Frances McNamara: Joy Street Jail Murder in a Nutshell

&nbsp;A chat with Boston mystery author Frances McNamara in the Nichols House parlor. In Frances McNamara’s latest Nutshell Murder Mystery,&nbsp;Joy Street Jail Murder in a Nutshell,&nbsp;it is 1920 and Frances Glessner Lee (based on the real-life “mother of forensic science”) and the team from the North Grove Street morgue are investigating a mysterious death in the Joy Street police station. The case takes them through Beacon Hill’s North Slope and into the West End neighborhood, encountering settlement house workers, city police, and members of Boston’s Jewish community. Infamous Ward 8 political boss Martin Lomasney makes an appearance, as does the Nichols House's own Margaret (Nichols) Shurcliff! Join us for a chat with Frances about her new book, as well as her research and writing process. We’ll also be joined by Christen Hazel of&nbsp;<a href="https://vilnashul.org/about/our_history">The Vilna Shul</a>, one of our non-profit neighbors on Beacon Hill. She will share history of the Vilna Shul and the Jewish neighborhood located on Beacon Hill’s North Slope in the early 20th Century. Enjoy a conversation with Frances and Christen, plus pick up your signed copy of Frances’ new book.

Nichols House Museum

Craftswoman and Collector

Calling all textile lovers! Join us for a focused look at the Nichols House Museum textile collection with Dress and Textile Historian Elizabeth Weisblatt, featuring items created and collected by Rose Standish Nichols (1872-1960). An artist and activist, Rose lived the the Arts and Crafts movement ideal that we should surround ourselves with beautiful handcrafted objects. She embroidered items she used everyday, bringing color and ornamentation to her domestic spaces. She was also a collector, acquiring historic textiles that informed her work and enlivened her home. Highlights of the tour include 16th century Flemish tapestries and Rose's dramatic crewelwork bed hangings. The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Meeting Marian: A Life in Service, Served Well

Join us for an evening exploring the story and legacy of Marian Clarke Nichols, the focus of the Nichols House Museum’s 2024 Linsdell Fellow, Toni Armstrong.&nbsp; In the early 20th century, Marian Clarke Nichols fought resolutely against government corruption, seeking political office and speaking out as a concerned citizen. In 2025, Marian’s story is still worth telling: her efforts to reform local government, her commitment to Boston, and her lifelong interest in art and education expand our understanding of the past and can inform our work in the present.&nbsp; Toni Armstrong was the 2024 Julie Linsdell and Georgia Linsdell Enders Research Fellow. She&nbsp;spent the summer delving into Marian’s rich archives to uncover previously unexplored areas of Marian’s life, including her second political campaign and her relationship with a woman. Toni is a PhD Candidate at Boston University studying late- 19th and early-20th century women art collectors, queer art history, and alternative curatorial practices. The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists and preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect. Free. Registration required.

Grogan & Company

“Honest, Neat, & Capable”: Staff Stories from 55 Mount Vernon St

In 1895, a small notice ran in the&nbsp;Boston Evening Transcript: “A lady wishes to find a place for a Swedish cook: honest, neat &amp; capable. Inquire at 55 Mt Vernon St.” Who was that cook? What was her life like? And what was life like for other staff members, primarily women, who lived and worked at 55 Mount Vernon Street? On this tour, we’ll examine the Nichols House from the perspective of the people whose job it was to care for the home and the family who employed them. We’ll share specific biographies of a number of employees, fitting their time in service into their broader life story. We will also explore a few areas of the building not usually on view. The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

International Women’s Day Tours

In honor of International Women’s Day, at the Nichols House Museum we’re highlighting stories about the women of 55 Mount Vernon Street, including the Nichols sisters, domestic staff, and local artists. The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Admission by donation. Reservation required. One ticket per visitor.

Creation, Evolution, Preservation: The Metamorphosis of 55 Mount Vernon Street

The Nichols House, constructed in 1804 and attributed to architect Charles Bulfinch, was an early Federal style home on the South Slope of Boston's historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. But this is only the beginning of the home's architectural story. A close examination of the building reveals changes made by its owners to suit their needs and the changing times. On this museum tour, we take a deep look at the home’s structure, both exterior and interior, including going behind the scenes to explore a few rarely visited areas. Join us as we journey through time from the creation of homes for Boston's wealthy elite on Beacon Hill, through the Nichols family’s tenure, and to the museum era. The Nichols House Museum on Boston's Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Bells, Bells, Bells: A History of Bell Ringing in Boston & Beyond

Margaret (Nichols) Shurcliff and her father, Dr. Arthur Nichols, shared zeal for bell ringing. On their travels they befriended other ringers and chalked up musical achievements. Margaret was celebrated as the first American and only the second woman to ring a peal on tower bells (a feat that took over three hours.) Back home, they helped source bells for local churches and encouraged their friends to try their hands at ringing. Their accomplishments also resonated far beyond Beacon Hill. Margaret’s enthusiasm is even credited with launching the modern day handbell artform. Join Back Bay Ringers Artistic Director Griff Gall for an engaging conversation exploring Margaret and Arthur’s musical legacy. He will discuss the history of tower ringing, the differences between change ringing and tune ringing, and how this Beacon Hill family revived the tradition of handbell ringing. This is a hybrid event, with tickets available for in-person and virtual attendance. The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Nichols House Museum Open House

To celebrate Rose Nichols’ 153rd birthday, we’re hosting a free community open house. Stop by the Nichols House Museum between 4 and 6 pm to enjoy a slice of birthday cake and explore the museum at your own pace! The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Holiday Museum Tours

The Nichols House Museum on Boston’s historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th century family of artists and social activists. During the month of December, each room of the museum is bedecked with seasonal trimming inspired by Nichols family traditions and turn of the 20th century styles. Plus, a few special items are on display, including a loan of historic clothing from the collection of the The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Before or after the tour, check out our shop for a curated collection of unique gifts. The house is visited by guided tour. Tours are offered Thursday through Saturday at 10 am, 11 am, and 12 pm. On Sundays, tours are offered at 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm.

Candlelight Tours

Experience the Nichols House Museum by (electric) candlelight on one of our evening tours. Each room is bedecked with trimming inspired by Nichols family traditions and turn of the 20th century styles. We’ll share seasonal stories and a few special items will be on display, including a loan of historic clothing from the collection of the The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Before or after the tour, enjoy a warm drink and check out our shop for a curated collection of unique gifts. The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Beacon Hill Holiday House Tour 

Explore the Beacon Hill Holiday House Tour with the Nichols House Museum. You'll have the rare opportunity to experience a select group of remarkable private residences at their festive best. Each year, the tour showcases outstanding examples of historic preservation, as well as creative modern interpretations and adaptations in a broad range of architectural and interior design styles throughout Beacon Hill. Our community partner this year is the William Hickling Prescott House, headquarters of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Nichols House Museum will also be open for self-guided tours for guests to experience historically inspired holiday traditions. There will be a reception following the tour. With performances by the Back Bay Ringers, it will be a day full of music and cheer.  This year, we are kicking off the festivities early with our Eggnog Pre-Party on December 5th!

Ring in the Season

Kick off the holiday season with some musical cheer. Join Griff Gall and members of the the Back Bay Ringers to experience the magic of handbell ringing. Drop by the Nichols House Museum to see, hear, and play handbells during this free, family-friendly event. You can also view our seasonal exhibit about Margaret (Nichols) Shurcliff’s bell ringing and check out our museum shop for unique gifts.&nbsp; The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Transform the World with Beauty

​“I determined to do no less than to transform the world with Beauty.” –William Morris, designer and craftsman Morris’ ideas about beauty, the role of the artisan, and the value of the handcrafted were influential for a generation of artists at the turn of the 20th century. Among those inspired by Morris and his peers in the Arts and Crafts movement were Rose and Margaret Nichols. Artworks at the Nichols House reveal their achievements in woodworking and textiles, while letters and memoirs tell of their experiences learning pottery, leatherwork, basketry, and more. They were not simply object makers. They also utilized their skills to improve the world around them, and took the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement into other areas of their lives. Take a close look at objects Rose and Margaret created and discover how they aimed to transform the world. The Nichols House Museum on Boston's historic Beacon Hill was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and social activists. Preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect, the house is furnished with an original collection, including sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

This architecture-focused tour covers the entire history of 55 Mount Vernon Street, from its construction in 1804, through the Nichols family’s residency, to the museum era. Visitors will take an in-depth look at the structure, identifying changes made over time, including going behind the scenes to explore a few rarely visited areas of the building. 55 Mount Vernon Street was built as part of the Mount Vernon Proprietors' development of the South Slope of Beacon Hill. The design is attributed to Charles Bulfinch, Boston’s star architect of the day. Commissioned by one of the proprietors as a home for his daughter, his descendants owned the home until 1885, when it was sold to the Nichols family. The eldest Nichols daughter, Rose, inherited the house in the 1930s and later willed it to be a museum. It has been open to the public since 1961.

Nichols House Museum Free Open House

Stop by the Nichols House Museum for a free open house. We’ll be sharing stories of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. You can also shop Women’s Suffrage themed products and more in our store. View the museum at your own pace and be inspired by the Nichols sisters’ civic engagement!

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

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

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

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.