged. If interested please email jaydie@thewestendmuseum.org. This project is made possible in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilctr.org/for-teachers/teaching-us-immigration-series/immigrant-women-industrial-revolution-lesson-plans-resource-bundle/">The Immigrant Learning Center</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://iir.gmu.edu/">Institute for Immigration Research</a>&nbsp;at George Mason University. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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

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 🚨

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

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

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

jaydiewem

Experiences

Boston Trivia Night

Wild Times In the West End: Exhibit Opening and Talk

Rebuilding Shattered Worlds: Book Talk and Panel

Don't Talk About Joe Mac with Author Springs Toledo

Queer History West End Exhibit Opening

Scotland Versus Morocco Watch Party

Queer History West End Pride Party

Lost & Found: Historic Boston in Postcards – Book Talk with Kathy Alpert

Boston and the Declaration of Independence: 1776 Film Screening and Lecture

Displaced & Descendant West Ender Reunion

LGBTQ + West End Walking Tour

LGBTQ + West End Walking Tour

Remnants of Urban Renewal Walking Tour

The Body Revealed, the Spirit Unbound: The Art of Hyman Bloom and the Music of Hovhaness and Sibelius

Immigration, Community, and Identity: A Conversation with Shubha Sunder