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virtual (30)

Flansburgh Travel Fellowship

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

In 2008, longtime friends and Boston By Foot supporters Bill and Lia Poorvu established the Flansburgh Travel Fellowship to honor Earl and Polly Flansburgh and the spirit they evidenced by creating Boston By Foot. Every year, one or more deserving BBF volunteers are awarded the opportunity to travel to a city best experienced in our favorite way: by foot! This year, we were fortunate enough to send three of our fantastic volunteer guides on enriching and educational trips to London, Quebec City and San Francisco. During their journeys, Bob Perkins, Harry Friedman and Jeanette Maria gained [...] more

Flansburgh Travel Fellowship Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Thursday, October 25, 2018

It was 10 years ago that longtime friends and Boston By Foot supporters Bill and Lia Poorvu established the Flansburgh Travel Fellowship. The Poorvus wished honor founder Polly Flansburgh and her husband Earl for the spirit they evidenced by creating Boston By Foot. Every year since 2010, one or more deserving BBF volunteers have been awarded the opportunity to travel to a city best experienced in our favorite way – by foot! This year, we were pleased to send three of our volunteer guides on enriching and educational trips to Dublin and Cork, [...] more
drawing of armchair with boston by foot logo

Please Be Seated: Latest “Armchair Tours” Now Available

Sunday, June 23, 2019

In addition to the many walking tours we offer, we can also arrange to have a Boston By Foot guide come to you! Our “Armchair Tours” are perfect for libraries, community centers, or even just a group of friends who would like to have the experience of a walking tour without leaving their chairs. The following presentations can be booked at any time anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts pending guide availability. Please contact our office for details. [...] more

2019 Flansburgh Travel Fellowship Presentations

Monday, September 23, 2019

In 2008, longtime friends and Boston By Foot supporters Bill and Lia Poorvu established the Flansburgh Travel Fellowship to honor Earl and Polly Flansburgh and the spirit they evidenced by creating Boston By Foot. Every year, one or more deserving BBF volunteers are awarded the opportunity to travel to cities best experienced in our favorite way: by foot! Aside from benefiting Boston By Foot as a whole, we also feel that these trips are a fantastic way to individually reward our wonderful and well-deserving volunteers! They put so much work into this organization, and we’re so [...] more
old map of the city of boston

BBF Offers Virtual Lectures and Travel Presentations

Monday, March 30, 2020

Boston By Foot continues to explore ways to offer its content remotely during this time of social distancing. We've engaged our volunteers and members by launching our Spring Lecture Series in a virtual format. Presented by distinguished experts, the annual Spring Lecture Series covers topics such as Introduction to Colonial and Revolutionary Boston, Federal and Greek Revival Boston, Boston Engineered, Victorian Boston, and 20th Century Boston and Beyond. We'll also be hosting a series of online presentations by our Flansburgh Travel Fellows. In 2008, longtime friends and BBF supporters Bill and Lia Poorvu established the [...] more

Virtual Thursdays: Flansburgh Travel Fellows

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Boston By Foot will host another round of online presentations by our Flansburgh Travel Fellows. Volunteers and members are invited to join us at 7:00 pm each Thursday from April 30th through May 28th. In 2008, longtime friends and BBF supporters Bill and Lia Poorvu established the Flansburgh Travel Fellowship to honor Earl and Polly Flansburgh. The Poorvu Family Foundation generously awards a fellowship to one or two Boston By Foot volunteers each year to travel to a city or cities best experienced in our favorite way: by foot! During this set of five virtual [...] more

Virtual Tuesdays: Armchair Tours & Book Talks

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a series of online presentations at 7:00 pm each Tuesday from April 28th through May 26th. The series includes virtual Armchair Tours for volunteers and members, and virtual Book Talks which are open to everyone. Volunteers and members will be sent Armchair Tour registration links via email. Others who may be interested in attending these online sessions are encouraged to become a member . In addition to free access to all of our remote content, you'll enjoy free and unlimited admission to nearly all of our [...] more

Virtual Weekends: True Lies False Facts & Tastings and Tales

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a series of online presentations at 7:00 pm on various Friday and Saturday evenings during May. These include three different versions of our popular annual True Lies False Facts walking tour, which will be held on Friday evenings; and one online version of our popular Tastings and Tales series offered on two different Saturdays. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. All of these sessions are open to the public and are free of charge. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Be [...] more

Make Way for Ducklings! A Mother's Day Brunch with Sculptor Nancy Schon

Friday, April 24, 2020

On Mother's Day, May 10th, Boston By Foot will host a virtual question and answer brunch with Nancy Schon. Nancy is a sculptor of public art displayed internationally. She is best known for her work in the Boston area, notably her bronze duck and ducklings in the Boston Public Garden, a recreation of the duck family in Robert McCloskey's children's classic Make Way for Ducklings . It is featured on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail. Since 1966, she has lived in West Newton, Massachusetts. This program is open to the public and is free [...] more

Neighborhood Walk Architecture Scavenger Hunt

Monday, April 27, 2020

During this difficult time, taking a walk is one of our few options to escape the confines of our homes and get some fresh air. To take your daily walk to the next level, challenge yourself to Boston By Foot's Neighborhood Walk Architecture Scavenger Hunt! On one or more of your upcoming neighborhood walks, be on the hunt for these architectural features. But be sure to keep at least six feet of distance from others! Many of these features are easy to spot on houses and large apartment buildings, especially those built in the late [...] more
Sacco and Vanzetti

Sacco and Vanzetti: A Century Later

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The trial and conviction of these two men became a worldwide sensation. Many people protested that the evidence against Sacco and Vanzetti was weak and that they were actually tried for their immigrant status and political beliefs. Judge Webster Thayer, who presided over their trial, spoke openly of his disdain for foreigners and anarchists, and refused several motions for a new trial, even after another man named Celestino Medeiros confessed to the Braintree crimes in 1925. Despite worldwide protests, Sacco and Vanzetti were put to death in the electric chair on August 23, 1927. [...] more

What Style Is That Again? A Two-Part History of Boston Architecture

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Many Boston By Foot tours talk about history and architecture and use a building and its design to help tell the story of the place. These talks will describe the features of the important architectural styles found in Boston and help you interpret what architectural style can tell you about Boston’s history and culture. Volunteers and members will be sent registration links via email. Others who may be interested in attending these online sessions are encouraged to become a member . In addition to free access to all of our remote [...] more

Virtual Flansburgh Travel Presentations Continue Through June

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Boston By Foot will host another round of online presentations by our Flansburgh Travel Fellows. Volunteers and members are invited to join us at 7:00 pm each Thursday from June 4th through June 25th. In 2008, longtime friends and BBF supporters Bill and Lia Poorvu established the Flansburgh Travel Fellowship to honor Earl and Polly Flansburgh. The Poorvu Family Foundation generously awards a fellowship to one or two Boston By Foot volunteers each year to travel to a city or cities best experienced in our favorite way: by foot! During this set of four virtual [...] more

Virtual Tuesdays Continue Through June

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a diverse series of online presentations at 7:00 pm each Tuesday from June 9th through June 30th. Volunteer and member events include an Armchair Tour entitled Murder, Mayhem and Martyrs; and a lecture on J. Harleston Parker Medal Winners by Boston By Foot Trustee Tom Chung. Events that are open to all include Spanning New England, a presentation on both the historic and modern bridges in the region; and Boston's LGBTQ Past, a history of gay and lesbian culture in the city presented in June as part of National Pride Month. [...] more

Boston By Little Feet Added to Virtual Weekend Lineup in June

Friday, May 29, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a series of online presentations at 7:00 pm on various Friday and Saturday evenings during June. These include a virtual presentation of our popular children's walking tour, Boston By Little Feet; a Beacon Hill version of our popular annual True Lies False Facts walking tour; and a second round of Tastings and Tales stories called Colonially Drinking. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. All of these sessions are open to the public and are free of charge. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links [...] more
Footloose on the Freedom Trail poster

Footloose on the Freedom Trail: Our Annual July 4th Tour Goes Virtual!

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

On Saturday, July 4th, celebrate America's birthday from anywhere in the world! Boston By Foot presents a live streaming version of our popular annual Footloose on the Freedom Trail tour. This 90+ minute virtual tour, co-sponsored by Samuel Adams Brewing , will feature 16 Boston By Foot guides at each of the 16 stops along Boston's historic Freedom Trail. Hosting this special event is Liz Covart, host of the award-winning podcast Ben Franklin's World . Watch and learn from our expert and [...] more

July 2020 Virtual Experience

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a series of virtual experiences during July. These include virtual lectures, virtual multi-guide presentations, and virtual on-site tours. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code (same code as Footloose on the Freedom Trail) that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter [...] more

August 2020 Virtual Experiences

Monday, July 13, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a series of virtual experiences during August. These include virtual lectures, virtual multi-guide presentations, and virtual on-site tours. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code (same code as Footloose on the Freedom Trail) that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter [...] more

September 2020 Virtual Experiences

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a series of virtual experiences during September. These include virtual lectures, virtual multi-guide presentations, and virtual on-site tours. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code (same code as Footloose on the Freedom Trail) that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter [...] more

October 2020 Virtual Experiences

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a series of virtual experiences during October, including our "Three Nights of Frights" October 29-31. These experiences include virtual lectures, virtual multi-guide presentations, and virtual on-site tours. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no-cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter [...] more

November 2020 Virtual Experiences

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a series of virtual experiences during November. These experiences include virtual lectures, virtual multi-guide presentations, and virtual on-site tours. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no-cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter and [...] more

December 2020 Virtual Experiences

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Boston By Foot will host a pair of virtual lectures during December. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no-cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for further announcements, including suggestions for exploring Boston's rich [...] more
four images showing architectural urban settings

Virtual‌ ‌City‌ ‌Walks:‌ ‌International‌ ‌Edition‌

Monday, December 21, 2020

Travel overseas this winter without your passport! Join six of the world’s leading architecture organizations in Chicago, Boston, Prague, New York, Los Angeles and Copenhagen as they team up to bring you a virtual glimpse into surprising historic and contemporary icons. Tour a different city each Saturday (January 30 - February 27) and meet some of the architectural experts and local guides who know their cities best. This six-part series is sponsored by the Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO), in collaboration with program partners the Danish Architecture Center, Chicago Architecture Center, Boston By Foot, CAMP (Prague), [...] more

January 2021 Virtual Experiences

Monday, January 4, 2021

Boston By Foot is sponsoring a series of virtual experiences during January. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no-cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for further announcements, including suggestions for exploring Boston's rich [...] more

February 2021 Virtual Experiences

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Boston By Foot is sponsoring or co-sponsoring a series of virtual experiences during February. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no-cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for further announcements, including suggestions for exploring [...] more

March 2021 Virtual Experiences

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Boston By Foot is sponsoring a series of virtual experiences during March. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no-cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for further announcements, including suggestions for exploring Boston's rich [...] more

Saturday Salon: International Influence on Boston Architecture

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Boston By Foot is launching a new virtual series of short, monthly, guide-led "Saturday Salons. " This format gives you the chance to dive into a conversation with fellow enthusiasts! The first series is entitled "International Influence on Boston Architecture. " Historical context and reference is a very important aspect in understanding architecture. Presented by BBF Guide Rob Anderson, this three-part series will focus on past international influences on Boston architecture, through visual comparisons and connections. Rob Anderson is a professor of art and architectural history, was awarded the 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award by the [...] more

April 2021 Virtual Experiences

Monday, March 22, 2021

Boston By Foot is sponsoring a series of virtual experiences during April. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no-cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for further announcements, including suggestions for exploring Boston's rich [...] more
Virtual City Walks Logo

Recent Programming Series

Thursday, April 15, 2021

RECENT PROGRAMMING SERIES Boston By Foot has offered dozens of one-time virtual experiences since March of 2020. In addition, BBF has either created or participated in a number of virtual series. In our Personal Journeys series, four BBF guides turned their storytelling inwards, focusing on the histories of not only Boston but themselves and their families. The series gave members of the BBF community the opportunity to learn from a few of our outstanding guides what their time with the organization has given them. In our [...] more

May 2021 Virtual Experiences

Monday, April 19, 2021

Boston By Foot is sponsoring a series of virtual experiences during May. Please see below for specific dates and descriptions. Those interested in attending must register in advance using the links below. Members should use their special access code that can be entered into Eventbrite to unlock a special, no-cost member ticket. Be sure to check us out on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for further announcements, including suggestions for exploring Boston's rich [...] more