Women of the West End Walking Tour

Learn the stories of women who shaped their neighborhood history and beyond! Intellectuals, abolitionists, suffragists, artists, authors, and athletes – the women of Boston’s West End played an important role in shaping the history of their neighborhood, Boston, and the world. Join the West End Museum on a walking tour in honor of Women’s History Month. Trace the footsteps of women who lived and worked in the West End – featuring Susan Paul, Eliza Ann Gardner, Nancy Gardner Prince, Fanny Goldstein, Elizabeth Peabody, Maria Stewart, Annie Londonderry, Kittie Knox, Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Bashka Paeff, Harriet Hayden, and more. Tours will begin at the West End Museum.

The West End Museum (Entrance on Lomasney Way)

SOLD OUT Pooh's Birthday Surprise

Celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th birthday at this special presentation of an original piece of theatre for young audiences. It’s Winnie the Pooh’s hundredth birthday! Talented teens from New Hampshire’s Lakes Region will be traveling to Boston for one show only. Celebrate Pooh’s big milestone with an original play by The West End Museum’s Interpretation Manager, Jaydie Halperin, featuring the residents of the Hundred Acre Woods, party games, and cupcakes.  Adults free if accompanied by a child. Appropriate for all ages. This program is produced in partnership with the Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative.  This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The West End Museum

Urban Renewal in Lowell MA: Book Talk with Charlie Gargiulo

The West End Museum continues its exploration of the spectre of urban renewal with a book talk on&nbsp;Legends of Little Canada.&nbsp;In the 1960s, the French Canadian neighborhood of Little Canada in Lowell, Massachusetts was destroyed by urban renewal. Young Charlie Gargiulo witnessed this injustice and went on to a career in community organizing in favor of decent housing and a fair chance for all. In this memoir and reclamation of a neighborhood’s story, Gargiulo paints a portrait of what was lost and why it mattered. Join us in welcoming Charlie Gargiulo as he shares his Literary Titan Book Award winning memoir. Books will be available for purchase at this event. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Learn how urban renewal affected the Little Canada community in Lowell from a community activist who witnessed it first hand. The West End Museum continues its exploration of the spectre of urban renewal with a book talk on&nbsp;Legends of Little Canada.&nbsp;In the 1960s, the French Canadian neighborhood of Little Canada in Lowell, Massachusetts was destroyed by urban renewal. Young Charlie Gargiulo witnessed this injustice and went on to a career in community organizing in favor of decent housing and a fair chance for all. In this memoir and reclamation of a neighborhood’s story, Gargiulo paints a portrait of what was lost and why it mattered.

Rum, Rascals, & Revolution: Sea Shanties of Boston's Privateers

Join us for an evening of pirates, sea shanties, and just a dash of history! The Wellerman comes to the West End with sugar and rum in tow! Before Boston had parking tickets and traffic cones, it had privateers—patriotic troublemakers with letters of marque, a talent for causing problems for the British, and a whole lot to sing about. Join rapscallions Jeremy Bell and Larry Young at the West End Museum for a rollicking evening of sea shanties rooted in the rough-and-tumble world of Revolutionary-era privateering. These weren’t polite parlor songs. Shanties were sung to haul ropes, raise sails, pass the time, and complain loudly about food, weather, officers, and fate in general. On privateering ships—half-navy, half-sanctioned piracy—music kept spirits up as crews chased prize money, dodged cannon fire, and argued over who drank the last of the rum. Through lively performance and a dash of historical storytelling, this program dives into the songs that echoed from Boston’s docks, taverns, and decks during the American Revolution. Expect call-and-response anthems, rolling rhythms, and tales of fortune won and lives spent before the mast. This is maritime music as it was meant to be heard: loud, communal, and unapologetically salty! Come sing, laugh, and learn as we resurrect the soundscape of Boston’s Revolutionary waterfront—where freedom was fought for, fortunes were gambled, and everyone had a chorus to sing in the making of a new nation. Thank you to our sponsors at the Martignetti Companies and Pusser's Rum. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The BIG DIG: From A to Scheme Z

The largest infrastructure project in Boston history stretched across neighborhoods and over a decade of time. The dig truly was big! But how did they do it?&nbsp; Join David Kruh, a former Big Dig spokesperson and the curator of our current special exhibit,&nbsp;for an in depth look at the complex project once compared to doing open heart surgery on a patient who insisted on playing tennis. From the technology behind building tunnels underneath a highway in the sky to the much derided Scheme Z plan for the Charles River crossing, get a peek behind the construction barriers that once covered the city.&nbsp; This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Lecture by former project spokesperson and special exhibit curator, David Kruh. The largest infrastructure project in Boston history stretched across neighborhoods and over a decade of time. The dig truly was big! But how did they do it? Join David Kruh, a former Big Dig spokesperson and the curator of our current special exhibit, for an in depth look at the complex project once compared to doing open heart surgery on a patient who insisted on playing tennis. From the technology behind building tunnels underneath a highway in the sky to the much derided Scheme Z plan for the Charles River crossing, get a peek behind the construction barriers that once covered the city. 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.

Intellectuals, abolitionists, suffragists, artists, authors, and athletes – the women of Boston’s West End played an important role in shaping the history of their neighborhood, Boston, and the world. Join the West End Museum on a walking tour in honor of Women’s History Month. Trace the footsteps of women who lived and worked in the West End – featuring Susan Paul, Eliza Ann Gardner, Nancy Gardner Prince, Fanny Goldstein, Elizabeth Peabody, Maria Stewart, Annie Londonderry, Kittie Knox, Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Bashka Paeff, Harriet Hayden, and more. Tours will begin at the West End Museum.  This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Intellectuals, abolitionists, suffragists, artists, authors, and athletes – the women of Boston’s West End played an important role in shaping the history of their neighborhood, Boston, and the world. Join the West End Museum on a walking tour in honor of Women’s History Month. Trace the footsteps of women who lived and worked in the West End – featuring Susan Paul, Eliza Ann Gardner, Nancy Gardner Prince, Fanny Goldstein, Elizabeth Peabody, Maria Stewart, Annie Londonderry, Kittie Knox, Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Bashka Paeff, Harriet Hayden, and more. Tours will begin at the West End Museum.&nbsp; This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Boston Trivia Night

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! Leave March a champion, test your knowledge and your quick thinking as the West End Museum brings you an evening of facts, 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

Bulfinch Triangle Walking Tour

Join the West End Museum for a tour of the curious and storied streets of the Bulfinch Triangle. Boston is famous for its irregular street patterns, but between the rest of the winding streets of the Shawmut Peninsula lies a clear regular-sided triangle. What is it and how did its odd street pattern survive all this time? The Bulfinch Triangle, the area of the West End between Causeway Street and the Haymarket, was once a tidal mill pond, which powered mills in Colonial Boston. It was filled in as one of Boston’s first major land-making endeavors, 50 years before the Back Bay. The triangular street pattern was laid out by Charles Bullfinch, America’s first native-born architect. Over time it was home to a little known section of the Middlesex Canal, four railroad depots, and two major commuter terminals. Join former West End Museum curator Duane Lucia on a guided 1.5 hour walking tour of 400 years of Boston history in the Bulfinch Triangle. Tours begin at The West End Museum. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Shining a Spotlight on the Big Dig

Join us for a lecture by former Boston Globe Project Correspondent Tom Palmer! Learn what went on behind the scenes of the Big Dig. In conjunction with our special exhibit on the Big Dig, join us for a lecture by West End Museum board member and former Boston Globe reporter Tom Palmer as he takes you behind the scenes of Boston’s biggest public works project. Explore project maps, see original archival footage from Big Dig construction sites, and learn what it was like to report on this massive project.&nbsp; Get the scoop on how they dug up the city! Arrive early to access our special exhibit “The Story of Boston’s BIG DIG”.&nbsp; This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Thoreau Path Arbor Day Clean Up

Join your local history museum and WE Tree Boston for a fun neighborhood spring cleaning! (Please note our rain date is April 19th, 2pm)  In celebration of spring, join The West End Museum and WE Tree Boston for an afternoon of cleaning up greenspaces in the neighborhood. Help plants wake up from their winter hibernation and tidy the tree pits. Help keep your community clean and connect with non-profits working to bring greenspace to all.  Meet at The West End Museum to get instructions and supplies from event leaders.  This event is free and open to the public.  This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Big Screen Boston: Film Clip Show and Book Talk

Boston is ready for its close up! Settle in for an evening exploring the film history of the “City on a Hill”. Join The West End Museum and author Paul Sherman, whose film reviews have appeared in the&nbsp;Boston Herald, the&nbsp;Improper Bostonian&nbsp;and more, for the highlights of Hollywood’s love-hate relationship with the city. From the&nbsp;Departed&nbsp;to&nbsp;Mystery Street&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Brink’s Job&nbsp;to&nbsp;Next Stop Wonderland,&nbsp;learn to spot street corners and monuments in your favorite films and why so few movies are actually set here.&nbsp;This talk is based on Sherman's book&nbsp;Big Screen Boston. See Boston on the silver screen, tuck some film trivia in your back pocket, and add a few local flicks to your “to watch” list.&nbsp; Books will be available for purchase at this event.&nbsp; 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

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

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

Women of the West End Walking Tour

SOLD OUT Pooh's Birthday Surprise

Urban Renewal in Lowell MA: Book Talk with Charlie Gargiulo

Urban Renewal in Lowell MA: Book Talk with Charlie Gargiulo

Rum, Rascals, & Revolution: Sea Shanties of Boston's Privateers

The BIG DIG: From A to Scheme Z

The BIG DIG: From A to Scheme Z

Women of the West End Walking Tour

Women of the West End Walking Tour

Women of the West End Walking Tour

Boston Trivia Night

Bulfinch Triangle Walking Tour

Shining a Spotlight on the Big Dig

Thoreau Path Arbor Day Clean Up

Big Screen Boston: Film Clip Show and Book Talk