When and Where in the West End: Digital Community History Workshop

You know your neighborhood's history, now learn how to share it with the world! You know your neighborhood’s history, now is your chance to share it with the world! Join The West End Museum at the West End Branch Library for an interactive community history workshop. Learn to use the crowdsourced history database When and Where in Boston (whenandwhereinboston.org) to create pins on a digital map that tell the story of the who, what, when, and where in the West End's history. Share when your apartment was built, where a famous resident was born, or the details of a celebratory parade. Learn how to research, format, and submit pins that will be reviewed by professional historians before being published online. Spend the evening at a citizen history party with your fellow history lovers, access library research sources, and ask for help from the library and Museum staff. Bring your own laptop or tablet and prepare to become a contributor to local history! This event is the official kick off WEM’s When and Where in Your Neighborhood series, which will visit Boston Public Library branches throughout the City of Boston to share this exciting new resource! Please email wfiorentino@bpl.org for more information once you’ve registered. This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The West End Museum

The West End Museum Honoree Night 2025

Join The West End Museum for an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and support. On December 14th from 3-6 pm, WEM will host our annual Honoree Night and a basket raffle, offering a unique chance for West End residents and history enthusiasts alike to gather and enjoy an afternoon together. We are thrilled to honor several members of our community who have made a significant impact this year, and contribute to preserving Boston’s rich history. Food and refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public, although donations are encouraged. Order of Events: 3-5 pm: Raffle Open Get ready to try your luck to win an exciting variety of auction items, generously donated by local businesses, artists, and supporters. Each basket was inspired by one of the neighborhoods near the West End. From exclusive West End memorabilia to exciting experiences, there’s something for everyone! All proceeds directly support The West End Museum’s mission to preserve the history, community, and culture of the West End neighborhood. 4: 30pm: Honoree Celebration &amp; Speeches Every year, The West End Museum honors a few people who have made meaningful and lasting contributions to the neighborhood and the city of Boston. At this year’s West End Honoree Night, we celebrate three individuals who have had a significant impact on the West End community: Lois Ascher, Jim Vrabel , and David Kruh. 5:30pm: Raffle winners will be drawn! This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Paint and Sip: Burlesque and Brushes

It’s cold outside, but inside the fun is just beginning. Join the West End Museum for a winter paint and sip featuring art from Boston’s own vaudeville circuit. Enjoy an evening of wine and music from the era of ragtime and vaudeville. Paint your own vintage theatrical poster inspired by historical examples from Scollay Square, including the infamous Old Howard Theatre. Sip your wine, chat with your friends, create art, and enjoy this sophisticated, and slightly scandalous, event. This event is 21 and up. This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Urban Renewal in Easton, PA: Book Talk with Professor Andrea L. Smith

The destruction of vibrant and well-loved neighborhoods by urban renewal was a national event not confined to larger cities like Boston. 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 one mid-sized Pennsylvania city and the long lasting impacts felt by those displaced in its wake. Learn the story of a multi-ethnic neighborhood called “Syrian Town” in Easton, Pennsylvania. Targeted for its residents’ relative poverty, racial and ethnic makeup, and central location, the diverse neighborhood along Easton’s river was demolished to clear “blight”. Professor Smith listened in as former neighbors reunited in schools and church basements to reconstruct the collective memories of displaced residents. In this talk based on her book&nbsp;Rebuilding Shattered Worlds,&nbsp;Professor Smith will discuss the process of urban renewal and the motivations that led to dozens of leveled blocks in Easton and beyond. Books will be available for purchase at the event. This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

From Plotzk to Boston: An Immigrant's Story Book Club

Read and discuss one immigrant's journey from the "Old World" to Boston in the late 19th century. In conjunction with our special exhibit, Voyages of Hope: Immigrant Journeys to Boston, read one immigrant’s story of coming to the United States in search of a better life. Read the account of the young Mary Antin as she and her family make their way From Plotzk to Boston. Due to the brevity of the work, this book club will only meet once. Join us for an evening of book discussion and noshing on some themed Ashkenazi Jewish snacks that would have been enjoyed in the tenement homes of the immigrants of the old West End. A limited number of paperback books will be available for free for those who sign up as well as links to free online editions.  This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

New Guinea Joy Virtual Tour: Mapping When & Where of African American History in Boston

In honor of&nbsp;Afrimerican Culture Initiative Inc.’s 10-year anniversary, and&nbsp;in collaboration with the West End Museum, we invite you to a special&nbsp;virtual preview&nbsp;of our&nbsp;New Guinea Joy&nbsp;tour. This tour will debut in February 2026 and is an African American &amp; infrastructure history journey through Boston’s&nbsp;North End and West End. After the virtual tour, join us for a hands-on workshop to locate and uplift erased African American history of the North &amp; West Ends. Experience maps, photos, and stories that reveal the&nbsp;when &amp; where&nbsp;of erased histories, then try a quick digital mapping activity using the&nbsp;When &amp; Where in Boston&nbsp;database. Bring a laptop or tablet if you can. Celebrate with us—join the virtual preview, then sign up for the full New Guinea Joy tour. What to expect:<ul><li>Mini “New Guinea Joy” virtual tour with maps + visuals</li><li>Short panel on reframing Boston’s African American history.</li><li>Live demo of&nbsp;<a href="https://whenandwhereinboston.org/">When &amp; Where in Boston</a>&nbsp;(how to submit)</li><li>Hands-on mapping lab in small groups</li><li>Light refreshments served</li><li>Sign up for workshops, Afrimerican Academy tours, documentary screenings.</li></ul>This Event is Free&nbsp;(with optional donation ). This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Rope: Tying Early Boston Together

Learn how a bundle of fibers helped build the City on a Hill as we know it! Rope is one mankind’s earliest and most important tools.&nbsp; Join the West End Museum and the author Tim Queeney as he discusses his new book&nbsp;Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization.&nbsp;Learn some of the ways rope has contributed to human civilization, from lashing arrowheads to building pyramids to the massive need for ship rigging during the Age of Sail. Boston’s early history was centered on the sea. From West End rope walks that caused major fires to the construction of iconic Boston landmarks, rope is woven into the history of the City on a Hill.&nbsp; Go on an adventure from the high seas to the Hagia Sofia to learn how one simple tool has made the world we know possible. &nbsp; Books will be available for purchase and signing.&nbsp; This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Late Night at the Museum

Get ready to dance the night away at your neighborhood museum. Join us at a special after hours opening for games, snacks, and a silent disco. Meet new people, take a look at our exhibits, and boogie down with your friends as you each dance to your own tune.  Open to all! This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Free to All: Book Swap and Social

Take a book, leave a book! Join the West End Museum for a free book extravaganza. In celebration of the centenary of Jewish Book Month, started right here in the West End by West End Branch librarian Fanny Goldstein, we invite you to bring your gently loved books to swap with members of the community. Chat about your favorite genres, discover new authors, and head home with a new book in hand.  Learn about the life and career of Fanny Goldstein and attend the unveiling of a new Little Free Library in her honor.  Suggested admission is one book to swap (but don’t worry, we’ll have extras!).  This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Bullfinch Triangle Walking Tour

Join the West End Museum for a tour of the curious and storied streets of the Bullfinch 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 Bullfinch Triangle, the area of the West End between Causeway Street and the Haymarket, was once a tidal mill pond, which provided Colonial Boston with power to process grain and chocolate. It was filled in as one of Boston’s major land-making endeavors, 50 years before the Back Bay. The triangle street pattern was laid out by Charles Bullfinch, America’s first native-born architect. Over time it was home to the little known 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 Bullfinch Triangle.  Tours begin at the West End Museum.  This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Mechanical Melodies: The Stories and Tunes of a Boston Street Organ

From 1900 to 1974, Italian immigrant Marino Persechini traveled the streets of Boston with his barrel piano. He earned the moniker of the Hurdy-Gurdy man while playing songs like “My Wild Irish Rose,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Torne a Surriento,” and “La Paloma.” That same 126 year old instrument will be played live and in person this November at the West End Museum.&nbsp; Join Tony Gangi, author of&nbsp;Carny Sideshows: Weird Wonders of the Midway&nbsp;and owner of Great American Street Organ, for an interactive presentation on the history of organ grinders and their instruments. Learn about the instrument's origins in the medieval period and its use as a means of employment by American immigrants in the early twentieth century.&nbsp; Relax and enjoy the histories and songs of Boston’s own street performers of yesteryear.&nbsp; This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Ghosts of the Old West End: A Haunted Walking Tour

Walk the streets of Boston’s West End after dark! Join us for a chilling tour of the murders and mysteries that haunt his historic neighborhood. From pirates to inmates to religious martyrs to killer nurses, hear the eerie tales of the past.  Don't miss this opportunity to lean into the sinister side of your neighborhood's history. If you dare!  Tours begin at the West End Museum. Costumes encouraged! This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Voyages of Hope: Immigrant Journeys to Boston Exhibit Opening

Join us for an opening reception for the new “Voyages of Hope” exhibit at the West End Museum. This new special exhibit explores the perilous but promising journeys of the immigrants traveling to start a new life in Boston. Learn about a century of European immigration through the stories of three of the West End’s major ethnic groups. Find out why they left, how they traveled, and what awaited them on Boston’s shores. Be one of the first to see this powerful and relevant exhibit. Light refreshments will be served. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Walk the streets of Boston’s West End after dark! Join us for a chilling tour of the murders and mysteries that haunt his historic neighborhood. From pirates to inmates to religious martyrs to killer nurses, hear the eerie tales of the past.&nbsp; Don't miss this opportunity to lean into the sinister side of your neighborhood's history. If you dare!&nbsp; Tours begin at the West End Museum. Costumes encouraged! This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Old Howard Theatre: From Virtuoso to Vaudeville and Vice

The Old Howard Theatre witnessed more than a century of history, and now it’s your turn to experience its storied past like never before. Join us for a special live performance featuring Dan Gabel with Josiah Reibstein and the Hubtones that takes you through the vibrant history of this iconic venue, blending music, storytelling, and a bit of vaudeville “schtick” to bring the theater’s rich legacy to life. Not long after it was built for a church congregation anticipating the end of days, the Howard Athenaeum became a theater for opera, ballet, and drama. Over time, it shifted to vaudeville and eventually became Boston’s most famous burlesque house. The Howard featured famous comedians and boxing demonstrations from legendary fighters. Raided by the vice squad in 1953, the Old Howard was shuttered and destroyed by a mysterious fire in 1961. This one-of-a-kind performance will pay homage to the unforgettable acts that once graced its stage, and give you an intimate look at the always fascinating, sometimes surprising, and occasionally sordid stories behind the theater's history—you won’t want to miss it! Limited seating. Age 18+ 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

When and Where in the West End: Digital Community History Workshop

The West End Museum Honoree Night 2025

Paint and Sip: Burlesque and Brushes

Urban Renewal in Easton, PA: Book Talk with Professor Andrea L. Smith

From Plotzk to Boston: An Immigrant's Story Book Club

New Guinea Joy Virtual Tour: Mapping When & Where of African American History in Boston

Rope: Tying Early Boston Together

Late Night at the Museum

Free to All: Book Swap and Social

Bullfinch Triangle Walking Tour

Mechanical Melodies: The Stories and Tunes of a Boston Street Organ

Ghosts of the Old West End: A Haunted Walking Tour

Voyages of Hope: Immigrant Journeys to Boston Exhibit Opening

Ghosts of the Old West End: A Haunted Walking Tour

The Old Howard Theatre: From Virtuoso to Vaudeville and Vice