Rocking the Cradle

In May of 1854 Federal Marshals arrested Anthony Burns under the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law. Immediately following Burns’ arrest, Bostonians gathered at Faneuil Hall to discuss whether they would abide by this federal law or appeal to a higher law of freedom and liberty for all. The eyes of the nation were firmly fixed upon Boston. Join us at Old South Meeting House this summer and help Revolutionary Spaces and the National Parks of Boston recreate this historic meeting! Rocking the Cradle is free and open to the public for all ages. Doors open at 5:20pm and the program begins at 5:30 PM, running for approximately 30 minutes. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Old South Meeting House

Sons and Spies

As sides were drawn in Boston during the 1770s, both loyalists and patriots grew and hatched secret plans. To try and stay ahead of each other, both set up a network of spies to gather information. Focusing on the Sons of Liberty spy network, known as the “Mechanics,” we will explore the multiple perspectives of the mechanics as they gathered information to push Boston towards Revolution. Beginning at Faneuil Hall, a short walk to Old State House, Long Wharf, and Haymarket (meet in the Education Space in the Faneuil Hall space)

Faneuil Hall

The Destruction of the Tea Town Meeting

In May of 1774 Bostonians gathered to vote on their response to the closing of the Port of Boston. Should Bostonians vote to pay for the destroyed private property and reopen the port? Or should they endorse a boycott of British goods and continue protesting Parliament? Join us at Old South Meeting House this summer and help Revolutionary Spaces and the National Parks of Boston recreate this historic meeting!&nbsp;The program begins at 5:30 PM, running for approximately 30 minutes.&nbsp; Registration is not required but highly encouraged. By registering to attend this event, you will be added to Revolutionary Spaces’ email list. You are able to opt out at any time.

Desegregation in the "Cradle of Liberty"

Boston earned its nickname as the “Cradle of Liberty” by fostering the revolutionary ideals and values that serve as the foundation of this country. And as the home to the oldest public school in America, Boston has historically considered access to education as one of these core values. Boston is therefore home to the longest ongoing struggle for equal education in the nation. Because when the doors opened to the Boston Latin School in 1635, a site marked on the Freedom Trail – to whom were those doors opened for? The Black struggle for equal education in Boston began in the era just after the American Revolution, with Prince Hall’s petition to the Massachusetts Legislature in 1787. Learn more about the generations of Black Bostonians who have been involved in advocating and fighting for equal education from 1787 to 1976 and the legacy of advocacy and community activism that they left behind. Beginning at the Col. Robert Gould Shaw/54th MA Monument on the Boston Common, moving down Beacon Street and ending near Faneuil Hall (meet at the Col. Robert Gould Shaw/54th MA Monument on the Boston Common)

Robert Gould Shaw/54th Mass Monument

1873 Women's Tea Party

On December 15, 1873, Boston’s suffragists held a massive rally in the Great Hall in Faneuil Hall. The New England Women’s Suffrage Association organized the “Woman’s Tea Party” nearly 100 years after the Boston Tea Party to advocate for women to gain the right to vote. Leading suffragists, who saw themselves as true inheritors of the legacy of the American Revolution, delivered rousing speeches to a crowd of more than 3,000 people. At the conclusion of the meeting, those in attendance voted on a resolution. Should they continue to fight for women’s suffrage? Join us at Old South Meeting House this summer and help Revolutionary Spaces and the National Parks of Boston recreate this historic meeting! The 1873 Women's Tea Party Town Meeting is free and open to the public for all ages. Doors open at 5:20pm and the program begins at 5:30 PM, running for approximately 30 minutes. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.

The Mill Pond: Unearthing Boston's Lost Neighborhood

By 1828, the mill pond occupying what is today the North End and West End neighborhoods of Downtown Boston was filled in to accommodate the need for sanitary residential space. As a result, the neighborhood that sprung up around the mill pond was dramatically altered and, consequently, is often overlooked in Boston's history. Join the National Parks of Boston as we look to better understand the social history and environmental impacts of this diverse community.&nbsp; Beginning at Faneuil Hall, a short walk to Boston Public Market, and One Canal (meet in the Education Space in the Faneuil Hall space)&nbsp;

"A Lighthouse Among the Lamp Posts": Charles Sumner's Beacon Hill

Who are the people who inspire us? What can we do to be better allies to others? Explore the life and times of Massachusetts senator and abolitionist Charles Sumner. Born on the north slope of Beacon Hill, Sumner grew up in the center of Boston's abolitionist movement. Influenced and inspired by the African American community around him, Sumner would take the lessons he learned to the national stage, with consequences that would change a nation.

An Incident on King Street, March 5 1770

On March 5, 1770, seven British soldiers fired into a crowd of Boston citizens. What led to this “Incident?” Join a Park Ranger as we explore the role of riots in Boston since 1700 and how the social popularity in riots effected growing tension between British Regulars and Boston colonists between 1768-1770. Beginning at Faneuil Hall, a short walk to State Street and Old State House (meet in the Education Space in the Faneuil Hall space)

On December 15, 1873, Boston’s suffragists held a massive rally in the Great Hall in Faneuil Hall. The New England Women’s Suffrage Association organized the “Woman’s Tea Party” nearly 100 years after the Boston Tea Party to advocate for women to gain the right to vote. Leading suffragists, who saw themselves as true inheritors of the legacy of the American Revolution, delivered rousing speeches to a crowd of more than 3,000 people. At the conclusion of the meeting, those in attendance voted on a resolution. Should they continue to fight for women’s suffrage? Join us at Old South Meeting House this summer and help Revolutionary Spaces and the National Parks of Boston recreate this historic meeting! The 1873 Women's Tea Party Town Meeting is free and open to the public for all ages. Doors open at 5:20pm and the program begins at 5:30 PM, running for approximately 30 minutes. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Boston: An Underground Railroad Hub

Did you know that Boston played a central role in the Underground Railroad? Join a National Park Ranger and explore the inspiring stories of the freedom seekers who escaped to Boston and the people and organizations here that assisted them. Beginning at the African Meeting House, a one mile walk through Beacon Hill (meet at Smith Court in Beacon Hill) Address: 8 Smith Court, Boston, MA, 02114

African Meeting House

In May of 1774 Bostonians gathered to vote on their response to the closing of the Port of Boston. Should Bostonians vote to pay for the destroyed private property and reopen the port? Or should they endorse a boycott of British goods and continue protesting Parliament? Join us at Old South Meeting House this summer and help Revolutionary Spaces and the National Parks of Boston recreate this historic meeting! The program begins at 5:30 PM, running for approximately 30 minutes.  Registration is not required but highly encouraged. By registering to attend this event, you will be added to Revolutionary Spaces’ email list. You are able to opt out at any time.

Prescott Townsend: Queer Beacon Hill Before Stonewall

How do we leave a legacy behind? What makes a person worthy of being remembered? Join a National Park Service Ranger for a free 90-minute walk to learn about the life and legacy of Prescott Townsend, one of Boston’s earliest LGBTQ activists. Tour begins in front of the Robert Gould Shaw Massachusetts 54th Memorial. The program is free but registration is required.

Robert Gould Shaw Memorial

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.