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Category: biography (4)

Gilded Age photo

Boston's Gilded Age

Walking Tours : Monthly & Quarterly
90 minutes
1.1 miles
mostly flat surfaces and little to no inclines
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. find out more
Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins, Josephine St. Pierre Rupin, Martin Robinson Delaney, William Cooper Neil, Frederick Douglas

Black Voices: 19th-Century Black Writers on Beacon Hill

Literary Series

Walking Tours : Monthly & Quarterly
90 minutes
0.79 mile
likely uneven surfaces and significant inclines
Truth, passion, bravery and hope. Discover stories of Boston’s Black writers who were laser-focused on the great topic of the era - slavery. Learn about the mark Black thinkers and writers made on literary and political history: David Walker and his sentinel work, Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World; novelist, playwright and editor Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins; Dorothy West and her biting satire on racial tensions, and many others. Walk Beacon Hill as you explore where they worked, raised their families, fought injustice, and wrote. 2023 Member Add-Ons: Register for the tour on select dates using your membership code for a free tour Add-On option available to members - Sat June 10 add on a guided visit to the Embrace Sculpture at Boston Common after the tour - Sat Sept 9 add on a guided visit to the Embrace Sculpture at Boston Common after the tour Become a Boston By Foot member today to enjoy free tours and special members events and activities. find out more
Painting of Benjamin Franklin

Ben Franklin: Son of Boston

Walking Tours : Monthly & Quarterly
90 minutes
1.1 miles
mostly flat surfaces and little to no inclines
Celebrate the life of Benjamin Franklin on this guided walk along his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston. Born in Boston, he came of age in Philadelphia, and was the darling of Paris. His legacy is without measure. He was one of America's leading scientists, inventors, diplomats, humorists, and statesmen. Uncover stories of Benjamin Franklin’s many inventions, his civic and educational impact, and his roles in the founding of the United States. find out more