Tour Description
During the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century, Boston's Back Bay was alive with social clubs and thriving cultural institutions. On this tour we will explore the favorite haunts of Boston's upper-class, often known as "Boston Brahmins."
Though "Brahmins" had a reputation for being exclusive and elitist, many of these men and women were active in making our city — and the whole nation — a better place to live. They fought to abolish slavery and to recognize women’s rights, and they built libraries, colleges, museums and orchestras.
Though this elite generation of wealthy activists was often philanthropic, on this tour we’ll also discuss their limitations and shortcomings.
Tour Information
Public Tour Calendar
Private Tours
Wisdom Walks
This tour is also available in a slower-paced format designed for small groups of seniors. These tours are two hours long and include time for discussion and reflection. Thanks to support from Boston’s Age Strong Commission, BBF offers a limited number of these adapted tours free of charge to senior groups living in the City of Boston. Learn more about our Wisdom Walks tours or request this as a Wisdom Walks tour using the link below.
Starting Location
Meet your guide at the corner of Arlington and Boylston Streets, in front of Arlington Street Church.
Nearest Accessible MBTA Station: Arlington (Green Line)
Ending Location
This tour ends in the general area of the Phillips Brooks statue, outside Trinity Church.
Nearest Accessible MBTA Station: Copley (Green Line)
