Learn about an ambitious initiative to transform and restore a former Jewish mortuary chapel in East Boston into a state-of-the-art exhibit hall on the history of immigration in the Boston area. The center will provide an inspiring context for exploring the experiences of Jewish, Irish, Italian, and other immigrant groups who came through the Port of Boston during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Prior to 1825, the Bay Village area consisted of mudflats created by Back Bay tides. Once construction of a dam was authorized and the land drained, construction began almost immediately. Early deeds restricted height and construction materials, and as a result, the major streets tend to be visually similar; red brick was the building material of choice, often with a granite foundation.

Most Bay Village buildings were constructed between 1825 and 1899 and represent a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Federal to Greek Revival to Victorian. In addition there are examples of Art Deco buildings found in the neighborhood. The Bay Village Historic District was created in 1983 to preserve this unique Boston neighborhood.

The free tour begins at the Eliot Norton Park, at Charles Street South and Tremont Street.

The Back Bay is a miracle of preservation, one of the largest examples of Victorian and Edwardian residential architecture in the United States. This walking tour takes a look at some examples of wonderful architectural compositions. The event is presented by the Architecture Committee of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) and BackBayHouses.org. 

This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, please email architecture@nabbonline.com. The event is limited to 30 participants. 

Meet in the Publishing House for a brief introduction with visuals, followed by a walking tour of the plaza.

This tour will discuss the design goals and the overall process of restoring one of the most important historic bridges in the City of Boston. The Longfellow Bridge over the Charles River, completed in 1908, has undergone a comprehensive five-year restoration to:

• extend its useful life
• comply with current safety codes, and
• enhance its appearance while also preserving its historic integrity and original detailing.

The bridge will also be reconnected to the historic park system along the Charles River basin.

We'll walk through the first four blocks of the Back Bay to highlight examples of Art Deco design, from residential and commercial properties to institutional landmarks. The tour will include the second John Hancock building and New England Power. 

In the walk, we will talk about the evolving character of the Back Bay and the development of new Art Deco buildings, as well as the incorporation of Deco design into existing structures.

This "walking and talking" event is not a tour. It's designed to be a discussion to raise awareness of social forces and transformations in Roxbury history and urban form from old times to the present.

The event is two hours. Please RSVP by email and get on the mailing list in case we need to reschedule due to weather.

Join us for an informative talk by Alison Hardy, of Window Woman of New England, Inc., on the hows and whys of historic window restoration. This event is sponsored by the Boston Landmarks Commission.

Dine in one of Charlestown’s oldest structures, tour the building, learn of its historic importance to Charlestown. Benefits the Memorial Hall Building Renovation Fund.