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.

The West End Museum

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.

Title Town in the West End: Presented by Boston Sports Tours

Take a walking tour through the "City of Champions" to learn the sports history of the West End! Join the Founder of Boston Sports Tours, Kathryn Harris, on a walking tour of sports history in the West End and beyond! Discover how Boston got its Title Town reputation with a walk through the storied history of the Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. Learn about the powerful beginnings of each team, their rise to elite prominence, and how they gave Boston unforgettable record-setting runs. Get an up-close look at the stories and moments that make Boston a sports trailblazer and mecca. Discover the inspiration and complex connections between the city’s diverse populations and their accomplished sports teams. Unpack the early American values that shaped this modern sports landscape and the cultural victories and challenges along the way. Journey from Government Center to TD Garden – along the Champion’s Parade Route and the Freedom Trail, through Boston’s historic West End and North End, and on to the “Hub on Causeway” – all while discovering iconic sports monuments and hidden sports spots along the way. Tour begins at Government Center MBTA stop, 1 Cambridge Street Boston. End at the West End Museum. This tour will last 2 hours. Attendees will be required to fill out a waiver in advance of the tour. It can be filled out online <a href="https://bostonsportstours.checkfront.com/reserve/document/?template_id=1&amp;return_url=%2Freserve%2Fdocuments%2Fdirectory%2F&amp;kiosk=1">here</a>. Thank you to our sponsor at Boston Sports Tour for their support! This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Government Center MBTA

The Hub of the Gay Universe with Author Russ López

Learn the highs and lows of queer history in Boston and Provincetown in this fascinating book talk! Join author Russ López for an author talk centered around his work The Hub of the Gay Universe: An LGBTQ+ History of Boston, Provincetown, and Beyond.  Learn about the highs: the torrid romances of actress Charlotte Cushman, the glamorous nightlife of 1950s Boston, the great outpouring of happiness that accompanied the country's first same-sex marriages. Understand the tragedies: murders of trans women and gay men, the terrible waves of repression of the 1920s, and the devastation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This talk is part of our programming related to our special exhibition Queer History West End, exclusively sponsored by Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Mass250. The exhibit was made in partnership with Queer History Boston. Stop by early and glance around the gallery to see the exhibit for yourself! López is the author of six nonfiction books, the editor of LatineLit, and the writer of numerous essays. Originally from California, Russ has degrees from Stanford, Harvard, and Boston University. He splits his time between Boston and Ptown year-round. Books will be available for purchase at the event.  This event was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Big Dig Walking Tour: From the Central Artery to the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Join The West End Museum for a walking tour of the Big Dig’s triumphs and tribulations from the Central Artery to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The Big Dig was an ambitious project, an engineering marvel, and a complicated solution to a complicated problem. From burying a highway under an active city to building the world’s first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge, this tour will uncover how the Central Artery Project left its mark on Downtown Boston and beyond. Walk the streets of the West End and trace the path of Boston’s biggest urban planning project from the old central artery to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Tours begin at the West End Museum. This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

SOLD OUT -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 Exhibit Opening

Celebrate Pride Month in the West End with the opening of our new special exhibit! Uncover the little known stories of Queer West Enders. The West End has been home to a number of Queer artists, authors, activists, brothel owners, and more! Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ lives and legacies of our neighborhood with pride. Light refreshments will be served. Thank you to our exclusive sponsors Massachusetts 250th and Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. This exhibition was made in partnership with Queer History Boston. Thank you to Dorchester Brewing for their support! 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.

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.

SOLD OUT – 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.

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.

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 ⭐️

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

World Cup Watch Parties 🎉⚽️

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 📈

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

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

Title Town in the West End: Presented by Boston Sports Tours

The Hub of the Gay Universe with Author Russ López

Big Dig Walking Tour: From the Central Artery to the Rose Kennedy Greenway

SOLD OUT -Scotland Versus Morocco Watch Party

Queer History West End Exhibit Opening

Don't Talk About Joe Mac with Author Springs Toledo

Rebuilding Shattered Worlds: Book Talk and Panel

SOLD OUT – Wild Times In the West End: Exhibit Opening and Talk

Boston Trivia Night

Remnants of Urban Renewal Walking Tour