Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders: A Conversation with Dr. Nevada Winrow

The New England Aquarium’s Lowell Lecture Series presents&nbsp;<a href="https://blackgirlsdivefoundation.org/">Black Girls Dive Foundation</a>&nbsp;Co-Founder Dr. Nevada Winrow, a pediatric neuropsychologist, educator, and certified master scuba diver. Dr. Winrow co-founded the Black Girls Dive Foundation to help overcome the racial and socioeconomic achievement gap and cultivate the next generation of social conscious divers, scientists, conservationists, and planetary stewards. Black Girls Dive offers young girls and women aquatic-based programs that integrate a STREAMS-based curriculum (science,&nbsp;technology,&nbsp;robotics,&nbsp;engineering,&nbsp;arts,&nbsp;mathematics, and&nbsp;scuba diving) through five chapters located in Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Georgia. Participants become PADI-certified scuba divers and engage in shark research and conservation, coral restoration, collaborative oyster restoration and education, and national parks preservation projects.&nbsp; In her talk, Dr. Winrow will share the genesis of this nonprofit organization, its progress over the past eight years, its impact on participants and partnering organizations, and what’s next. Join us for a fascinating look at this all-volunteer program that is helping to advance the next generation of ocean leaders. &nbsp; This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is free to the public and presented in partnership with the Lowell Institute. Advance registration is required. &nbsp; Virtual registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on February 13.

New England Aquarium Simons Theatre

Lanterns & Luminaries Kicks Off Patriots’ Day Weekend 

BOSTON – To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the iconic “two if by sea” lantern signals that heralded the American Revolution, Old North Illuminated will kick off Patriots’ Day weekend with a special event, Lanterns and Luminaries. Set for Wednesday, April 16 at Old North Church &amp; Historic Site, the annual event will honor award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns with the prestigious Third Lantern Award. This recognition celebrates individuals who exemplify the values symbolized by Old North Church’s legendary lanterns—leadership, courage, hope, tenacity, and active citizenship. The award ceremony precedes a preview event for Burns’s eagerly awaited film, The American Revolution, that evening in Boston. The event will feature a seated program from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. including a dramatic reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride” in celebration of the anniversary, along with inspiring remarks from Burns, a short clip from his new documentary, festive music, and a look ahead at the Patriots’ Day festivities in the North End. Tickets to the program are available for purchase in advance for $40. For more details and to register, visit <a href="http://www.oldnorth.com/250th">www.oldnorth.com/250th</a>.

Old North Church & Historic Site

“Gloucester’s So Salty” Fourth Annual Festival 

To celebrate the fish city’s recognizably salty character, the <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/4th-annual-gloucesters-so-salty/">Gloucester’s So Salty</a> festival is back on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cape Ann Museum is partnering with Discover Gloucester and other area cultural institutions and businesses for the fourth annual event. The celebration will feature two days of family-friendly and free programming around downtown Gloucester, including ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free kids’ art activities and more.  The 2024 celebration brought together over 1,800 people to share their Gloucester pride while enjoying free ice sculptures and cultural activities around the city. The 2025 ice sculptures, which are created by Donald Chapelle from Brilliant Ice in North Andover, are sponsored by the Cape Ann Museum, Cape Ann Accommodations, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Machaca Mexican Restaurant &amp; Cantina, The Sargent House Museum, and the Sawyer Free Library, Oak to Ember and Lockwood Studios.   A featured ice sculpture on view outside the Museum’s Downtown campus will be inspired by the Museum’s recently inaugurated <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/exhibition/portrait-of-a-sculptor/">Portrait of a Sculptor: Walker Hancock &amp; Michael Lafferty</a> exhibition. The show, which is free and open to the public, features photographs inside the Gloucester studio of renowned sculptor Walker Hancock (1901-1998) and will be open both days of the festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Cape Ann Museum Green campus, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester.   For more information about the Cape Ann Museum, visit <a href="https://home.capeannmuseum.org/">capeannmuseum.org</a>.

Cape Ann Museum

Works by Umberto Romano on view at CAM Green

While Cape Ann’s art colony of the mid-20th century was best known for the traditional seascapes and landscapes created by artists such as Emile Gruppé, Frederick Mulhaupt, and W. Lester Stevens, there was a group of more progressive men and women working in the area at the time. Foremost among them was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/exhibition/umberto-romano/">Umberto Romano (1905-1982)</a>. Romano’s work is now on view at CAM Green, 13 Poplar Street in Gloucester through December 29.&nbsp;The 4-acre campus, including the Janet &amp; William Ellery James Center, was designed to dramatically expand the Museum’s community, contemporary art, and educational offerings. This month, CAM Green’s hours were expanded to&nbsp;Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Umberto Romano, a painter, printmaker and sculptor first came to Gloucester in 1932. He was soon conducting classes on Rocky Neck and in 1938 opened the Romano School of Art on Ledge Road in East Gloucester. Romano’s style shifted continuously throughout his career but his passion for exploring the human condition is a thread that runs throughout his work. The Cape Ann Museum is fortunate to have an extensive collection of his works on canvas and on paper, as well as archival materials, all of which will be the focus of this special exhibition. Romano’s skill as a teacher was renowned so there is a robust offering of studio classes for all ages in painting and drawing during the course of the exhibition at the Janet &amp; William Ellery James Center at CAM Green. The “CAMTalks” are all free and open to the public. Registering in advance for tickets and parking is recommended via the Museum’s website.:<ul><li>On Saturday, November 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-umberto-romano-painting/">painter Amy Sudarsky of Manchester-by-the-Sea</a> will lead a discussion called “<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-umberto-romano-painting/">Examining Paintings by Umberto Romano</a>.”</li><li>On Saturday, November 16 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Rebecca Reynolds will discuss “<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-umberto-romano-sculpture/">Cape Ann Context: The Sculpture of Umberto Romano</a>” and explore Romano’s large circle of nationally-recognized artists who gathered on Cape Ann to create a vibrant artist community that continues today.</li><li>On Saturday, December 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Susan Arony, a Gloucester artist, will discuss Romano’s work for the Federal Arts Program in a talk called, “<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/camtalk-exhibition-series-umberto-romano-and-the-new-deal/">Umberto Romano and the New Deal</a>.” Romano was commissioned to create works by the New Deal program, and his works were larger than life.&nbsp;</li></ul>Photo Credit: Umberto Romano (1905-1982), Untitled (Bird of Paradise), c. 1936, oil on panel. Gift of The Umberto Romano and Clorinda Romano Foundation, 2016 [#2016.087.025]

CAM Green

Exploring the Deep Sea with Susan Casey

The New England Aquarium’s Lowell Lecture Series presents a conversation with award-winning writer Susan Casey and acclaimed journalist and <a href="https://www.loe.org/">Living on Earth</a> Host Steve Curwood about Casey’s latest bestseller, The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean. Join us for a discussion that will illuminate the hidden depths of our blue planet—home to an array of marine life, soaring mountains, smoldering volcanoes, and valleys 7,000 feet deeper than Everest is high—and learn about the vital role the deep sea plays in our world. Hear also about Casey’s experiences traversing the globe and diving with the scientists and explorers who are searching for knowledge in this vast unseen realm, and the new technologies that are opening up the ocean’s deepest and most mysterious regions. Copies of The Underworld will be available for purchase during this event and a book signing will follow the lecture. Doors open and cash bar available at 6:00 p.m. The lecture begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.   This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute and presented in partnership with Living on Earth. Advance registration is required.   Virtual registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on December 5.

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium Presents: Scaling Business Startups to Restore the Ocean in our Lifetime with Daniela V. Fernandez

The New England Aquarium’s Lowell Lecture Series presents Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Founder and CEO Daniela Fernandez, a pioneering ocean advocate and social entrepreneur. SOA is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to activating young people, developing and implementing innovative solutions, and mobilizing an ocean workforce to restore the health of the ocean in our lifetime. Last year, SOA welcomed its Ecopreneur Network Class of 2023 with 11 startups committed to advancing sustainable ocean and climate solutions. To date, Ecopreneur Network members and their startups have raised some $460 million in total estimated investment capital and employ more than 700 individuals. In her talk, Fernandez will examine how these innovative entrepreneurs are driving systemic change across five impact areas: blue carbon, ecosystem preservation, ocean pollution, sustainable fisheries, and ocean data and literacy, and why it matters. &nbsp; This New England Aquarium Lowell Lecture Series event is free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute. Advance registration is required. &nbsp; Virtual registration closes at 2:00 p.m. on November 13.

Indigenous Women's Healing Empowerment

The <a href="http://www.naicob.org/">North American Indian Center of Boston</a>, in collaboration with the New England Aquarium, invites you to the inaugural Indigenous Women’s Healing Empowerment event, featuring Sara Melcher. Mi'kmaq nurse, empowerment coach, Reiki master, and entrepreneur <a href="https://www.saramelcher.com/">Sara Melcher</a> is dedicated to empowering Indigenous women, women of color, and all women seeking healing from the limitations and traumas that hold them back. Her mission is to help women live as their most empowered and authentic selves by reclaiming their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Sara’s teachings will provide essential skills for self-care and healing, offering transformative techniques to incorporate into your daily life. You’ll also experience a sound bathing session—feel free to bring a blanket or anything else that will enhance your comfort if needed. This event is free, but seating is limited.

Food For Free to Host Annual Party Under The Harvest Moon

On Friday, October 18, hundreds of supporters, donors, and community members will unite at Party Under The Harvest Moon – an annual celebration hosted by Food For Free to celebrate community spirit and raise awareness and funds to fight food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts. The event goal is to raise $115,000.   Party Under The Harvest Moon raises critical funds to support the nonprofit’s innovative programs that serve more than 132,000 Massachusetts residents facing food insecurity and distributes 6.2 million pounds of nutritious fresh and prepared foods annually. This year, guests will hear from community partners and enjoy live music by <a href="https://www.gigroster.com/listings/bubble-wave">Bubble Wave</a>. There will be appetizers and refreshments, a raffle, wine toss, and more. During the event, the nonprofit will present its inaugural Community Partner Award to Harvard University, celebrating the organization’s 10-year investment in Food For Free’s Heat-n-Eats program and commitment to reducing food waste and feeding those in need.   Party Under The Harvest Moon will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at MIT’s Walker Memorial Morss Hall, located at 142 Memorial Drive in Cambridge. Ticket prices range from $75 for individuals to $1,000 for groups. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit: <a href="http://www.foodforfree.org/harvest-moon">www.foodforfree.org/harvest-moon</a>.

MIT Walker Memorial Morss Hall

Step Out for Look. Foundation’s Inaugural Look. Walk

<a href="https://www.lookfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Look. Foundation</a>, which works to advance funding, support, awareness, diagnosis and treatment of infection-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders, is seeking walkers for the inaugural Look. Walk. The one-day event is set for Saturday, Oct. 5 on the Boston Common and will feature an opening ceremony with local performers and a brief speaking program, family-friendly activities along the 3K loop, and a celebration at the Parkman Bandstand with music and food trucks to follow. In its first year, Look. Foundation hopes to raise $100,000 to support children and young adults battling PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune disorders that occur when an infectious trigger creates a misdirected immune response resulting in inflammation of the brain. To register for the event and create a personal or team fundraising page for the Look. Walk or to become a sponsor or make a donation, visit: <a href="https://givebutter.com/lookwalk" target="_blank">https://givebutter.com/lookwalk</a>.&nbsp;

Boston Common

Celebrate World Day of the Deaf at the New England Aquarium with ASL-proficient divers and programming

WHAT: The New England Aquarium and <a href="https://atomichands.com/">Atomic Hands</a> are partnering to celebrate World Day of the Deaf on September 29. This program will include two dives in the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef exhibit with American Sign Language (ASL)-proficient divers, and other activities aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. The dives will be taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. with the first dive from 2 to 2:30 p.m. and the second dive from 3 to 3:30 p.m.   WHO: Dr. Barbara Spiecker, a deaf marine ecologist and co-founder of Atomic Hands, will be one of the divers signing to guests from inside the Info-Pacific Coral Reef exhibit. To gain more work experience between receiving her master’s and pursuing her PhD, Dr. Spiecker was a volunteer diver in the Giant Ocean Tank at the Aquarium. This was one of the first moments she realized she was in a unique position to make STEM fields more accessible to those in the deaf community.     Dr. Barbara Spiecker conducts quantitative modelling of intertidal and subtidal macroalgae ecosystems to better understand the complexity of scale and pattern in these ecosystems and how the patterns may alter in response to climate change. She is also very involved in developing STEM-specific educational resources in ASL, consulting on bilingual K-13 STEM instruction, and performing standardized test translation. WHY: Dr. Spiecker and Atomic Hands co-founder Dr. Alicia Wooten discovered they were both experiencing challenges of English-centric learning, lack of networking with deaf STEMists, and frustration of not being able to access science videos in a spoken language. In forming Atomic Hands, they are:<ul><li>Fostering wonder and curiosity in STEM fields through the production and dissemination of ASL-centric resources</li><li>Empowering the community to expand ASL by developing and delivering engaging STEM-related topic through creative language play</li><li>Encouraging collaboration and networking opportunities among current and future deaf STEMists and the community</li></ul>

Book Signing with Marine Biologist Jasmin Graham

Join the New England Aquarium, in partnership with the Boston Harbor Women of Color Coalition, to celebrate the launch of marine biologist Jasmin Graham's new memoir,&nbsp;Sharks Don’t Sink. In the book, Graham shares her journey as a young Black scientist navigating the challenges of flourishing outside the traditional confines of academia, inspired by her innate connection to nature’s most misunderstood animal—the shark. PROGRAM SCHEDULE 6:30 p.m.: Passed hors d’oeuvres and cash bar 7:00 p.m.: Jasmin Graham remarks on her book and personal journey 7:15 p.m.: Book signing and networking session Don't miss this opportunity to meet Jasmin Graham, hear her incredible story of perseverance and passion, and get your copy of&nbsp;Sharks Don’t Sink&nbsp;signed. Books will also be available for purchase. This event promises to be a memorable evening of inspiration, learning, and connection. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jasmin Graham is a marine biologist specializing in elasmobranch ecology and evolution, with a focus on smalltooth sawfish and hammerhead sharks. She is the co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, an organization dedicated to supporting women of color in the field of shark biology and ecology, fostering greater diversity in marine science. Jasmin is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the WWF Conservation Leadership Award, the Safina Launchpad Center Fellowship, and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

Special Screening - Jaws: Three Nights Only!

Celebrate Shark Week with this cult classic on the giant screen at the Simons Theatre, Thursday July 11, through Saturday, July 13, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and concessions, including specialty cocktails, will be available for purchase.

In the Round: 20th Century Cape Ann Sculpture Exhibition Will Celebrate the Sculptors of Cape Ann

Drawing on its own collection and from private collections in the region, the Cape Ann Museum will present a special exhibition exploring the work of a selection of sculptors on Cape Ann.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/exhibition/in-the-round-20th-century-cape-ann-sculpture/" target="_blank">In the Round: 20th Century Cape Ann Sculpture</a> will open on April 6 and remain on view through June 23.&nbsp; Augmented by programming, the exhibit will explore several themes including the line of artists who followed in the footsteps of Charles Grafly, the work of sisters Anna Hyatt Huntington and Harriet Hyatt Mayor and other trailblazing women sculptors, and sculpture in the public realm. Gallery tours of In the Round: 20th Century Cape Ann Sculpture will be offered every Thursday at 2 p.m. starting on April 11. Public sculpture strolls, or walking tours, will be offered every other Saturday at 10:30 am from April 13 to June 8. In addition, the Museum will present an exhibition series of CAMTalks including: The Work of Pablo Eduardo with Pablo Eduardo, Creating the Fishermen’s Wives Memorial with Morgan Faulds Pike, and Producing Large-Scale Sculpture with Morgan Dummit, Instructor at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Visit <a href="http://www.capeannmuseum.org/events" target="_blank">www.capeannmuseum.org/events</a> for more information about the talks and tours tied to In the Round: 20th Century Cape Ann Sculpture. Impressions &amp; Snapshots, an 8th grade student exhibition, will also be on view at the Museum starting April 6. For more information about that exhibition please visit our website <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/exhibitions/" target="_blank">https://www.capeannmuseum.org/exhibitions/</a>. &nbsp; Photo Credit: Lawrence Fane (1933-2008), Folly Cove, 1985, Wood. Gift of Dimitri Fane, 2023 [Accession # 2023.007]

100 Yards of Hope: A Mission to Restore the Ocean and Revitalize Human Purpose – A Screening and Panel Discussion 

What happens when former combat veterans, marine scientists, and conservationists join in a shared mission to preserve and restore our ocean? In 2019, the National Football League and its Miami Super Bowl Host Committee formed a unique partnership with the nonprofit FORCE BLUE to address two seemingly unrelated problems—the rapidly declining health of ocean resources and the difficulty returning combat veterans have adjusting to civilian life.<a href="#_msocom_1" target="_blank">[SM1]</a>&nbsp;<a href="#_msocom_2" target="_blank">[SM2]</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; Join us for a special screening of 100 Yards of Hope, a documentary film showcasing FORCE BLUE’s work to restore Florida’s coral reefs. Learn how an elite team of special operations veterans united with University of Miami marine scientists and conservationists to create a model for caring, cooperation, and positive change that is transforming lives and restoring our planet. A moderated panel discussion follows. Free of charge and open to the public, this screening is presented in partnership with the Lowell Institute, NFL Green, and the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the program starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. ++ About: FORCE BLUE is a nonprofit organization that unites combat veterans with the marine science and conservation communities. FORCE BLUE recruits the most highly skilled, highly trained individuals within the veteran Special Operations community, trains them under the tutelage of marine scientists and conservationists, then redeploys them on missions of preservation and restoration around the globe. The result is a work force capable of achieving great things for themselves, their families, the communities FORCE BLUE serves and the planet as a whole. In addition to coral restoration and rehabilitation, FORCE BLUE works to mitigate coral disease, remove marine debris, conduct underwater surveys, map shipwrecks, eradicated invasive species, assist with marine mammal and reptile rescue, and conduct scientific research and development, including shark tagging. &nbsp; NFL GREEN is the National Football League's environmental program that has worked since 1993 to reduce the environmental footprint of mega-events and build green legacy projects in the communities that host those events. In partnership with Verizon and led by Jack and Susan Groh, NFL GREEN has planted nearly 300,000 trees in communities across America, built community gardens, restored native habitat, and developed special projects around coral restoration, kelp forest rescue, and river ecosystem restoration.

Lavender Speakeasy at the Cape Ann Museum

On Friday, June 7, the Museum will host a <a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/event/first-friday-art-after-hours-lavender-speakeasy/" target="_blank">Lavender Speakeasy</a> as the final event of the Museum’s First Fridays: Art After Hours series for the 2023-2024 season. The event, which starts at 6 p.m. at the Museum’s downtown campus located at 27 Pleasant St. in Gloucester, is also free and open to the public. Attendees are invited to wear fabulous outfits to learn about local and regional queer history and to put on a pair of lavender lenses to see the Museum’s collection in a new light. &nbsp; The Lavender Speakeasy will feature sculptures that come to life with the Boston Circus Guild, live music by The Femmes, free tastings with Rockport Brewing Co., and more. &nbsp; This event is generously funded in part by the Essex County Community Foundation’s Creative County Initiative.

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

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

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.