Impassioned Destruction: Politics, Vandalism, and the Boston Tea Party 

On December 16, 1773, radical Bostonians threw 340 crates of tea into Boston Harbor to protest what they saw as unfair taxation by the British Parliament. Known today as the “Boston Tea Party,” the event known to contemporaries as “the destruction of the tea” was highly divisive, drawing criticism from figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. It would take almost a century for this event to transform from an embarrassing act of property destruction to a celebrated national origin story.   The Boston Tea Party was not the first instance of property destruction in what would become the United States, and it certainly was not the last. Explore how Americans have used vandalism as a tool of protest throughout the centuries in Impassioned Destruction: Politics, Vandalism, and the Boston Tea Party. Open daily at the Old State House, this new exhibit invites visitors to consider other acts of property destruction in the context of the Tea Party. When, if ever, do you believe it is justified to destroy property in the name of a cause? Impassioned Destruction was made possible with support from <a href="https://www.meetboston.com/">MeetBoston</a>. Funding was also provided in part by <a href="https://www.americanacorner.com/">Americana Corner</a> for fabrication of exhibit features related to the 18th and early 19th Century, including the Boston Tea Party, the Stamp Act Riots, and the Charlestown Ursuline Convent Riots in 1834. Boston Tea Party 250th Anniversary This year, Revolutionary Spaces is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, which took place at Old South Meeting House on December 16, 1773. This exhibit is made possible through the generous support of our Boston Tea Party 250th Anniversary Commemoration Transformational Partner: Meet Boston Foundation. Open daily at <a href="https://www.revolutionaryspaces.org/old-state-house/">Old State House</a>. Entrance is included in the cost of admission. <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.thundertix.com/events/187090">Buy Tickets</a> now!

Old State House

An Unfulfilled Promise: Desegregation and Busing in Boston

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, while much of the nation's attention was turned toward the South, Northern states and cities also grappled with how to respond to Black Americans' calls for equal rights and treatment. This included Boston, which was gripped in a contentious debate over the issue of segregation in the city's public schools. This debate ultimately produced a 1974 court case, known as Morgan v. Hennigan, which required the city to integrate its public schools through busing and whose consequences continue to reverberate to this day. In An Unfulfilled Promise: Desegregation and Busing in Boston, we invite you to explore the history around Morgan v. Hennigan and more. Learn about the context leading to the push for school desegregation and some of the key Bostonians on both sides of the school segregation question. Explore the role of the Old State House in this story, consider the challenges the Boston Public School system continues to face, and share your thoughts on the state of public schooling in America today. We welcome you to join us in commemorating the 50th anniversary of this key moment in Boston's long and storied history. Details: Open Daily at the Old State House Entrance is included in the price of admission.

Boston Tea Party 251st Anniversary Commemoration

Commemorate the 251st anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with a world-class reenactment of the Meeting of the Body of the People at Old South Meeting House! Experience this pivotal moment in our nation’s history as you watch the vigorous debate that led to the destruction of tea on December 16, 1773. Join Revolutionary Spaces in the room where it all happened—Old South Meeting House! As the largest indoor gathering space in colonial Boston, this building hosted a number of meetings about what to do with the East India Tea Company tea sitting in Boston Harbor waiting to be unloaded and taxed. On that fateful night, a purported 5,000 men gathered for this final meeting about the controversial tea tax, resulting in Samuel Adams giving the signal that would start the Boston Tea Party. Frustrated and angry, colonists marched to Griffin’s Wharf and dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor—a major act of defiance to British rule over the colonists and a spark for the American Revolution. All tickets are general admission and seating for the reenactment is first come, first serve. We cannot guarantee that groups will sit together. Your ticket also includes FREE admission to both of Revolutionary Spaces’ sites, the Old State House and Old South Meeting House, from Saturday, December 14th through Monday, December 16th (a $15 value)! Be sure to explore our exhibit <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/exhibits/impassioned-destruction/">Impassioned Destruction: Politics, Vandalism, and the Boston Tea Party</a> for a more in depth exploration of the impact this historic event had on other moments throughout history. Ticket Prices: Adults (18-64): $40 Seniors (65 and older): $30 Youth (13-17): $30 Members: $25 Children (12 and under): $20 Group Sales: Attending with a large group? Revolutionary Spaces offers a 30% discount on group sales of 10 or more people. This event is perfect for family outings, school field trips, and other groups. Email <a href="mailto:Booking@RevolutionarySpaces.org">Booking@RevolutionarySpaces.org</a> to process your order and take advantage of this great deal! Details: Monday, December 16, 2024 Doors Open: 5:00 PM Reenactment Begins: 6:15 PM Location: Old South Meeting House 310 Washington Street Boston, MA 02108

Old South Meeting House

October Family Hours: Halloween History

Join Revolutionary Spaces for Halloween History Family Hours at the Old South Meeting House! From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 19 and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 31st, enjoy a make-your-own costume hat and mask craft station. We will also have a coloring station, historical dress-up, music, books, games, and more!&nbsp; Inspired by Children's Hours held at Old South Meeting House from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, join Revolutionary Spaces for this modern take on family fun at our historic sites and museums! Plan your visit now to the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House to spend a history-filled day with history enthusiasts of all ages, including themed games, crafts, scavenger hunts, gallery talks, music, and more! Family Hours activities are included in the price of general admission to the Old South Meeting House. Admission to the Old State House and Old South Meeting House historic sites and museums, plus Family Hours, is $8 for children ages 6-12 and FREE for children 5 and under. For more information, visit: <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/family-hours/">https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/family-hours/</a> or contact <a href="mailto:booking@RevolutionarySpaces.org">booking@RevolutionarySpaces.org</a>. The History of Children's Hours at Old South Meeting House: In 1883, Mary Hemenway spearheaded an ambitious educational program as part of the Old South Association’s mission. This program, which included essay contests, holiday ceremonies, child fairs, and musical offerings became known as Children's Hours. Old South Lectures for Young People were also established in the summer of 1883 "as a means of promoting a more serious and intelligent attention to historical studies, especially studies in American history among the young people in Boston.” Today, the Old South Meeting House continues to educate the young people of Boston and remember Mary Hemenway's mission through our Family Hours programming.

Old South Meeting House AFTER PARTY

Have you ever partied in an 18th-century building after dark? This October, we're opening the doors—and the bar—for an exclusive After Party at Old South Meeting House! This is your chance to explore one of Boston’s most iconic landmarks after hours. It’ll be like your favorite House Party but with more ghosts, fewer powdered wigs, and absolutely no one to tell you to “behave." This is more than just a party; it’s a unique opportunity to experience Boston’s rich history in a fresh, engaging way, all while supporting Revolutionary Spaces. Plus, it’s a chance to mix and mingle with friends and neighbors who love their city as much as you do. Grab your discounted After Party tickets now for a night of fun, history, and community—and bring other party people! The After Party is part of our House Party fundraiser going on earlier in the night! Learn more: <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/house-party/">https://revolutionaryspaces.org/house-party/</a> What's Happening:<ul><li>Dance &amp; Lounge: Expect a lively atmosphere with music and dancing! Unwind in lounge areas and experience the awe of being in the room where history was made.</li><li>Ghost Stories &amp; Spooky Fun: Step into Boston’s eerie past with captivating ghost stories and a touch of macabre in a historic setting. </li><li>Open Bar with Snacks &amp; Dessert: Sip on past-meets-present cocktails and mocktails at a full open bar with craft beers and wines. Enjoy treats that are way better than those late-night snacks from your college days.</li><li>Explore the Historic Space: Wander the Old South Meeting House after hours and discover its hidden nooks and historical charm.</li><li>Eerie Elegant Attire: Embrace your dark and stylish side and get ready to dance among the light and shadows of history. Come dressed to impress for the most captivating after-hours museum party of the season.</li></ul>This is more than just a party; it’s a unique opportunity to experience Boston’s rich history in a fresh, engaging way, all while supporting Revolutionary Spaces. Plus, it’s a chance to mix and mingle with friends and neighbors who love their city as much as you do.

September Family Hours: Revolutionary Kids & Games

Join Revolutionary Spaces on Saturday, September 7th for Family Hours: Revolutionary Kids &amp; Games. From 10:00am-3:00pm at Old South Meeting House, enjoy 18th century games, music, and dress-up for the whole family! Visit our museum library or craft station with coloring and a make-your-own whirligig activity. Inspired by Children's Hours held at Old South Meeting House from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, join Revolutionary Spaces for this modern take on family fun at our historic sites and museums! Plan your visit now to the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House to spend a history-filled day with history enthusiasts of all ages, including themed games, crafts, scavenger hunts, gallery talks, music, and more! Family Hours activities are included in the price of general admission to the Old South Meeting House. For more information, visit: <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/family-hours/" target="_blank">https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/family-hours/</a> or contact <a href="mailto:booking@RevolutionarySpaces.org" target="_blank">booking@RevolutionarySpaces.org</a>. The History of Children's Hours at Old South Meeting House In 1883, Mary Hemenway spearheaded an ambitious educational program as part of the Old South Association’s mission. This program, which included essay contests, holiday ceremonies, child fairs, and musical offerings became known as Children's Hours. Old South Lectures for Young People were also established in the summer of 1883 "as a means of promoting a more serious and intelligent attention to historical studies, especially studies in American history among the young people in Boston.” Today, the Old South Meeting House continues to educate the young people of Boston and remember Mary Hemenway's mission through our Family Hours programming.

Your Voice in This House: Taking a Civic Leap 

Moving from civic bystander to civic agent is more than learning the ins and outs of governmental policies and processes. It involves taking intellectual and emotional leaps: Learning to see and believe in yourself as a powerful civic change agent, understanding that there are so many ways to express civic agency, and being ready to handle the ups and downs of working with others to achieve long-lasting change. Start (or restart) your civic journey by joining Revolutionary Spaces at the Old South Meeting House for Your Voice in This House to listen to the inspiring stories of activists, historians, and elected officials who overcame self-doubt and redefined themselves as civic change agents at the local, state, and national levels.&nbsp; This program is the sequel to <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/upcoming-programs/all-the-voices-in-the-house/" target="_blank">All the Voices in the House</a>, a powerful reading and reinterpretation of 18th century petitions from the balcony of the Old State House on May 13 that reminds us that the rights and privileges we have today are the result of ordinary people who took the risk of raising their voices for change. Take your place in the unfinished story of American democracy as you sit inside the Old South Meeting House, the place where ordinary people debated the colony’s relationship with Great Britain in the run-up to the American Revolution. Your Voice in this House is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:00 pm and the program will begin at 6:30 pm. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.&nbsp; This program is made possible by the generous support of <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Lowell Institute</a>.

Coercion, Conflict, and Consensus: Revolution is Brewing (Anew!) in Boston

In the wake of the Boston Tea Party, the British government in 1774 sought to rein in Massachusetts colonists with a series of harsh laws that closed Boston’s port and severely limited the right to representative government and due process of law. The fallout from these so-called Coercive Acts, including the attempted dissolution of the colony’s legislative branch, sparked intense debates within the community and became a critical factor on the road to the American Revolution. To mark the 250th anniversary, Revolutionary Spaces is hosting a special night of <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/educate/revolution-is-brewing/" target="_blank">Revolution is Brewing</a>, our award-winning immersive experience that allows audiences to take on the role of British subjects from across the political spectrum as they debate how to respond to the Coercive Acts.&nbsp; The best part? You will be playing alongside both historians and current Massachusetts elected officials who will also take part in a post-game panel discussion and Q&amp;A to reflect on the meaning of the Coercive Acts today, with a particular focus on the role of the Massachusetts Legislature in our constitutional scheme of state government. The topics heatedly debated at the time—competing interpretations of representative government, the relative powers of the executive and legislative branches, the role of the individual and community in relation to government proper , and the consequences of resisting arbitrary power—still resonate strongly today. Old South Meeting House doors will open at 5:30 pm, the game will begin at 6:00 pm, and the panel discussion will start at 7:30 pm. Both the game and discussion are free and open to the public, and drinks and refreshments will be served. There are a limited number of players for the game, so please register for a slot in advance. All are welcomed to watch the game unfold— it’s just as much fun to watch as to play!&nbsp; Coercion, Conflict, and Consensus is made possible by the generous support of <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Lowell Institute</a>. Revolution Is Brewing was developed in partnership with the award-winning education game designers <a href="https://www.giganticmechanic.com/" target="_blank">Gigantic Mechanic</a>.&nbsp;

All the Voices in the House: Hear My Plea and Know My Truth

For the first time, the eloquent petitions of disenfranchised people seeking their rights in the 17th and 18th centuries will be read from the balcony where the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston in 1776. It’s easy to get discouraged about our ability to achieve change in civic life these days. To reignite your belief in civic progress, Revolutionary Spaces has invited award-winning spoken word artist Amanda Shea to curate an event at the Old State House. Join us for All the Voices in the House, which will remind us how we stand on the shoulders of so many prior generations who took civic leaps and lifted their voices, even as they faced challenges that seemed daunting and likely had long odds of success. While the vast majority of people living in the commonwealth in the 17th and 18th centuries lacked the right to vote, many used the right to petition the government for change. By believing that their voices mattered, they helped lay the groundwork for the rights and privileges we have today. To honor these individuals and inspire all of us to get more civically engaged, Shea and dynamic spoken word artists Anita D. and D. Ruff will read and reinterpret powerful petitions that were presented by people of varying backgrounds during this time period at the Old State House, which was the center of colonial government in Massachusetts.&nbsp; For the first time, their petitions will be spoken from the same balcony where the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston. Some of the petitions include a a 1694 petition from Elizabeth Proctor, one of the victims of the Salem witch trials; a 1777 petition from Prince Hall, an African American abolitionist seeking to end slavery in Massachusetts; a 1783 petition from Belinda Sutton, a formerly enslaved person seeking a pension from the proceeds of her enslaver’s estate; and a 1783 petition from the Mashpee seeking greater sovereignty. The petitions were selected in collaboration with Daniel Carpenter, the Allie S. Freed Professor of Government at Harvard University and author of the award-winning Democracy by Petition: Popular Politics in Transformation, 1790-1870.&nbsp; All the Voices in the House will begin at 5:30 pm outside the Old State House, located at the intersection of Congress Street and State Street. In case of rain or inclement weather, the event will be moved to Tuesday, May 14. This program will be a prequel to <a href="https://revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/upcoming-programs/your-voice-in-this-house/" target="_blank">Your Voice in This House</a>, which will take place on May 23 at Old South Meeting House. Gather with contemporary activists, historians, and elected officials as they share stories of how they overcame self-doubt and redefined themselves as civic change agents at the local, state, and national levels. This program is free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Lowell Institute</a>. Pre-register now to receive updates about this event! About the Artists&nbsp; AMANDA SHEA&nbsp; Amanda Shea is a two-time Boston Music Award-winning Spoken Word Artist. Shea is an artist, performer, educator, artivist, publicist, host, and curator. She co-founded and curated six iterations of Activating ARTivism, a community festival to amplify POC through art, activism, and resistance. Her work can be found in the Museum of Fine Arts, The Boston Globe, TEDX, TEDXRoxbury, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC News, GBH, and much more. Shea will be releasing her first book, Pieces of Shea, in the spring of 2024. Amanda's work examines her personal life experiences, social justice issues, and healing through trauma utilizing art as the tool. ANITA D.&nbsp; Anita D. is a spoken word artist from Brockton, Massachusetts. Formally a slam competitor, Anita has been on the San Diego Slam Team as well as the House Slam Team of Boston. She has been a finalist in both the National Poetry Slam and the Individual World Poetry Slam. Her work centers around her personal life experiences and covers topics of generational trauma, mental health, domestic violence, women’s rights, and more. She has been featured on the platforms All Def Poetry and Button Poetry where she was acknowledged twice as “Best of Boston.”&nbsp; D. RUFF D. Ruff is a Roxbury-bred spoken word poet, author of "Staying on 94: Tales from a Misguided Soul," Creative Director of Boston Pulse Poetry program, and has been the co-host of the "if you can Feel It, you can Speak It" Open Mic movement for the last 13 years. He has been writing and performing for over 20 years, most recently in the NAACP convention and the Isabella Stewart Gardner production called "Dear Mr. McKeller." Most of his poems stem from personal experiences and his environments and therefore range in topics from black love and heartbreak to inequality and black culture. D. Ruff performs with inspiring passion in hopes that any black body will also want to find a way to express themselves, find that “tribe” and achieve their greatness, with the intention of leaving the cycle of hurt, pain, and negativity right where it was showcased. About the Advisor DANIEL CARPENTER&nbsp; Daniel Carpenter is the Allie S. Freed Professor of Government and Chair of the Department of Government in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Professor Carpenter's research on petitioning appears in his book Democracy by Petition: Popular Politics in Transformation, 1790-1870, which was awarded the J. David Greenstone Prize of the American Political Science Association, the Seymour Martin Lipset Prize of the American Political Science Association and the James P. Hanlan Book Award of the New England Historical Association. He graduated from Georgetown University in 1989 with distinction in Honors Government and received his doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago in 1996. He taught previously at Princeton University (1995-1998) and the University of Michigan (1998-2002).

Threads of History: Martha Washington and the Lives of Eighteenth-Century Women

Join Associate Director of Collections Lori Erickson Fidler and award-winning professors and authors Dr. Zara Anishanslin and Dr. Kimberly Alexander as they present a treasured item from the Revolutionary Spaces collection: a quilt believed to be made of fabrics from Martha Washington's dresses that was once owned by her great grandniece. Starting with the fabrics found in the quilt, the program will examine the roles of eighteenth-century American women, exploring how women’s socioeconomic status was reflected in their clothing and the types of textiles they used and wore. The panel will be moderated by Revolutionary Spaces Board Chair Martha McNamara, Director of the New England Arts and Architecture Program and Co-Director of Architecture in the Department of Art at Wellesley College. The program will conclude with an engaging audience Q&amp;A. Step back in time and discover the stories woven into every stitch of this cherished quilt, unraveling the intricacies of history with us. Doors will open at 6:00 pm and the program will begin at 6:30&nbsp; pm. Food and refreshments will be provided in the museum store located on the lower level of the Old South Meeting House prior to the start of the program. Due to the delicate nature of the quilt, food and beverage of any kind will be strictly prohibited in the main hall. Threads of History: Martha Washington and the Lives of Eighteenth-Century Women is free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Lowell Institute</a>. Mark your calendars and pre-register today for an unforgettable evening at Old South Meeting House. About the Speakers&nbsp; Dr. Kimberly Alexander is on the faculty of the History Department at the University of New Hampshire, where she is Director of Museum Studies and Senior Lecturer. Alexander is a James Hayes Research Fellow for 2023-2024, awarded by the UNH Center for the Humanities. She has held curatorial positions at several New England museums, including the MIT Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and Strawbery Banke. Her most recent books are Treasures Afoot: Shoe Stories from the Georgian Era (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2018), which won an Honor Award from Historic New England in 2019, and Fashioning the New England Family (Massachusetts Historical Society, 2021). Zara Anishanslin is a scholar and public historian who specializes in looking at history through material culture.&nbsp; An Associate Professor of History and Art History and the Director of the American Civilization Program at the University of Delaware, she focuses on Early American and Atlantic World History.&nbsp; Her first book, <a href="https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300234237/portrait-of-a-woman-in-silk/" target="_blank">Portrait of a Woman in Silk: Hidden Histories of the British Atlantic World</a> (Yale University Press, 2016) showed how making, buying, and using goods in the 18th century British Atlantic world tied its inhabitants together while allowing for different views of the Empire.&nbsp; When not in the classroom or archives, Anishanslin talks history on a wide variety of podcasts and TV shows and consults on exhibitions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s early American galleries and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton: The Exhibition. Anishanslin is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society.&nbsp; Her next project, Under the King’s Nose: Ex-Pat Patriots during the American Revolution (The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press), will be published in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp; Lori Erickson Fidler is Associate Director of Collections for Revolutionary Spaces. She manages the object collections and archives, overseeing collections care, planning, and documentation. Before joining Revolutionary Spaces, Fidler&nbsp; held positions as Curator and Collections Manager, in addition to working as a museum collections and exhibitions consultant. She holds both a bachelor of arts and a master of science in anthropology with a focus on archaeology and museum studies. About the Moderator Martha McNamara is an art and architectural historian who specializes in the visual and material culture of New England.&nbsp; McNamara is Director of the New England Arts and Architecture Program and Co-Director of Architecture in the Department of Art at Wellesley College where she teaches courses in American art and architectural history, historic preservation, the history of cities, and material culture studies. She currently serves as Board Chair of Revolutionary Spaces.

Expanding the Franchise: Under-18 Voting Rights

Voting is one of the most powerful ways to influence the trajectory of the nation. But those with the greatest stake in that future—the youth of America—lack access to the ballot under the age of 18. Join us on Wednesday, April 24 at Old South Meeting House to explore the pros and cons of extending voting rights to people under age 18, the current limit for federal elections. Does youth participation in our democratic processes at an earlier age promote the agency of youth and lay the foundation for life-long civic engagement? Do young people lack the maturity to make complex voting decisions? Will a case built around the maturity of young people to make voting decisions undermine the protections afforded to them as minors? We will explore these questions and more with a dynamic panel that includes a legal expert in the field of children’s rights, a leading electoral participation scholar, state legislators concerned with the issue of voting rights for young people, and a youth advocate who successfully passed a local measure extending voting rights to persons under age 18.&nbsp; Expanding the Franchise: Under-18 Voting Rights is free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Lowell Institute</a>. Doors will open at 5:30 pm and the program will begin at 6:00 pm. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Join us as we pave the way for the future, one empowered voice at a time! DETAILS: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 Doors Open: 5:30 PM Program Begins: 6:00 PM Location: Old South Meeting House&nbsp; Admission: Free About the Speakers James Nichols-Worley was the lead petitioner for expanding the local voting age to 17 years old in his hometown of Southborough, Massachusetts. His town meeting article was successfully passed at the local level and was introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature in 2023 as Bill H.3874. Nichols-Worley is currently studying Economics at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Katherine Silbaugh is a Professor of Law at Boston University School of Law and is widely recognized for her pioneering work on gender, family care, and household labor. She is a leader in the legal literature on the relationship between work and family. Her research highlights the economic and social value of work done within households; the complex relationship between families and institutions, such as employers and schools; and the inadequacy of the legal framework supporting care work. Her publications about the relationship between institutions and family address a range of legal systems from family law and employment law to urban planning and education law. She has intervened in policy matters of particular concern to LGBT individuals, including marriage equality litigation and anti-bullying law and policy. Kelly Siegel-Stechler is a Senior Researcher at CIRCLE, the Center for Information &amp; Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University's Tisch College of Civic Life. Her research is centered on civic development and political socialization in schools. She is primarily focused on projects that advance civic learning and development in K-12 education, as well as questions related to youth political and electoral engagement. Prior to joining CIRCLE, Kelly worked as a Research Fellow with the Institute for Education Policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, where she supported their work on civic development as it relates to curriculum, instruction, and school culture. Andy X. Vargas is the State Representative for the 3rd Essex District (Haverhill) in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He is a member of the Massachusetts Black &amp; Latino Legislative Caucus and was previously elected to the Haverhill City Council, taking office at age 22 and serving as the city’s first Latino elected official. A firm believer in the power of education to empower youth, Vargas passed legislation to mandate civics education for all public school students, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. James Eldridge has served as State Senator for the Middlesex and Worcester district since January 2009. Senator Eldridge previously served as State Representative for the 37th Middlesex district. He serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and the Senate Vice Chair Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. As an activist legislator, Senator Eldridge proudly serves as the Senate Chair of the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, the Medicare for All Caucus, and the Clean Energy Caucus.

Drawing the Sword of Liberty: Lafayette’s Life and Legacies

Join Revolutionary Spaces Associate Director of Collections Lori Erickson Fidler and acclaimed podcaster and New York Times best-selling author Mike Duncan (<a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mike-duncan/hero-of-two-worlds/9781541730335/?lens=publicaffairs" target="_blank">Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution)</a> as they explore an iconic artifact from the Revolutionary Spaces collection, a sword brought to America by Lafayette.&nbsp; The program will examine Lafayette’s lifelong quest to defend the principles of liberty and equality on both sides of the Atlantic, the deep interconnections between the American and French Revolutions, and the impact of his legacy on our world today. A wealthy French aristocrat, the Marquis de Lafayette played a decisive role in the American Revolution while fighting alongside George Washington, eventually becoming a globally revered statesman, fierce advocate for liberty, and a passionate abolitionist. The program will conclude with an audience Q&amp;A. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 6:30 PM. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.&nbsp; Drawing the Sword of Liberty: Lafayette’s Life and Legacies is free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Lowell Institute</a>. This program is also co-sponsored by the <a href="https://www.lafayettesocietyma.org/" target="_blank">Massachusetts Lafayette Society</a>, which hosts the annual Massachusetts Lafayette Day in May and now plays a key role in organizing efforts to commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit to the United States in 1824-25. About the Speakers&nbsp; Mike Duncan is one of the most popular history podcasters in the world and author of two New York Times-bestselling books, The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic and, most recently, Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. His award-winning series, The History of Rome, remains a legendary landmark in the history of podcasting. Duncan’s podcast Revolutions ran for 10 seasons over the course of nine years until 2022, and covered the great political revolutions that have driven the course of modern history, including the American, French, and Russian Revolutions. Lori Erickson Fidler is Associate Director of Collections for Revolutionary Spaces. She manages the object collections and archives, overseeing collections care, planning, and documentation. Before joining Revolutionary Spaces, Lori held positions as Curator and Collections Manager in addition to working as a museum collections and exhibitions consultant. She holds both a bachelor of arts and a master of science in anthropology with a focus on archaeology and museum studies. DETAILS: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Doors Open: 6:00 PM Program Begins: 6:30 PM Location: Old South Meeting House Admission: Free

Creative Acts of Protest: A History Slam

Americans have demonstrated boundless ingenuity in making their voices heard over the centuries. Whether it’s Bostonians dumping taxed tea into the harbor in the 1773, or 19th century bike activists delivering a 150,000-signature petition on a rack designed to look like a giant bicycle, or K-pop stans pre-registering at presidential rallies to make the events look empty in the 21st century, protest in America is constantly evolving in surprising and creative ways. Revolutionary Spaces invites all storytellers and historians—from the amateur to the academic—to partake in Creative Acts of Protest: A History Slam! Come take the stage at Old South Meeting House to wow the crowd with your five-minute, 10-slide (or less) talk on a creative example of activism in American history. Apply for a slot in the evening’s lineup by emailing your idea to <a href="mailto:historyslam@revolutionaryspaces.org" target="_blank">historyslam@revolutionaryspaces.org</a>. Selected presenters will receive a $100 honorarium and the best Slammers of the night will win some great prizes that we have up our sleeves. Not up for presenting? No worries! Come as early as 6:00 pm for beer, soda, and excellent snacks. Then kick back and enjoy the show, which starts at 6:30 pm. This program is made possible by the generous support of <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Lowell Institute</a>.

Dill: An Immersive Play Reading and Discussion

Join Revolutionary Spaces for a live reading of the screenplay Dill, a story inspired by real people and real events on the Cape Ann Shore in Massachusetts during a tumultuous time on the cusp of the American Revolutionary War. The protagonist is an enslaved woman named Dill, short for Deliverance, who despite her strong-willed character and drive for independence, finds herself in a love triangle between two men, one possibly more suitable, but her heart longs for the forbidden fruit.&nbsp; The reading will include a cast of live actors for a fully immersive experience, as well as a four-piece live musical accompaniment and live foley sound effects. The performance will be reminiscent of 1930s radio programming and will transport the audience to another world and time. After our reading, local historians will join the cast on stage for a discussion and Q&amp;A about the historical context surrounding the film. This will truly be a night you don’t want to miss! Dill: An Immersive Play Reading and Discussion is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.&nbsp; This program is made possible by the generous support of <a href="https://lowellinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Lowell Institute</a>.&nbsp; About the Speakers&nbsp; Elise (Lise) Breen has investigated the practice of slavery on Cape Ann, resurrecting profiles of individuals who resisted their enslavement as well as their enslavers. She has identified Cape Ann citizens’ participation in the slave trade, surfacing evidence from international archives as well as overlooked local materials from 1685 through the mid-nineteenth century. Lise has shared her research in her many public talks and with local institutions and scholars. Her essay, “Hidden City: Slavery and Gloucester’s Quadricentennial” in Gloucester Encounters: Essays on the Cultural History of the City 1623-2023 was published by the Gloucester Cultural Initiative. Lise co-authored Objects of Myth and Memory, American Indian Art at the Brooklyn Museum. Nerissa Williams Scott is the founder of the Boston-based company That Child Got Talent (TCGT) in 2009 and the producer of Dill. Her career experience includes more than 30 years in performing and media arts and the production of two feature films. Over the past 10 years, Nerissa has served as Production Manager for a variety of live events, theater, fashion films, documentaries, narrative shorts, and music videos in New England. Nerissa also leads the operations of Next Leadership Development Corporation and serves on the board of Women in Film and Video New England (WIFVNE). She received her MFA in Film Production (Emphasis in Producing) from Emerson College.

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.