Needham Community Education

Before heading out to learn about two of Boston’s most beautiful neighborhoods, your guide will spend a few moments providing an overview of the founding of Boston. Then, we will “meet” William Blackstone, Boston’s first settler, and relate his part in the establishment of Boston Common as the first Public Park in the United States. With a magical leap in Boston history, we will jump to the American Revolution and its impact on the creation of Beacon Hill as we know it in its role in Boston’s growth and culture – actually cultureS! Then it’s time to really begin our walking tour of Beacon Hill and share the interesting and beautiful architecture and its historical place melding and directing the culture and growth of Boston, including the gas-lit streets, “new” current Massachusetts State House (from 1797) and the homes of Boston’s most prominent citizens – and some who aren’t. In our travels, we’ll see the only mansion on Beacon Hill, Louisburg Square, cobblestoned Acorn Street and Beacon Hill’s main street – Charles Street. And a whole lot more, of course. Next, it’s on to Back Bay – how and why it came to be and its history, including the beautiful 19th architecture style, the design and building of America’s first Botanical Garden and the biggest landfill operation in the world up until the 20th century. We’ll stroll by the brownstones of Paris-inspired Commonwealth Avenue, the shops of Newbury Street and Back Bay’s “main street," Boylston Street, where we will see some of Boston’s most beautiful architecture and end near the Boston Marathon Finish Line. Note: We will walk about 1.5 miles, so wear comfortable shoes. The tour ends in Copley Square. You can either walk back to your car, or take the T.